Interviews / 12/22/2025

Italy and Egypt: building the future together

Michele Quaroni was the Italian Ambassador to Egypt when the new Mapei plant was inaugurared. In this interview he explains how italian companies and the Mattei Plan are strengthening cooperation between the two countries

Interviewee

Michele Quaroni

Italian Ambassador to Egypt

Italy and Egypt are strengthening their strategic partnership through growing industrial cooperation, with companies like Mapei playing a key role in technology transfer, local training, and sustainable development. Supported by the Mattei Plan, Italy’s approach focuses on mutually beneficial investment in energy, infrastructure, education, and industry. Through coordinated action by the Italian Embassy and national agencies, Italy is fostering long-term, high-value partnerships that support economic growth in Egypt and the wider Mediterranean region.

What role do you think Italian companies like Mapei can play in creating closer relations with Egypt?

Industrial and manufacturing ties are a fundamental part of the bilateral relationship between Italy and Egypt. The opening of Mapei Egypt's new manufacturing plant in one of the country's largest and most strategic industrial areas, north-west of Cairo, is clear proof that Italian companies have confidence in the Egyptian market and are keen to capitalise on it. It demonstrates that one of Italy's leading industrial enterprises is committed to setting up a carefully structured and strategic business partnership with Egypt. The idea behind this partnership is both to serve the local market and make Egypt a platform for managing its business operations throughout the Middle East and Africa.

Investment by Italian companies, like the kind Mapei is making, is also a great opportunity to strengthen Egypt's industrial fabric. Mapei’s new operating plant means Egypt now has some of the most advanced technologies and products in this sector, as well as a quality control laboratory and training centre focused on improving the skills of local operators and professionals.

The new Mapei Egypt plant, operational since December 2024, is located in the 10th of Ramadan City, approximately 46 km north-east of Cairo.

Which sectors offer the most promising business opportunities for Italian businesses operating in Egypt?

Egypt offers attractive benefits in all kinds of industrial and business sectors. Its geographical location makes it a strategic hub for global trade thanks to the Suez Canal, low-cost access to energy supplies and labour, and free trade agreements with Europe, Africa and Middle Eastern markets.

With a population of over 100 million and ambitious infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the country's industrialisation, Egypt provides fertile ground for all kinds of investment, which, in accordance with the Mattei Plan launched by the Italian Government, will help boost bilateral economic relations. The construction/infrastructure industry is still one of the most important sectors driven by major projects for building new cities and infrastructure networks. This sector is a driving force behind all businesses directly or indirectly linked to construction, covering everything from building materials and furniture to engineering and cutting-edge technologies. Egypt is becoming a major player in renewable energy generation, serving its own growing domestic energy requirements and positioning itself as a hub for the Mediterranean and North/East Africa.

Considerable investment is being made in the chemicals-pharmaceuticals sector to develop local manufacturing output and make the country a hub for both production – including manufacturing licenced by foreign companies – and distribution right across Africa. Textiles, traditionally important at the top end of manufacturing, and the medical supplies/devices industry are other sectors offering promising opportunities. The digital services sector is also expanding now, offering opportunities for Italian companies specialising in digital solutions and technological infrastructure. Finally, sustainable and high-end tourism offers extremely interesting growth opportunities for companies capable of bringing together Italian excellence and Egypt’s cultural heritage.

Egypt has seen significant growth in infrastructure projects and has ambitious plans in this realm. How do you think Mapei and other Italian companies can contribute to these developments?

Egypt is going through an unprecedented period of infrastructural transformation involving massive investment in new cities, transport networks and energy projects. Mapei and other Italian companies are making a strategic and multifaceted contribution to this boom in growth. The company is already involved in major projects such as the construction of a new administrative capital and the city of El Alamein, evidence that Italian expertise is recognised and valued by the Egyptian government when it comes to projects of national importance. Infrastructure investment in Egypt is focused on a wide range of realms and sectors: Italian companies and projects are at the forefront not only in the building industry, but also in the construction of major public transport networks (rail and road), renewable energy, cross-border electricity transmission networks, logistics, ports and dry ports. Italian companies can contribute through their technological know-how, high-quality standards and innovative methodologies in all these sectors. Over recent years, Italy has also invested heavily in the transport-mobility, steel, chemicals and machinery-manufacturing industries.

Italian companies are also involved in the transfer of skills and training of local staff. This aspect is particularly appreciated by their local counterparts, since it helps ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and boosts the country's technical expertise. The fact that the Mapei Group currently generates revenue of 60 million Euros in Egypt and employs 220 staff highlights the positive impact Italian investment is having on the Egyptian economy. The presence of successful Italian businesses encourages other investors and strengthens bilateral relations, consolidating Italy's reputation as a reliable partner in Egypt's economic growth.

The construction market in Egypt is driven by strong urbanisation: metropolises such as Cairo are expanding, while the government is investing in the construction of new cities. The Mapei Group is committed to taking advantage of these chances.

How does the Mattei Plan define Italy's economic and industrial approach to Egypt? How can Italian investment, such as the new Mapei plant, align with the Plan's goals for sustainable growth and business partnerships in Africa?

The Mattei Plan launched by the Italian government showcases a completely innovative approach to Africa based on bilateral cooperation rather than just financial aid. The Plan's economic approach, structured around six main pillars (education and training, health, energy, water, agriculture, and physical/digital infrastructure), is based on mutual benefit and shared growth, with Italy acting as a strategic partner in a process of bilateral growth. The plan includes financial support to the tune of 5.5 billion Euros over four years in the form of loans, grants and guarantees, 3 billion Euros of which coming from the Green Climate Fund and 2.5 billion Euros from the funds for cooperation in economic growth.

Numerous projects in Egypt fall within the framework and spirit of the Mattei Plan in sectors ranging from employment and technical/vocational training to food security and renewable energy. Italy’s commitment to these enterprises involves coordinated action by the Embassy with the support of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), Sace (Italy’s Export Credit Agency), Simest (Italian Company for Businesses Abroad), and the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti bank, all operating out of offices in Cairo.

Mapei's investment is a practical example of how investment by private Italian businesses is aligned with and contributes to meeting the Mattei Plan's goals. Investment of this kind not only strengthens Italy's industrial operations in North Africa, it also promotes sustainable growth through the transfer of cutting-edge technologies and training of local staff. The availability of a Mapei training centre at the new plant to train local professionals epitomises the Mattei Plan's approach to supporting the local building industry and setting up lasting business partnerships. Furthermore, the plant's strategic location along the Suez Canal logistics route means it can serve not only the Egyptian market but also North African and Middle Eastern markets, creating a knock-on effect for regional economic growth.

What action is the Italian Embassy undertaking to support Italian investment in Egypt?

The Italian Embassy in Cairo has set up a comprehensive system of support for Italian investment in Egypt. The opening of an integrated promotional office at the Embassy’s new premises in Nile City Towers, which also house Cassa Depositi e Prestiti bank, Simest, Sace and Ice, is a real boost to Italy's operations in Egypt. Thanks to this integrated structure, we can facilitate Italian companies' access to the financial and support services required for investing in the country, drawing on Italian, European and international funding (EU, EIB, IFC, etc.).

Our approach is based on promoting Italy on all fronts: projects carried out in support of businesses and the private sector are part of a strategic framework to which our operations in cooperation for growth, scientific progress/innovation, and cultural diplomacy also contribute synergistically. In this spirit, the Embassy also coordinates the work of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and the Italian Cultural Institute in Cairo. This means we use all the tools of diplomacy to create a favourable environment for our companies. In doing so, our companies operating in this country contribute to the rich network of bonds and ties that underpin the bilateral relationship between Italy and Egypt.

The Embassy also plays a key role in providing operational assistance to Italian companies through its Promotion Office and other agencies supporting Italian businesses. We help companies in their dealings with local authorities, offer assistance in taking part in tenders, help identify reliable law firms, and organise promotional events. We have recently published a Guide to Business Opportunities in Egypt, which offers a useful overview for anybody venturing into this market for the first time. We actively promote the involvement of Italian companies in strategic initiatives, such as the EU-Egypt Investment Conference held on 29th-30th June 2024, and facilitate opportunities to meet with local partners.

Interviewee

Michele Quaroni

Italian Ambassador to Egypt