Cairo
Egypt’s state-run automaker, El Nasr Automotive Manufacturing Company, has resumed production after a 15-year suspension, marking a significant milestone for the country’s industrial sector. The company restarted its production lines on Saturday evening, with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly calling the move “a strategic decision by the state.”
El Nasr, which was founded in 1960 as the first Arab vehicle manufacturer, was once a leading name in the regional automotive industry. However, it experienced a long decline and was slated for liquidation in 2009. The revival of the company is seen as part of Egypt’s broader effort to boost industrial growth and reduce reliance on imports.
Osama Aboul-Magd, head of the Egyptian Automotive Dealers Association, highlighted that El Nasr’s reopening will enhance industrial localization. “This will help save foreign currency needed for imports, create job opportunities, and lead to exporting vehicles manufactured in Egypt,” he said.
Looking to the future, El Nasr plans to diversify its production by manufacturing electric vehicles, with production set to begin in May 2025. This move aligns with Egypt’s push towards greener technology and renewable energy solutions.
The government also stressed the importance of private-sector partnerships to drive major projects forward, signaling a more collaborative approach to economic development. The return of El Nasr is seen as a key step in revitalizing Egypt’s automotive industry and strengthening its position in the regional market.