Egypt is stepping up efforts to expand its fertiliser industry, betting on exports to drive growth as global demand rises.

New investment is flowing into the Suez Canal Economic Zone, where authorities are positioning the corridor as a base for large-scale manufacturing.

The latest project comes from Indorama Corporation, which is building its presence in North Africa with a new phosphate fertiliser plant designed mainly for overseas markets.

The move reflects a wider push by governments across the region to attract foreign investors and expand industrial output.

Egypt’s location along key shipping routes and its established industrial base have made it a natural hub for fertiliser production.

Officials say new projects are aimed at meeting rising demand from agriculture-focused economies while strengthening export earnings.

*Indorama plans $525 million Egypt fertiliser plant targeting exports*

Global fertiliser markets have tightened in recent years, with supply disruptions and food security concerns lifting demand.

Egypt, already a major producer of nitrogen fertilisers, is now adding phosphate capacity to broaden its product range.

The agreement for the new plant was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly at the government headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.

Export-focused production

The first phase of the project will have an annual capacity of 600,000 tonnes, with about 80 percent of output set for export.

The facility will be built in the Sokhna Industrial Area on a site covering 522,000 square metres.

The development is expected to create about 3,000 jobs, including 2,500 permanent roles once operations begin and 500 during construction.

Expanding industrial supply chains

The plant will produce phosphatic fertilisers along with inputs such as ammonia, sulphur, potash and urea.

It will also manufacture chemicals including zinc sulphate and boron-based compounds used in agriculture and industry.

Officials say the project highlights growing investor interest in SCZONE.

By linking raw materials with finished products, the facility is expected to support local industry and strengthen Egypt’s role in global fertiliser trade.