Cairo: The Cabinet media center has highlighted the industrial investment potential of Upper Egypt, citing available infrastructure, logistics facilities, investment incentives, and skilled labor as factors that could help attract more investment, expand industrial activity, and create jobs. The center published a series of infographics on its social media platforms outlining the region's investment opportunities and government efforts to strengthen its industrial base as part of a broader drive to promote balanced and sustainable development across Egypt.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Upper Egypt has 10 ready-to-operate industrial complexes, alongside strategic ports including Safaga, Hurghada, and Arqeen land port. The region also boasts a growing pool of skilled workers supported by five technological universities: Beni Suef Technological University, New Assiut Technological University, Fayoum International Technological University, Assiut International Technological University, and Thebes Technological University.
Investment incentives include a 50% tax deduction on investment costs and a reduced 2% customs duty on machinery and equipment. Other incentives comprise customs exemptions for molds and production inputs used temporarily and then re-exported, industrial land offered at reduced prices or under usufruct arrangements, exemptions of up to 10 years, financial support for exporting factories, faster licensing procedures, and workforce training support.
The government established the Upper Egypt Development Authority in 2018 as a public service body tasked with promoting sustainable development across the region. It has completed about 43 projects, with another 20 currently under implementation. The infographics highlighted Upper Egypt as an emerging destination for foreign investment, pointing to several major international industrial projects in the region.
These projects include Samsung Electronics' manufacturing complex in Beni Suef, with total investments of $700 million, and the Obelisk solar power project in Qena, with investments of EGP 30 billion. Other projects involve Japanese auto-parts maker Yazaki's wiring harness factory in Fayoum, with investments of 26.7 million euros; a Nokia production line operated in partnership with SICO in Assiut, with investments of $20 million; and a Swiss cotton garment factory in Beni Suef, with investments of $15.4 million.
The government said industrial and economic development efforts in Upper Egypt have contributed to a significant decline in unemployment. The unemployment rate across Upper Egypt's governorates fell by about 7.7 percentage points to 4.6% in 2025, from 12.3% in 2014, reflecting the impact of expanding economic and investment activity on job creation.