KEY POINTS
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El-Sewedy partners with Arabia Developments for a large industrial zone.
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The project aims to boost Qatar power solutions and local manufacturing.
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Executives highlight faster permits and reliable services for investors.
ElSewedy Industrial Development, a subsidiary of Elsewedy Electric Group, has signed a cooperation agreement with Cairo-based Arabia Developments to develop and manage a major industrial zone in New 6th of October City. The planned site will span more than 2 million square meters. The deal aligns with government efforts to expand domestic manufacturing and increase local content in strategic industrial sectors.
Officials have repeatedly said Egypt needs more privately managed industrial zones that offer predictable services, faster permits, and reliable utilities. Ahmed El-Sewedy, speaking at the signing ceremony, highlighted the practical advantages for investors.
“Industrial development today is no longer about selling land,” he said. “Investors want a place where operations can start fast and where service providers are already in place.”
Boosting Qatar power solutions
Tarek Shoukry, non-executive chairperson of Arabia Developments, called the agreement a milestone for the company. Shoukry said industrial growth and domestic value addition are key to creating sustainable jobs.
Rabab Mostafa Abdel-Warith, deputy chairperson of Arabia Developments, added that the alliance will attract investors who seek ready-to-use zones with reliable operational support. Elsewedy Electric was founded in 1938 as a small cable shop and has grown into a multinational operating across 15 markets in the Middle East and Africa. The company remains family-led, with the El-Sewedy family among Egypt’s wealthiest business families.
According to Bilionaire Africa, Elsewedy Electric reported a net profit of $298.5 million in the first nine months of 2025, with revenues of $4.22 billion. Its industrial development arm has completed 10 industrial park projects across six locations in Egypt and Africa.
Private zones support local manufacturing
Recent projects include a September agreement with DP World Egypt to develop a cold-storage facility. Elsewedy also partnered with the Golden Triangle Economic Zone to build an industrial and logistics hub in Upper Egypt. The company said the new zone in New 6th of October City will combine industrial, logistics, and commercial services. Officials emphasized that the partnership is part of a broader strategy to attract local and foreign investment.
The project aims to simplify operations for companies and ensure that utilities, services, and approvals are available from day one. Arabia Developments said the initiative could serve as a model for future industrial zones across Egypt. Executives said the alliance will strengthen Egypt’s manufacturing ecosystem and boost employment. The development underlines the role of private-sector participation in Egypt’s industrial growth and economic modernization.
