Egypt is stepping up efforts to expand exports across Africa, with plans to diversify markets, strengthen commercial partnerships and improve access for its manufactured and agricultural products as intra-African trade continues to grow.
Industry Minister Khaled Hashem outlined the government’s priorities at the “Scaling Egypt’s Industrial Champions” forum, organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt in cooperation with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
Hashem said Africa presented significant opportunities for Egyptian exporters, particularly in industrial goods, agricultural products, engineering equipment and building materials. He added that expanding exports remained a central government objective, with African markets offering considerable potential for faster growth.
Intra-African trade reached approximately $214 billion in 2025, increasing by 5.5% year on year, while total African merchandise trade stood at around $1.5 trillion. Egypt accounted for approximately 4.4% of intra-African trade, equivalent to $9.3 billion, according to figures cited by the minister.
Hashem said Egypt’s share did not fully reflect the country’s industrial capabilities and production capacity, highlighting the opportunity to increase its presence in markets across the continent.
Egyptian Exports to Africa Reach $7.6 Billion
Egyptian exports to African Union countries totalled approximately $7.6 billion in 2025, down from $7.8 billion in 2024. Imports from these countries also declined, falling to around $2 billion from $2.1 billion.
Total trade between Egypt and African Union members consequently decreased to approximately $9.6 billion in 2025, compared with $9.9 billion a year earlier.
Electrical machinery and equipment ranked among Egypt’s leading export categories, generating approximately $633.6 million in 2025. Plastics and plastic products followed at $544.4 million, while iron and steel exports reached $528.3 million.
Processed food products contributed $517.8 million, vegetables and fruit accounted for $491.4 million, and salt, stone and cement generated $446.4 million.
Libya was Egypt’s largest African export destination in 2025, receiving goods worth approximately $1.5 billion. Algeria followed with $1.2 billion, Morocco with $1.1 billion, Sudan with $957.1 million and Tunisia with $431.3 million.
Although North Africa remains a major destination for Egyptian products, Hashem said the country needed to strengthen its commercial presence in East, West and Central Africa to diversify export markets and reduce reliance on a relatively small group of trading partners.
Egypt Pursues New Investment Partnerships
The government is also seeking to turn trade opportunities into investment projects and long-term commercial agreements.
Hashem announced that another major project in Tanzania would be revealed soon. He also planned to visit Côte d’Ivoire in November to discuss agreements on additional projects, reinforcing Egypt’s economic partnerships in both countries.
He stressed that closer cooperation between government institutions, financial organisations and private businesses would be essential to accelerating the expansion of Egyptian exports.
Improving product quality, meeting technical standards and streamlining trade procedures will also be important to helping Egyptian companies compete more effectively across African markets.
Mohamed Kassem, chairman of the Egyptian Exporters Association, said Africa offered substantial opportunities for industrial and food exports, but Egypt’s current export performance did not adequately reflect its economic relationships across the continent.
He identified further opportunities in agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and fertilisers, alongside existing industrial exports. Kassem also called for more efficient shipping and logistics networks, improved market intelligence, greater participation in trade fairs and business missions, and better access to export financing and guarantees.
AfCFTA Seen as a Route to Wider Market Access
The forum also examined how the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could help Egyptian businesses access new markets and expand cross-border trade.
Participants discussed practical measures to improve market access, facilitate commercial transactions and mobilise financing for export contracts. Stronger coordination between governments, financial institutions, business associations and private companies was identified as an important part of converting opportunities into completed deals.
For Egyptian manufacturers and agricultural producers, expanding beyond established North African destinations could open new outlets for products and help diversify export revenues.
With intra-African trade valued at approximately $214 billion in 2025, Egypt is seeking to use its industrial capacity and existing commercial relationships to secure a larger share of the continent’s growing market.