Egypt’s Cabinet has greenlit three major industrial ventures under the private free zone scheme, aligning with a broader national strategy to scale manufacturing, enhance export competitiveness, and generate employment.
The first initiative, Alex Apparels Upper Egypt (Ready-Made Garments), will occupy 66,317.20 m² in New Beni Suef City, backed by a USD 20 million investment. The facility is projected to produce 40 million garments annually, with 100 % of output destined for export markets. A local content threshold of 30 % applies at launch, and the project is expected to create 9,000 new jobs. It also includes youth training schemes, adoption of advanced manufacturing methods, and eco-friendly practices. (Reported 25 Sept 2025)
In New Alamein City, Lead New Material LLC (affiliated with Kentier Group) will build a plant on 468,510 m² with an investment of about USD 108.88 million. The factory will produce and assemble PVC flooring, panels, wardrobes, doors, decorative walls, and packaging components. It is expected to launch operations in March 2026, employ 2,150 workers (2,000 Egyptians), and export its entire output. Initial local input is set at 30 %.
The third venture, Alpen Egytex Textiles Co., will be located in the 10th of Ramadan City (Sharqia) across 200,202.23 m², with USD 78.5 million in investment. Its focus will be on hosiery and ready-made garments for full export. The project aims to employ 4,000 people over 10 years, of whom 3,900 will be Egyptians. Local input begins at 30 %, rising toward 50 % within five years. The timeline for construction and equipment installation is 18 months.
Collectively, these three projects were approved under the private free zone framework, with a combined investment of roughly USD 207 million, and are expected to generate over 15,000 direct jobs. (The figure of USD 207 million is cited in media summaries.)
These moves come amid Egypt’s push to enhance its free zone regime. According to recent reports, Egypt has expanded incentives for free zone projects (both public and private), offering customs exemptions, tax breaks, and streamlined regulatory procedures to attract export-oriented investment. The government aims to raise exports via free zones and integrate more projects into global value chains.
From a macro vantage point, Egypt’s strategy dovetails with its broader economic narrative launched earlier this year — emphasizing the private sector as a growth engine, reducing public debt, and scaling exports. The Cabinet is using industrial projects such as these to reinforce that orientation.
