New recycling, copper, and aluminum projects aim to boost exports, strengthen local supply chains, and create more than 1,300 jobs

Elsewedy Electric, an electricity giant, is investing more than USD 200 million in three new manufacturing projects. This aims to deepen the country’s role in regional supply chains while expanding its export capacity.

The projects, expected to begin operations during the first quarter of 2028, span copper recycling, copper tube manufacturing, and aluminum rod production. Together, they are set to create more than 300 direct jobs and around 1,000 indirect employment opportunities.

Why You Should Care

Egypt has spent recent years positioning itself as a manufacturing and export hub serving markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Elsewedy Electric’s latest investment signals continued confidence in that strategy.

Beyond adding new industrial capacity, the projects focus on sectors that are becoming increasingly important globally, including recycling, critical industrial materials, and export-oriented manufacturing. They also support Egypt’s efforts to increase local value creation by processing raw materials domestically rather than relying on imports.

“Through these investments, we aim to enhance value creation within the Egyptian market, develop more efficient and sustainable supply chains, deepen local manufacturing, reduce reliance on imports and support exports, while reinforcing Egypt’s position as a manufacturing and export hub serving regional and global markets,”

Eng. Ahmed Elsewedy, President and CEO of Elsewedy Electric

The new projects include the establishment of an advanced copper scrap and e-waste recycling complex. It also includes a copper tube manufacturing facility serving the air conditioning, refrigeration (AC & HVAC), and home appliance sectors. Additionally, it entails a new aluminum rod production line dedicated entirely to export markets. Collectively, these projects are expected to create over 300 direct jobs and 1,000 indirect job opportunities.

The Details

The largest component of the expansion is the E-Waste & Copper Recycling Complex. This is an advanced copper scrap and electronic waste recycling complex backed by approximately USD 80 million in investments. The facility will process up to 20,000 tons of copper scrap and printed circuit boards annually during its first phase. Additionally, it aims to generate more than 120 direct job opportunities.

Using advanced processing technologies, the complex will convert copper scrap and e-waste into high-purity copper cathodes and precious metals. Furthermore, the complex will feature an engineering design that allows for future expansion and increased production capacity.

The project also supports a circular economy approach by feeding locally recycled copper cathodes into Elsewedy Electric’s planned copper tube manufacturing facility. This integration helps streamline the supply chain while generating greater value from industrial materials within Egypt.

The company is also allocating USD 65 million toward a new copper tube manufacturing facility. Once operational, the plant will be capable of producing 15,000 tons annually and is expected to create more than 100 direct jobs during its first phase. The factory will target the growing needs of air conditioning, HVAC, refrigeration, and home appliance manufacturers. Initially, production will focus on meeting domestic demand, reducing dependence on imported components, and supporting local manufacturers.

A third project involves a USD 55 million investment in a new aluminum rod production line. Drawing on Elsewedy’s manufacturing experience in both Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the facility will add annual production capacity of 50,000 tons. Unlike the copper tube plant, the aluminum rod facility is being built entirely with export markets in mind. The project is expected to generate more than 100 direct jobs while helping expand Egypt’s industrial exports.

The Ripple

Elsewedy Electric’s expansion reflects a broader shift toward higher-value industrial manufacturing in Egypt. As the country seeks to increase exports and strengthen domestic production capabilities, investments in recycling, advanced materials, and export-oriented manufacturing are becoming increasingly important pillars of industrial growth.

The recycling component is particularly notable. As global demand for copper continues to rise due to electrification, renewable energy projects, electric vehicles, and grid expansion, access to recycled copper is becoming increasingly strategic. Companies that can recover and process these materials locally may gain a competitive advantage while reducing exposure to volatile commodity markets.

The projects could also create opportunities for suppliers, logistics providers, industrial contractors, and export-oriented businesses that support Egypt’s manufacturing ecosystem.

What to Watch

The next milestone will be the rollout of the three facilities ahead of their expected 2028 opening. Together, they will add new capabilities in recycling, copper processing, and aluminum manufacturing, sectors that are increasingly important to global industrial supply chains.

For Egypt, the projects offer a glimpse of how industrial investment can translate into higher-value exports, stronger domestic production, and deeper integration into regional and international markets.