Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt grants ‘golden licences’ to eight investment projects worth $1.2 bln
Egypt has issued eight new “golden licences” to local, Arab and foreign investors in a move aimed at accelerating private-sector activity and strengthening the country’s investment climate, the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade said in a statement on Saturday.
The licences, covering projects in energy, automotive manufacturing, chemicals, logistics and food industries, represent a combined investment of $1.2 billion in foreign currency and 16 billion Egyptian pounds.
Investment Minister Mohamed Fared said the government’s decision to grant the new approvals reflects its commitment to simplifying procedures and speeding up project implementation to reinforce investor confidence. He added that attracting fresh investment in sectors such as energy, transport and manufacturing would support production, boost exports and create new job opportunities.
Golden licences provide a single approval for establishing, constructing, operating and allocating land for a project, replacing the need for multiple permits from different government bodies. The ministry said the licences are processed within 20 working days once required documents are submitted.
Among the newly approved projects is a 6.35 billion‑pound automotive factory by Egypt’s MAK for vehicle manufacturing in 6th of October City, expected to start operations in January 2027 and employ about 1,000 people. Switzerland’s MEDLOG received approval to build and operate a $115.4 million dry port and logistics hub in 10th of Ramadan City, scheduled for completion in June 2027.
Egypt Soda Ash Co. obtained a $680 million licence to develop a soda ash and sodium bicarbonate plant in Marsa Matrouh, creating 600 direct and 2,000 indirect jobs by mid‑2027. Alamein Silicon Products received approval for a $172 million silicon purification and manufacturing facility, also due to be completed in June 2027.
A UAE‑Egypt joint venture led by Masdar secured a $207.5 million licence to produce electricity from wind power, with commercial operations expected by May 2027. China’s Deli Egypt will invest 8.74 billion pounds in a factory for stationery, school supplies and sports equipment in 10th of Ramadan City, creating 2,200 jobs by early 2027.
China’s Kingdom Linen obtained approval for a $58 million flax, spinning and textile plant in Sadat City that will export all output starting January 2027. Egypt’s Al Amir group received a licence for a 1 billion‑pound food processing and packaging facility for vegetables, fruit and tomato paste in Sadat City, due for completion in October 2027.
The ministry said more than 52 companies have obtained golden licences as of early March. The programme forms part of broader efforts to accelerate investment, expand private‑sector participation in the economy and increase Egypt’s export capacity.