Egypt to Launch Four New Public Free Zones by 2026

CAIRO  - 17 August 2025: Egypt is preparing to expand its network of public free zones, with four new zones scheduled to begin operations by the end of 2026, according to Hossam Heiba, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI). The initiative is designed to absorb growing demand for industrial investment and reinforce the competitiveness of Egyptian exports in global markets.

Speaking at a wide-ranging meeting with investors in the free zone system, Heiba said GAFI will work closely with the New Urban Communities Authority to accelerate infrastructure development and ensure the zones are fully operational within the targeted timeline.

The decision follows approval by the Ministerial Group for Industrial Development to establish new free zones in 10th of Ramadan, New October, New Borg El Arab, and New Alamein. The move comes as Egypt’s nine existing public free zones have reached an occupancy rate of nearly 95 percent, underscoring the need for additional capacity.

Heiba emphasized that all production within the new zones will be allocated for export, in line with the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade’s ambition to raise Egypt’s exports to USD 140 billion by 2030. He added that the expansion is designed to complement—rather than compete with—domestic investment, ensuring consistency with the national strategy of tapping external markets.

The CEO further revealed that GAFI is also studying the activation of three additional public free zones, which would bring the nationwide total to 16. The free zone framework, he said, has already demonstrated its effectiveness in promoting sustainable export growth.

As part of the meeting, participants agreed to form a joint working group that will include representatives from across industrial sectors. The task force will focus on refining operational mechanisms for the free zones and proposing practical measures to advance Egypt’s investment and export objectives.