The European Union-funded Trade, Industry, Growth, and Rapid Market Access (TIGARA) project held its inaugural Steering Committee meeting on Monday, signaling a major milestone in Egypt’s efforts to drive sustainable industrial growth. Launched in August 2024, the project aims to enhance Egypt’s industrial competitiveness, expand trade, and support long-term economic development.
The meeting, which brought together key stakeholders, was an opportunity to discuss the project’s objectives and establish priorities for the year ahead. The TIGARA initiative, implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), is integral to Egypt’s broader goal of strengthening its industrial capabilities and increasing market access as part of the 2024-2027 government program.
Aiming for Growth in Egypt’s Industrial Sector
The TIGARA project aligns closely with Egypt’s national development goals, which include boosting the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly revealed in November 2024 that Egypt aims to increase the industrial sector’s share from 14% to 20-30% by 2030, with the newly-formed government targeting a rise from 17% to over 31% by FY2026/2027. Additionally, Egypt plans to raise exports to $145 billion by 2030 and reduce customs clearance time to just two days by 2025.
The project’s objectives are in direct support of these ambitions, focusing on improving the competitiveness of Egyptian industries and expanding trade. These initiatives are part of Egypt’s broader economic strategy to localize industry, enhance exports, and streamline trade processes.
EU’s Continued Support for Egypt’s Development
The TIGARA project is part of a broader financial commitment from the EU, under the strategic partnership agreement between Egypt and the European Union. This agreement, signed in March 2024, includes a 7.4 billion-euro financial package for Egypt by 2027. In January, Egypt received the first tranche of 1 billion euros as part of this package.
Giacomo Bogo, programme manager for trade, investments, and digital transformation at the EU delegation to Egypt, emphasized the project’s role in strengthening EU-Egypt relations. He highlighted the importance of industrial resilience and competitiveness in driving long-term, inclusive growth.
Collaborative Effort to Build a Competitive Industrial Sector
During the Steering Committee meeting, members discussed key priorities for the year and approved the project’s 2025 work plan. Patrick Jean Gilabert, UNIDO representative in Egypt, noted that the project exemplifies a transformative partnership between the Egyptian government, the EU, and UNIDO, aiming to build a more sustainable and competitive industrial sector aligned with global standards.
The committee reaffirmed the importance of collaboration to ensure the project’s objectives align with Egypt’s national development goals. As part of the EU-Egypt Strategic Partnership, the TIGARA project aims to foster a sustainable, competitive industrial sector that can meet Egypt’s economic growth targets.
Broader EU-Egypt Partnership
The TIGARA initiative is just one part of a broader strategic relationship between Egypt and the EU. Discussions are ongoing regarding the second phase of the Macro-Financial Assistance mechanism, which will involve 4 billion euros in budget support and 1.8 billion euros in investment guarantees. Additionally, Egypt has signed several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with the EU, valued at 67.7 billion euros, aimed at furthering Egypt’s economic development.
This collaborative effort underscores Egypt’s commitment to economic transformation, leveraging both domestic reforms and international support to build a stronger, more competitive industrial sector for the future.
