Egypt and China have taken a significant step forward in their strategic partnership with the establishment of a new construction alliance aimed at delivering large-scale infrastructure projects in Egypt and throughout Africa.
In a high-profile signing ceremony witnessed by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, The Arab Contractors Company and China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) formalized their cooperation protocol. The agreement seeks to merge the strengths of two construction giants—Egypt’s leading state-owned contractor and one of the world’s largest construction firms—to capitalize on Africa’s growing demand for infrastructure.
“The protocol reflects our commitment to deepening Egypt-China strategic ties and leveraging global partnerships for regional development,” said PM Madbouly. He emphasized that this alliance aligns with Egypt’s broader Vision 2030 development plan and positions the country as a key hub in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Sherif El-Sherbiny, Egypt’s Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, described the deal as a milestone outcome of his recent diplomatic mission to China. “This agreement will unlock new fields of cooperation and project opportunities, not just in Egypt, but across the African continent,” he stated.
The new alliance is designed to tap into Africa’s multi-trillion-dollar infrastructure gap by combining CSCEC’s global construction expertise and financial strength with The Arab Contractors’ regional network, local workforce, and on-the-ground experience.
“Together, we can deliver transformative projects, from roads and bridges to industrial zones and urban megaprojects,” said a CSCEC spokesperson, adding that the move reflects China’s continued confidence in Egypt as a gateway to Africa.
The timing of the agreement is strategic, coinciding with preparations for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s anticipated visit to Egypt—a trip expected to mark a new era in bilateral cooperation, especially in investment, infrastructure, and technological innovation.
The announcement comes as China intensifies its economic footprint in Egypt. According to the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), over 2,800 Chinese companies are currently operating in Egypt across sectors including industry, logistics, and real estate, with combined investments exceeding $8 billion.
CSCEC itself is already involved in several high-profile projects in Egypt, including the Central Business District in the New Administrative Capital, home to the tallest tower in Africa, and the Downtown Towers in New Alamein City—landmarks of Egypt’s modern urban development.
Industry insiders say the new alliance is a game-changer for regional infrastructure. “This partnership marries global best practices with local know-how,” noted Dr. Hossam Eldin Mahran, a construction and infrastructure analyst at Cairo University. “It’s not just about concrete and steel—it’s a blueprint for African collaboration.”
Egypt’s push to become a regional infrastructure leader is part of its long-term economic transformation under Vision 2030. The partnership also aligns closely with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which envisions building transcontinental connectivity through massive investments in roads, ports, and railways.
As Africa continues to urbanize rapidly—with the continent’s population expected to double by 2050—the demand for sustainable, large-scale infrastructure is growing exponentially. With this alliance, Egypt positions itself as both a key beneficiary and an active driver of this transformation.
