9 golden licenses awarded to investment projects

Egypt has taken a bold step in streamlining its investment landscape by granting nine golden licenses to strategic projects across diverse sectors. Announced by the Ministry of Investment and External Trade, this initiative underscores the government’s commitment to attracting both local and foreign investments while accelerating economic growth.

What is the Golden License?

Introduced under the 2017 Investment Law and implemented in September 2022, the golden license simplifies bureaucratic hurdles for investors. Known as the "single approval license," it allows investors to acquire or lease land and begin operations without the need for further government clearances. This expedited process is particularly beneficial for high-impact projects, aiming to boost investment in vital sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, and agriculture.

Key Projects and Their Impact

The nine projects receiving golden licenses reflect Egypt’s focus on economic diversification, job creation, and technological advancement:

1. Arab Otsuka Nutraceuticals Company:

• Investment: $40 million

• Location: 10th of Ramadan City

• Scope: A 95,000-square-meter facility producing nutritional products for domestic and export markets. The project will create 100 jobs and introduce Japanese expertise and technology to Egypt.

2. Suez Warehouses Company:

• Investment: EGP 1.99 billion

• Location: Suez Governorate

• Scope: A strategic warehouse on a 13-acre plot to bolster Egypt’s reserves of essential goods. The project will provide 75 job opportunities.

3. Suez Wind Energy:

• Investment: EGP 1.4 billion

• Scope: Development of wind power stations generating 550 MW in the first phase and an additional 550 MW in the second. This project represents a significant boost to Egypt’s renewable energy infrastructure.

4. Egyptian Minerals and Salts Company:

• Investment: EGP 604 million

• Location: Fayoum Governorate

• Scope: A facility producing 30,000 tons of potassium sulfate annually, supporting local agriculture and creating 100 jobs.

5. Nuts Land:

• Investment: EGP 1.4 billion

• Location: 10th of Ramadan City

• Scope: A 136,000-square-meter plant processing peanuts and nuts. The project will generate 4,000 jobs and export 80 percent of its production.

6. MAFI for Agricultural Products:

• Investment: $180 million

• Location: Sadat City

• Scope: A facility spanning 154,000 square meters to manufacture and package agricultural products for export. This project will create 720 jobs and contribute to Egypt’s agricultural export growth.

7. Balkan Food Industries:

• Investment: EGP 850 million

• Location: New 6th of October City

• Scope: A factory producing tomato concentrates, sauces, and processed vegetables. The facility will create 80 jobs and export 80 percent of its output.

8. FutureFert for Fertilizer & Chemical Industries:

• Investment: $40 million

• Location: Ain Sokhna

• Scope: A plant producing potash and phosphate fertilizers over 127,000 square meters. The project will support Egypt’s growing chemical industry and employ 300 workers.

9. Obelisk PV Power Plant and BESS:

• Investment: $600 million

• Location: Qena Governorate

• Scope: A solar energy facility spanning 16.3 square kilometers, generating 1,000 MW of photovoltaic energy and creating 100 jobs.

A Broader Context of Investment Reform

These projects follow a series of measures by Egypt to attract investment. The recent launch of the Golden License portal further simplifies application processes, allowing businesses to access opportunities more efficiently. Previous licenses granted in 2024 and early 2025 reflect the growing interest in Egypt’s strategic sectors, particularly renewable energy and industrial production.

Transformative Potential

The awarded projects are expected to:

• Create Employment: Thousands of jobs across various industries.

• Enhance Exports: Many projects aim to export a significant share of their output, strengthening Egypt’s presence in global markets.

• Boost Renewable Energy: Projects like Suez Wind Energy and Obelisk PV Power Plant align with Egypt’s goals to increase renewable energy capacity.

• Foster Innovation: Collaboration with international entities introduces advanced technologies to local industries.

Conclusion

By granting these golden licenses, Egypt reinforces its position as a hub for strategic investment and economic development. These initiatives highlight the government’s resolve to streamline operations, attract high-value investments, and achieve sustainable growth. As these projects come to fruition, they will play a pivotal role in reshaping Egypt’s economic landscape and meeting the aspirations of its Vision 2030 development plan.