As global industries evolve in response to supply chain disruptions, technological changes, geopolitical instabilities and growing climate pressures, Egypt’s path to industrial growth is being redefined. It is no longer just about producing more. The focus is now on building resilient, knowledge-driven and globally competitive industries that create lasting local value.
This thought-provoking conversation took shape during the seventh edition of the Business Forward annual event, hosted by Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo. The session, Industrial Growth: Opportunities for Local Growth and Global Outlook, brought together prominent leaders from key sectors. Speakers included Ahmed Abdel Wahab, managing director of Egyptian German Automotive (EGA), Alfred Younan, CEO of Edita for Trade and Distribution, Riad Armanious, CEO of EVA Pharma and Moussa Asfour, deputy CEO of Carina Wear. The discussion was moderated by Sherwat Elwan, associate professor of operations management at Onsi Sawiris School of Business.
The panel offered more than commentary on the topic. It delivered a clear and urgent perspective on where Egypt’s industrial strategy stands and how it needs to evolve.
Shifting from Volume to Value
One of the strongest messages to come out of the discussion was the need to move beyond measuring industrial growth by volume alone. Global markets are increasingly rewarding countries that can produce complex, high-value goods based on knowledge, precision and innovation. Egypt’s long-term competitiveness will depend on its ability to shift from basic production to advanced manufacturing that adds value and commands higher margins.
“The only way to improve our exports is to work on products that are more complex using cutting-edge technology,” shared Riad Armanious during the discussion.
This kind of growth requires more than expanding capacity, it calls for a deliberate move into sectors and processes that demand technical expertise, research and continuous development.
Innovation as a Building Block
The panel emphasized that innovation is no longer a secondary concern. It must be central to how Egyptian industries operate and grow. Companies that want to compete globally need to invest in advanced technologies, research and new ways of working. Without this shift, local industries risk falling behind in an increasingly fast-moving global landscape.
Innovation also depends on people. Applied technical education, vocational training and hands-on learning opportunities are all critical. By building a workforce with the skills needed for modern industry, Egypt can not only improve competitiveness but also create meaningful jobs. Changing how society views vocational paths will play a key role in unlocking this potential. These careers must be seen as valuable and essential, not as second-best options.
“There is a stigma attached to vocational training – it is not well regarded within society. We still have a lot of work to do to eradicate this way of thinking,” commented Ahmed Abdel Wahab.
Local Supply Chains as a Strategic Advantage
The importance of building strong, local supply chains featured prominently in the conversation. Recent global disruptions have exposed the risks of depending heavily on imports. To create a more stable and self-reliant industrial base, Egyptian firms are looking inward. Local sourcing, combined with research, quality standards and risk mitigation, is proving to be a practical and strategic move.
This shift does more than reduce risk, it also boosts the local economy, encourages entrepreneurship and helps smaller businesses grow alongside larger manufacturers. A well-developed local supply chain can strengthen the entire industrial ecosystem.
Digital Tools and Sustainable Practices
Digital transformation and sustainability are no longer future goals, they are now central to how successful companies operate; a message that deeply echoed throughout the discussion. From smarter logistics to energy-efficient systems, Egyptian firms are starting to adopt technologies that help them reduce waste, plan better and save on costs.
Sustainability is also becoming a business advantage. As global markets move toward stricter environmental and social standards, companies that align with these values early on will be better positioned to export, expand and attract partnerships.
Policy Must Reflect Sector Needs
Another major takeaway from the panel was the importance of tailoring industrial policy to the realities of each sector. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The needs of a pharmaceutical manufacturer are different from those of a textile exporter or a food processing plant. Applying the same regulations and incentives across all sectors often leads to missed opportunities and wasted resources.
Effective industrial policy should be grounded in the specific challenges and potential of each industry. This requires dialogue between government, business leaders and academia. When policy is shaped by practical insight and focused support, it can unlock real growth.
A Clear Direction Forward
Egypt’s industrial future cannot rely on outdated models, competing on volume alone is no longer a viable strategy. Our country has a real opportunity to build an industrial base that is innovative, inclusive, resilient and lucrative.
By focusing on value-added production, investing in people and innovation, strengthening local supply chains and crafting more tailored policies, Egypt can lay the foundation for long-term industrial strength. The path forward is clear and the potential is already here. The next step is to align national efforts behind it.
