Egypt is accelerating the development of fully serviced industrial clusters within the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), as part of a broader strategy to attract foreign investment and deepen industrialisation, according to official statements following a high-level government review.
During a meeting chaired by Mostafa Madbouly, SCZone chairman Walid Gamal El-Din outlined progress at the Ain Sokhna industrial zone, which currently hosts 547 industrial and logistics projects with total investments estimated at $33bn. These projects span 25 nationalities and are expected to generate approximately 133,500 direct jobs.
The zone is being positioned as a hub for integrated manufacturing ecosystems, supported by specialised training centres aimed at upgrading workforce capabilities. Authorities view this model as central to Egypt’s efforts to enhance competitiveness and attract multinational production lines.
Sectoral distribution highlights the scale and diversity of activity. The zone includes 130 chemical industry projects valued at $15.9bn, alongside 12 construction materials ventures worth $5.17bn and several glass manufacturing operations. Heavy industry is also prominent, with seven large-scale metal projects valued at $4.3bn, in addition to broader engineering, textiles and pharmaceuticals investments.
Textiles account for 70 projects worth $683.8m, while pharmaceuticals represent 59 projects with investments exceeding $1.3bn. Engineering and energy-related industries comprise a further 42 projects, underscoring the zone’s role in supporting industrial supply chains.
The SCZone also hosts 13 industrial developers, described as key partners in attracting and facilitating investment flows.
Separately, progress continues at the West Qantara industrial area, where 52 projects have been contracted across multiple sectors
