Egypt Ministry of Industry Plans ‘Qeema’ Certificate to Boost Local Manufacturing

Egypt’s Ministry of Industry is developing a certification program titled “Qeema,” or “Value,” intended to measure the economic contribution of industrial manufacturers. Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem stated the initiative aims to link government incentives directly to a company’s performance, local content usage, and investment in research and development.

Roundtable Discussions

Minister Hashem introduced the proposal during a roundtable event hosted by the ministry and Startup Egypt. The meeting included representatives from 21 companies specializing in manufacturing technology, robotics, and medical technology. Discussions focused on identifying obstacles for industrial startups and exploring methods to integrate these businesses into existing supply chains.

Strategic Implementation

The ministry plans to prioritize the localization of advanced industrial technology. According to Hashem, the government is currently working to simplify administrative procedures for small manufacturers and startups. New measures include streamlined industrial land allocation, rent-to-own options for facilities, and specialized financing mechanisms. The Industrial Modernisation Centre (IMC) will provide ongoing technical consultancy services to participating firms.

Industrial Strategy 2030

The ministry also outlined the scope of its Industrial Strategy 2030. This framework encompasses several sectors, including global supply chain integration, strategic industries, and circular economy initiatives. Maged Ghonaim, founder and Chairperson of Startup Egypt, noted that the organization categorizes member companies by sector to address specific industrial challenges and foster collaboration.

Current Status

The ministry is currently promoting the “Qeema” certificate as a mechanism to encourage companies to deepen local manufacturing and increase domestic value-added production. Officials emphasize that the certification will serve as a tool to improve the competitiveness of Egyptian goods in both domestic and international markets.