Egypt is setting its sights on a bold trade target of $145 billion by 2030, according to the African Trade Report 2025.
The strategy focuses on increasing exports, deepening trade ties within Africa, and solidifying key partnerships, particularly with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking the country’s ambition to play a pivotal role in African and global commerce.
Strengthening regional trade leadership
Egypt’s position in regional trade has strengthened significantly, particularly within the African continent. According to the report, Egypt ranked as the fifth-largest intra-African trading nation in North Africa. In 2024, trade with African countries rose by 8.7%, reaching $9.01 billion, representing 4.1% of total intra-African trade. Egypt’s largest export destinations on the continent remain Libya, followed by Sudan, Algeria, Morocco, and Kenya.
The country’s exports within Africa are concentrated in key sectors including cement, gypsum, calcium phosphate, plastics, and flour products. In a bid to expand its market reach, Egypt’s Chemical and Fertilizer Export Council has scheduled 205 trade missions targeting key African markets such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania. This effort aligns with Egypt’s goal of boosting exports to Africa by 20% by 2029.
The Egyptian government has also made substantial investments in logistics and risk management systems to ensure reliable access to African markets, paving the way for future trade growth.
The role of PAPSS
Egypt is also deepening its financial integration with Africa through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which it joined in November 2024. PAPSS aims to reduce reliance on external currencies for trade transactions, making intra-African trade more efficient. The system, which has already been adopted by 16 central banks and 150 commercial banks, is expected to reduce transaction costs by up to 50%, significantly boosting trade fluidity within the continent, according to the report.
Strategic export growth, energy trade
Egypt’s energy sector continues to bolster its trade ambitions. In 2024, the country expanded its liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Europe, further diversifying its trade portfolio.
Meanwhile, Egypt’s merchandise imports surged by 21.8% in the same year, signaling growing consumer demand and deepening trade integration.
Egypt-UAE: A strategic partnership
The strategic partnership between Egypt and the UAE remains central to Egypt’s trade and investment goals. Bilateral trade between the two countries totaled $9.3 billion in 2023/24. The UAE has also invested significantly in Egypt, with $35 billion in total investments, including $24 billion for the Ras El Hekma project and $11 billion in deposits to Egypt’s Central Bank.
In addition, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced plans in September 2024 for five new investment zones along the Red Sea, modeled on the Ras El Hekma development. The Ras Banas project, still under negotiation, is expected to further strengthen this growing partnership, the report added.
Green industry, infrastructure development
Egypt is also embracing sustainability, as evidenced by its participation in the UAE-led Industrial Transition Accelerator, aimed at decarbonizing heavy industries. Additionally, Egypt is developing the Kezad–East Port Said Industrial Zone, a 20 km² logistics hub backed by a 50-year lease and a $120 million investment, scheduled to launch by late 2025.
Looking ahead
As Egypt continues to expand trade, innovate in financial systems, and build strategic alliances, the country is positioning itself as a central driver of Africa’s economic transformation. With its trade target of $145 billion by 2030, Egypt’s focus on intra-African trade, energy exports, and robust international partnerships signals a growing influence on the continent’s economic future.
