Ashraf AboArafe
Indian companies are riding a new wave of global expansion, channeling nearly US$ 33 billion abroad in just the first seven months of 2025—an average of US$ 4.7 billion per month. These investments span greenfield projects, brownfield ventures, and joint ventures, with the top destinations including Singapore, Mauritius, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, according to data from India’s Department of Economic Affairs.
Egypt: A Rising Hub for Indian Capital
Egypt has carved out a notable place on India’s global investment map. Over 500 Indian companies are registered in Egypt, with around 50 actively engaged across sectors. Collectively, they contribute investments exceeding US$ 4.5 billion. Flagship projects include:
- TCI Sanmar (US$ 1.6 billion), Africa’s and the Gulf’s largest producer of caustic soda.
- Alexandria Carbon Black, Dabur, Galaxy Chemicals, Egypt Global Silicates, Flex P Films, Misr Hytech Seeds, SCIB Paints, Brittania, Monginis, Embee Garments, and Velocity Jeans, among others.
These companies are more than investors; they are employers and exporters. Together, they provide direct and indirect jobs for 48,000 Egyptians and generate over US$ 1 billion in exports annually.
New Entrants and Expansions
The fiscal year 2024–25 saw four new Indian investments in Egypt, totaling US$ 175 million:
- Flex P. Films (packaging)
- ADBOS (FMCG manufacturing)
- EKC Cylinders
- Platinum Stabilisers (polymer)
A breakthrough came when Willow Ferro became the first Indian investor in Sinai, committing US$ 75 million in ferroalloy production. Its output will substitute imports worth an equivalent amount annually.
In pharmaceuticals, three Indian firms have pledged US$ 100 million toward oncology drugs, biosimilars, and medical instruments. On an even larger scale, two Indian companies plan US$ 12 billion investments in green hydrogen, positioning Egypt as a future hub for clean energy.
India’s Broader Outbound Surge
India’s overseas investment profile is not only growing in size but also diversifying in scope. In FY 2024–25, outbound investments surged 75% year-on-year, reaching US$ 30 billion. This reflects India’s expanding global footprint, across geographies and industries alike.
Egypt’s Competitive Advantage
Egypt stands as a promising destination for Indian investors thanks to its:
- Skilled human capital
- Strong logistics infrastructure
- Competitive input costs
- Access to markets in over 70 FTA partner countries
- Political and economic stability
However, competition is fierce, especially from GCC countries aggressively courting manufacturing investments. To secure a stronger foothold, Egypt must intensify outreach in India, while New Delhi and Cairo deepen cooperation to unlock greater potential in this partnership.
