The move aims to meet the growing demand for industrial investment and strengthen the ability of Egyptian exports to access global markets.
CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), Hossam Heiba, announced that four new public free zones are scheduled to begin operations by the end of 2026.
The move aims to meet the growing demand for industrial investment and strengthen the ability of Egyptian exports to access global markets.
During a broad meeting with public free zone investors, Heiba explained that the Authority will coordinate with the New Urban Communities Authority to accelerate infrastructure works in these zones, ensuring their readiness within the set timeline.
The Ministerial Group for Industrial Development had earlier approved the establishment of new zones in 10th of Ramadan, New October, New Borg El Arab, and New Alamein, following reports that occupancy rates in Egypt’s nine existing public free zones have reached around 95%.
Heiba noted that the output of these zones will be directed entirely toward exports, supporting the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade’s target of reaching $140 billion in exports by 2030.
He also stressed that this expansion will not compete with domestic investments in the local market but will align investment policies with Egypt’s external market expansion strategy.
He further revealed that the Authority is studying the activation of three additional public free zones, which would bring the total to 16, after the system has proven its success in supporting sustainable growth in Egyptian exports.
During the meeting, participants also agreed to establish a joint working group with representatives from various industrial sectors to develop operational mechanisms for public free zones and propose practical solutions to achieve the country’s investment and export goals.
