Egyptian entrepreneur and business executive Omar Khairy has announced that privately held engineering and construction firm, RIGA Holding, will launch new operations in Botswana and South Africa by February 2026. The expansion follows the acquisition of additional contracts across sub-Saharan Africa in the cement, mining, oil and gas sectors, reflecting the firm’s growing footprint in the region.
RIGA strengthens presence in Southern Africa
RIGA Holding, led by Egyptian businessman Khayri Abo Elyazzed with Khairy serving as group COO, confirmed in a press release that the company also secured contracts in Sao Tome, Senegal, Mozambique, Guinea, Congo DRC, UAE and Zambia at the start of 2026. These new deals are part of the firm’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Africa’s industrial sector and deliver solutions for infrastructure and resource development.
The announcement follows a strong 2025 for the company, which recorded significant operational growth through acquisitions and project expansions in East Africa. Khairy, 29, emphasized the firm’s focus for the year ahead: “Botswana and South Africa are strategic markets in southern Africa. We already work with key partners in cement, mining, oil, and gas. Operating these subsidiaries will open new opportunities and bring additional clients to RIGA, thanks to our team’s dedication and efficiency.”
African investments span MENA, sub-Saharan Africa
Since joining RIGA Holding in 2017, Omar Khairy has played a key role in driving the firm’s expansion across Africa and the Middle East. His focus on operational efficiency and project execution has contributed to the group’s ability to secure high-value contracts and maintain consistent performance across diverse markets.
Under Khairy’s operational leadership and Abo Elyazzed’s strategic guidance, RIGA has developed a reputation for resilience in the face of macroeconomic challenges. The African firm with 100 percent African investments operates across 31 countries spanning the Middle East, North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, with offices in Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Botswana, and South Africa. RIGA Holding relies entirely on African investments and has built a diversified portfolio covering mining, oil, gas, and cement.
With Khairy overseeing operations and Abo Elyazzed steering strategy, RIGA Holding continues to strengthen its position as a leading African engineering and construction firm. The company combines local market knowledge with international practices, creating opportunities across the continent while setting a benchmark for African-led industrial growth.
