Egypt Signs MoU to Localize Electric Cars Industry

Electric cars being charged on a street (AFP)
Electric cars being charged on a street (AFP)
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Egypt Signs MoU to Localize Electric Cars Industry

Electric cars being charged on a street (AFP)
Electric cars being charged on a street (AFP)

Egypt’s Nasr Automotive Manufacturing Company, of the Ministry of Public Enterprise, signed two agreements with China's Dongfeng Motor Corporation to reconstruct its factory to produce the first electric car in Egypt.

Egypt’s Public Enterprise Minister Hisham Tawfik and the Chinese Ambassador to Cairo Liao Liqiang attended the online ceremony, which also included top officials from Nasr and Dongfeng.

Speaking at the ceremony, Tawfiq stressed that the agreements mark the launch of Nasr towards the project of localizing the electric car industry in Egypt.

Earlier, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi issued directives to relevant authorities on localizing and using national capabilities to manufacture electric vehicles.

Tawfik explained that the project aims to preserve the environment by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and thermal emissions that have negative impacts on people and the economy.

He explained that the agreements included a framework agreement for the production of the electric car in Nasr factories in cooperation with Dongfeng.

Dongfeng is one of the four largest car manufacturers in China that produces about 3.5 million cars annually with its main partners in the auto industry worldwide, he mentioned.

The two companies also signed an agreement to renew the Nasr factory with the latest technologies and production methods.

The project comes within the framework of the automobile manufacturing strategy adopted by the political leadership, which takes into account all the associated factors, according to the Minister.

Tawfik indicated that all relevant authorities and ministries are cooperating to ensure the success of this strategic project.

They will deploy fast chargers in the streets and parking lots all over the country and prepare electricity networks to accommodate the expected increase in consumption.

The authorities will also launch the necessary support policies which help encourage consumers to shift to new methods of transportation.

He pointed out that the ministry relied on technical and commercial studies which led to choosing China’s Dongfeng, as well as the “E70” model.

E70 electric vehicles will be used to reduce emissions and ensure successful sustainability while keeping pace with the increasing global trend of electric transport.

In light of the President’s directives, Nasr Company will start its production of electric cars at a localization rate of 50 percent. At a later stage, the plan will include a research and development center, with the participation of national cadres and specialized Egyptian companies.

An agreement is currently underway to establish a research and development center with Dongfeng and Egyptآ's Brightskies Technologies company.

The Minister also reported that the project aims to produce 25,000 cars annually in one shift, and according to market studies, the volume of demand is expected to increase with the anticipated governmental support and incentives to double this amount.



Saudi Arabia Maintains Top Global Ranking in Cybersecurity Index

The pavilion of the National Cybersecurity Authority at the World Defense Show 2024 (SPA)
The pavilion of the National Cybersecurity Authority at the World Defense Show 2024 (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Maintains Top Global Ranking in Cybersecurity Index

The pavilion of the National Cybersecurity Authority at the World Defense Show 2024 (SPA)
The pavilion of the National Cybersecurity Authority at the World Defense Show 2024 (SPA)

Saudi Arabia has retained its position as the world’s leading nation in the Cybersecurity Index, according to the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025 released by the World Competitiveness Center of the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and Chairman of the National Cybersecurity Authority, said this accomplishment adds to the Kingdom’s series of successes across all fields.

He attributed the progress to the leadership’s proactive vision in establishing a comprehensive cybersecurity sector, encompassing both security and development dimensions, at local and international levels.

Al-Aiban noted that Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity ecosystem has undergone remarkable progress in a short span since the creation of the National Cybersecurity Authority and the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE), which serves as its strategic and technical partner.

Together, these two pillars form the foundation of the Kingdom’s cybersecurity model, which has strengthened national cyber resilience, advanced technological sovereignty, localized critical technologies, and bolstered information sharing and international cooperation.

The National Cybersecurity Authority is the central entity responsible for cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia and the national reference for all related affairs. Its mandate is to safeguard vital interests, critical infrastructure, and national security.

It also aims to drive the growth of the cybersecurity sector, promote innovation and investment, and establish policies, governance mechanisms, frameworks, standards, controls, and guidelines. These efforts are designed to create a secure and reliable Saudi cyberspace that enables economic growth and prosperity.