Egyptian industry minister Khaled Hashem announced a new push to turn the country’s mineral wealth into higher‑value manufacturing on the sidelines of the fifth Egypt Mining Forum. The government is mapping the suitability of locally extracted minerals for domestic processing, aiming to link extraction, refining and mineral‑based production into seamless value chains.
Hashem said the move is part of the nation’s industrial strategy, which earmarks key minerals such as phosphate and manganese as strategic sectors. By limiting raw phosphate exports and encouraging the production of phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizers, Egypt hopes to create jobs, cut reliance on imported inputs and open new export markets.
Similarly, local processing of manganese ore – a critical feedstock for steel and heavy industry – is being advanced through partnerships with two companies to produce higher‑concentration material for export and domestic use. The minister highlighted that such steps would strengthen regional supply chains and integrate Egyptian manufacturing into global networks.
Broader Regional Ambitions
Hashem also warned that intra‑African trade, currently about $220 billion, is modest given the continent’s resources and demand. He called for deeper cooperation among African mining nations, including workforce training and technical exchange, to unlock the full potential of shared mineral assets.