Egypt chemical industry expansion

In late July 2026 Egypt accelerated its shift from exporting raw minerals to producing higher‑value chemical products. On July 22, the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources signed agreements with Swadi Capital Group and the state mining company Wadico to create an integrated phosphate fertilizer plant at Ain Sokhna, and with Genesis Mining Egypt for a large‑scale mining‑to‑fertilizer project in the New Valley. The plans aim to convert domestic phosphate ore into export‑ready fertilizers, boost foreign‑exchange earnings, strengthen food security and create jobs.

Five days later, on July 27, the same minister met Chinese National Chemical Engineering Group to push forward several joint petrochemical ventures, including a new soda‑ash plant at New Alamein and the Red Sea National Petrochemicals complex in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. Both initiatives stress localisation of component production, reduction of import dependence and expansion of export markets, positioning Egypt as a regional hub for high‑value petrochemicals.

Together, the two announcements illustrate a coordinated strategy to develop Egypt’s chemical sector, leveraging partnerships with Gulf investors and China to build domestic capacity across fertilizer and broader petrochemical industries.