Egypt, Nissan plan expansion, exports push to Africa

CAIRO, Egypt (MNTV) — Egypt’s Industry Minister Khaled Hashem held talks with Nissan Motor Corporation on expanding the automaker’s operations in Egypt and boosting vehicle exports to African markets. 

The, reported Egypt Independent, discussions come as Cairo seeks to localize the automotive industry and attract global manufacturers to establish production facilities in the country.

Officials said the discussions form part of a broader government strategy to develop Egypt as a regional manufacturing and export center for the automotive sector, leveraging its geographic position, trade agreements and industrial infrastructure.

Nissan outlined plans to raise production capacity and strengthen workforce development through training programs in cooperation with the Productivity and Vocational Training Authority and specialized institutions. The company said it aims to become the largest exporter of vehicles to Africa from Egypt.

Nissan has exported around 25,000 vehicles to African markets over the past three years and plans to produce about 30,000 passenger cars in the current fiscal year, maintaining a leading share of Egypt’s domestic automotive market.

Hashem said the government considers the automotive sector a strategic priority, citing Egypt’s location linking African, Arab and European markets, along with its network of free trade agreements, infrastructure and expanding industrial base that facilitate access to international markets.

He reaffirmed the Ministry of Industry’s commitment to boosting local manufacturing and related supply chains to reduce reliance on imports and attract multinational automakers to establish production facilities in Egypt. 

The minister also highlighted recent growth in automotive component factories and rising investment in the sector, calling for increased local component production to raise the local content ratio in vehicles manufactured domestically.

Nissan Africa Managing Director Mohamed Abdel Samad reiterated the company’s commitment to expanding production in Egypt and increasing exports across the continent. 

He invited the minister to visit Nissan’s Egyptian factory for the inauguration of a new production line expected to add about 10,000 vehicles annually in its first year, with local content projected to exceed 50 percent.