Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment Manal Awad said Egypt is targeting a rise in the industrial sector’s share of GDP to 20% by 2030, increasing green industries to 5% and doubling industrial employment to seven million workers. 

The goals form part of the urgent industrial development plan announced by the President in August 2024. She noted that growth is accelerating across key manufacturing areas, including textiles, food industries, cement, petrochemicals, steel and automotive assembly.

Awad said developing countries continue to face major constraints to inclusive and sustainable industrial growth. Ongoing global and regional conflicts have disrupted supply chains and driven up prices, while rising external debt has made financing industrial expansion more challenging. Protectionist policies are limiting export markets, she added, alongside a persistent technology gap and escalating climate impacts.

Speaking at the general debate of the 21st UNIDO General Conference in Riyadh, Awad reaffirmed Egypt’s support for the positions of the Group of 77 and China, the African Group and the Arab Group. 

She highlighted the expansion of Egypt’s partnership with UNIDO, noting that 21 projects worth more than $61 million are currently underway, with further initiatives in development. She said Egypt is keen to accelerate existing programs and pursue new financing tools under the Country Partnership Programme signed in 2021, which supports Egypt Vision 2030.

Awad said Egypt’s industrial development plan is built on seven pillars: deepening local manufacturing, expanding exports, restoring idle factories, improving product quality, increasing employment in production sectors, strengthening skills and training, and advancing digital and green industries. 

Together, these priorities underpin Egypt’s strategy to raise productivity, competitiveness and long-term industrial sustainability.