Executive Summary

Egypt’s agricultural sector is set for a significant transformation, presenting many investment and innovation opportunities. Backed by government programs and a large domestic market of over 110 million, along with close access to key export regions in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, this environment is perfect for agribusinesses that combine advanced technology, sustainability, and value added services.

Sustainable Irrigation & Water Management

Water-Smart Agriculture as an Investment Frontier: Egypt faces critical water scarcity, with per capita availability below 600 m³ annually, far under the 1,000 m³ scarcity threshold. Despite this, agriculture consumes about 65-76% of the available freshwater. To tackle this challenge, Egypt has launched its most significant irrigation modernization effort, aiming to upgrade 3.7 million feddans (1.55 million hectares) from inefficient flood irrigation to advanced, efficient systems within a few years. The “mega overhaul” seeks to boost yields and water efficiency through techniques such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, laser leveling, raised-bed planting, and other climate-smart practices; cutting water use by up to 30% and increasing crop yields by 30-40%.

Waste-to-Value Solutions

Transforming agricultural waste and biomass residues into valuable products is increasingly becoming a key aspect of Egypt’s circular agribusiness sector. The country produces around 38 million tons of agricultural waste annually, but only about 12% has historically been recycled, leaving substantial untapped potential. This situation is evolving as innovators and policymakers now view waste as a chance for both profit and sustainability.

Renewable Energy & Circular Bioeconomy

Egypt’s pursuit of renewable energy and a circular bioeconomy is reshaping its agri-industrial sectors, opening new investment prospects at the water-energy food nexus. The nation is rapidly scaling up renewable energy, targeting 42% of its electricity supply by 2030, and this transition is facilitating the incorporation of clean energy into agriculture in various ways.