Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Egypt Unveils 2025 Business Impact Report, Highlighting Switzerland’s Strategic Role as a Top Investor

The Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Egypt (SwissCham Egypt) officially launched the Swiss Business Impact in Egypt 2025 report, showcasing the magnitude and significance of Swiss investments in Egypt. In 2023 and 2024, Swiss foreign direct investment in Egypt totaled approximately USD 600 million, positioning Switzerland as the 9th-largest foreign investor in the country. Today, more than 500 Swiss companies operate locally, forming one of the most established European business communities in Egypt. 

This strong presence and measurable impact are captured in the Swiss Business Impact in Egypt 2025 report, which draws on a structured survey of a representative sample of Swiss companies operating in Egypt. The report provides evidence-based insights into their economic footprint, sectoral engagement, and competitive positioning, while also highlighting prevailing business trends and investment behavior.

The announcement of the report took place during the Swiss Egyptian Economic Forum 2026, organized by the Embassy of Switzerland in Egypt in partnership with SwissCham Egypt and General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), with the participation of four Egyptian Ministers: H.E. Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population; H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation; H.E. Eng. Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade; and H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Esmat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy. Furthermore, the forum brought together high-level government officials, distinguished business leaders, dignitaries, and institutional partners from both countries, further underscoring Switzerland’s strategic investment relationship with Egypt.

Swiss companies play a targeted, high-value role in Egypt’s industrial and services landscape, with investment directed toward strategic sectors and focused on long-term value creation rather than short-term capital inflows. This approach has enabled Swiss businesses to deliver sustained economic impact through industrial integration and long-standing partnerships.

Kamal Ragai Abdel Malek, President of the Board of SwissCham Egypt stated: “This report serves as a strategic roadmap for stakeholders, proving that Swiss engagement is anchored in long-term confidence and technological excellence. With 91% of companies planning further expansion, the data clearly confirms that reinvestment behavior is a direct result of sustained trust in Egypt’s market fundamentals. By providing this evidence-based reference, we aim to support informed dialogue and reinforce the enduring strength of the Swiss-Egyptian economic partnership.” 

The enduring presence of Swiss companies in Egypt is further reflected in the steady growth of trade between the two countries. Bilateral trade has expanded consistently since 2015, driven largely by sustained increases in Swiss exports to Egypt. Egyptian exports have also followed a strong upward trajectory, rising from USD 23 million in 2019 to over USD 1.2 billion in 2024. Meanwhile, Egypt’s imports from Switzerland have remained around USD 1 billion over the past five years, reflecting stable demand for Switzerland’s high-value, technology-intensive industries.

Building on the report’s findings, Swiss investment in Egypt is strategically diversified across key sectors, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, construction, manufacturing, tourism, ICT, financial services, and agriculture. This diversification mitigates concentration risk and strengthens Egypt’s economic resilience, underscoring the scale and depth of Switzerland’s multifaceted investment footprint in the country.

Further reinforcing this depth of engagement, institutional stability in the Egyptian market is reflected in the long-term commitment of Swiss investors. Some Swiss companies have maintained a presence in Egypt for more than a century, reflecting deep-rooted confidence in the market and a sustained commitment across generations. Building on this legacy, records show that 63% of Swiss companies have operated in Egypt for over 25 years, with an average operational duration of approximately 48 years. These enterprises contribute an estimated 1.5%–2.5% of Egypt’s manufacturing output and 0.2%–0.3% of national GDP, highlighting their enduring economic role.

Sara Al Haddad, Executive Director of SwissCham Egypt, shared her perspective: “Swiss investment in Egypt is characterized by true depth and long-term commitment that often remains more impactful than is immediately visible. We focus on industrial integration and the creation of enduring economic value, and this report demonstrates how trust and consistency have become cornerstones of Switzerland’s role in Egypt’s industrial landscape.”

The impact of Swiss firms extends beyond capital investment to people and local capacity building. Swiss companies emphasize skills development, training, and productivity, fostering knowledge transfer and strengthening the local workforce. The report highlights that direct employment supported by Swiss firms more than doubled between 2020 and 2023, rising from 10,400 to 25,000 jobs, with 98%–100% of employees being Egyptian nationals.

As Egypt continues to position itself as a regional hub for industry and innovation, Swiss companies remain key partners in supporting this transformation. Through sustained partnerships, technology investment, and a commitment to sustainable growth, Swiss engagement continues to strengthen a resilient and mutually beneficial economic relationship for the years ahead.

Through the collective contribution of Swiss companies gathered under the umbrella of SwissCham Egypt, the report was developed as an evidence-based assessment of Swiss business impact in Egypt. Participating companies; including ABB, Lafarge (a member of Holcim), Nestlé, Novartis, Hero, SGS, Syngenta, Coca-Cola HBC, EAST, Endress+Hauser (E+H), and Roche; provided verified inputs that illustrate the scale, diversity, and long-term nature of Swiss investments, reinforcing Switzerland’s position as one of Egypt’s leading foreign investors.