Charting a stronger course for African trade with the rest of the world

The ongoing expansion of the Sokhna port will continue to cement Egypt’s position as a global logistics and manufacturing hub, as well as will supporting Egypt’s trade with the Middle East and Asia, and the industrial growth centred around the southern end of the Suez Canal and New Cairo.

By 2035, the port is forecast to facilitate trade equivalent to nearly 17 per cent of Egypt’s GDP; with the ongoing expansion expected to enable additional trade equivalent to 3 per cent of GDP.

The port will support indirectly more than 1.4 million jobs, of which 26,000 will be created through the ongoing expansion. The largest beneficiaries are expected to be businesses in labour-intensive and heavy industries including construction, agro-processing, glass and cement production, as well as automotive and consumer goods manufacturing.

Better performing trade infrastructure will not only improve the quality of life for millions of Egyptians, but it will also increase the competitiveness of exported goods and enhance productivity for businesses relying on imported goods.

The ongoing expansion is expected to increase access to critical goods and staples for 16 million people (16 per cent of the population) and Egyptian businesses. These include food products and household manufactured goods, as well as bulk imports including raw material for steel production.

This project forms part of our partnership with DP World to strengthen economic development across the African continent by investing in improving and expanding ports  – you can find out more about the partnership here.