Egypt to double Free Zones to drive $140 billion exports by 2030
Egypt has announced a bold plan to nearly double the size of its public free zones to make it a world-class export hub and reach $140 billion in exports by 2030. The General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) assured that it comes as a result of existing free zones being at 95% capacity, which is evidence of strong demand from investors.
Egypt currently has nine state-owned free zones, but the number is set to skyrocket. Four new free zones have already been sanctioned by the government in 10th of Ramadan, New October, New Borg El-Arab, and New Alamein, with foundation and infrastructure work already underway. The new facilities are to come on stream by the end of 2026, earmarked to serve export-based industries without infringing on local markets.
GAFI CEO Hossam Heiba stressed that the new free zones would be a central component of Egypt’s “Investment for Export” strategy, with a primary focus on foreign trade, green transition, and attracting environmentally friendly projects. The policy aims to incite foreign currency inflows, diversify export revenues, and increase Egypt’s competitiveness in external markets.
The government is also planning to add three other public free zones, making them sixteen in total. This action is reflective of Egypt’s determination to maximize the opportunities for investment, increase industrial growth, and have a more powerful export base.
Additionally, GAFI has formed a dedicated investor committee, which includes representatives from various sectors. This committee will provide guidance on policy actions, business strategies, and sectoral needs so that Egypt can meet its ambitious export targets.
Such expansion is included in Egypt’s long-term economic vision to become a regional manufacturing and export hub of Africa and the Middle East. The focus on export-oriented industrial parks aims not just to expand trade, but to accelerate the creation of jobs, foreign direct investment, and protection from global economic slumps.
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