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British International Investment (BII), the United Kingdom’s development finance institution and impact investor, has launched a new investment strategy for Egypt, reaffirming its long-term commitment to one of its largest markets in Africa, following nearly $1.3 billion in investments in the country since 2012.
The announcement coincided with a visit to Cairo by BII Chief Executive Officer Leslie Maasdorp, who met government officials, investors and business leaders.
Egypt occupies a central place in BII’s newly unveiled five-year strategy, which seeks to channel £9 billion into African economies between 2026 and 2031.
The institution plans to contribute £5 billion directly while attracting additional funding from private investors to help bridge Africa’s financing gap.
In Egypt, the strategy will focus on increasing investment in sectors considered critical to the country’s long-term development, including renewable energy, agriculture, financial services, manufacturing and export-oriented industries.
The initiative also aims to deepen financial markets, strengthen economic resilience and support ongoing structural reforms.
“Egypt is a vital partner for British International Investment and a cornerstone of our new strategy,” said Maasdorp.
“Having committed nearly $1.3 billion since we started making direct investments in the country, this reflects both the scale of opportunity and the strength of our long-term partnership.”
He added: “We are committed to mobilizing more capital into renewable energy and other productive sectors that create jobs, strengthen resilience and support Egypt’s transition to a more sustainable and competitive economy.”
The renewed focus comes as Egypt pursues an ambitious industrial agenda designed to increase manufacturing output and create jobs.
The country’s National Industrial Strategy for 2026–2030 seeks to raise the industrial sector’s contribution to gross domestic product to 20 per cent by the end of the decade while generating up to eight million jobs and strengthening Egypt’s position as a regional manufacturing centre.
BII has emerged as an important financier of Egypt’s energy transition efforts.
The North African nation has set a goal of sourcing 42 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030.
More than half of BII’s investments in Egypt during its previous strategy period were directed towards climate-related projects.
These included over $300 million invested in major clean energy developments such as the 1.1-gigawatt Gulf of Suez Wind Farm and a 1.1-gigawatt solar power and battery storage project being developed with Norwegian renewable energy company Scatec.
Beyond energy, BII is also supporting Egypt’s efforts to strengthen trade infrastructure and industrial competitiveness.
Through its partnership with global logistics company DP World, the institution has backed improvements in port infrastructure and operational efficiency aimed at facilitating trade, boosting employment and strengthening Egypt’s role in global supply chains.
The institution is also supporting climate-resilient water projects through the Africa Water Infrastructure Development platform, which has identified Egypt as a priority market.
Access to finance remains another key pillar of BII’s strategy in Egypt. Working with local financial institutions including Arab African International Bank, Banque du Caire and Commercial International Bank, BII is helping expand financing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, entrepreneurs and underserved groups, particularly women-led businesses.
During discussions with Egyptian officials, both sides highlighted the importance of private sector-led growth and green infrastructure investment.
Egyptian authorities have also encouraged BII to increase support for start-ups, entrepreneurship and manufacturing industries that can strengthen local value chains and promote technology transfer.
Mark Bryson-Richardson, the UK Ambassador to Egypt, said the latest strategy reflects the depth of economic ties between the two countries.
“The UK is proud to support Egypt through its partnership with British International Investment,” he said.
“BII’s new strategy underlines the UK’s long-term commitment to mobilising investment that drives sustainable growth, supports economic reform and creates opportunities for people and businesses across Egypt.”
BII’s expanded focus on Egypt also aligns with broader UK efforts to strengthen economic cooperation with the country through a growing strategic partnership centred on trade, investment and sustainable development.
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