Egypt, Nissan discuss scaling production for Africa markets

Egypt is intensifying efforts to position itself as a regional automotive manufacturing hub, holding fresh talks with Nissan Motor Corporation on expanding local production and boosting vehicle exports to Africa.

The discussions reflect a wider plan to strengthen domestic industry and create more jobs. 

Officials say the government is working to reduce reliance on imports while encouraging global manufacturers to treat Egypt as a base for production and export.

The automotive sector has been singled out as a priority, with policies aimed at supporting local assembly and parts manufacturing. 

The latest round of meetings, led by Industry Minister Khaled Hashem, focused on scaling output at Nissan’s local plant and deepening technical training for workers.

Authorities believe stronger skills development will help sustain long-term growth and attract more investment. 

Cairo sees the partnership as part of a broader plan to build a more competitive supply chain, expand exports and strengthen its role in Africa’s industrial landscape.

Expanding production capacity 

At the center of the talks is Nissan’s plan to raise production at its Egyptian facility and support workforce training through collaboration with the Productivity and Vocational Training Authority and other institutions.

The goal is to prepare skilled workers while supporting higher output. 

The automaker is looking to deepen its presence in Egypt and use the country as a base to serve growing markets across the continent.

Over the past three years, Nissan has shipped about 25,000 vehicles from Egypt to African destinations. 

Annual production has also climbed to roughly 30,000 passenger cars in the current fiscal year, strengthening the company’s position in the domestic market and reinforcing its export ambitions.

Building a stronger export base 

Hashem said Egypt’s location — connecting Africa, Europe and Arab markets — gives manufacturers a natural advantage.

He pointed to the country’s free trade agreements and improving infrastructure as key reasons global firms are expanding operations locally. 

The government is also pushing for higher local content in vehicle assembly and more investment in parts manufacturing.

Officials say increasing local production of components can ease pressure on foreign currency demand and make Egyptian-made vehicles more competitive abroad.

New line to lift output 

Mohamed Abdel Samad, managing director of Nissan Africa, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expand.

He invited the minister to inaugurate a new production line expected to add 10,000 vehicles annually in its first year. 

The planned expansion will include local content levels exceeding 50 percent, a step both sides say will support Egypt’s goal of becoming a leading vehicle export hub for Africa.