British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, has launched a new strategy for Egypt as its total commitments in the country approach $1.3 billion since 2012.

The announcement coincided with a visit to Cairo by BII Chief Executive Officer Leslie Maasdorp, who met with government officials, investors and private sector leaders as Egypt continues implementing economic reforms aimed at boosting growth and attracting investment.

The strategy forms part of BII’s broader five-year plan to deploy £9 billion across Africa, including £5 billion of its own capital and additional funding mobilised from private investors. In Egypt, the institution plans to focus on sectors including renewable energy, agriculture, financial services, manufacturing and export-oriented businesses.

“Egypt is a vital partner for British International Investment and a cornerstone of our new strategy. Having committed nearly $1.3 billion since we started making direct investments in the country reflects both the scale of opportunity and the strength of our long-term partnership,” said Leslie Maasdorp, Chief Executive Officer of British International Investment.

Maasdorp said BII intends to increase investment in sectors that support economic resilience and job creation.

“We are committed to mobilising more capital into renewable energy and other productive sectors that create jobs, strengthen resilience and support Egypt’s transition to a more sustainable and competitive economy,” he said.

The strategy aligns with Egypt’s National Industrial Strategy 2026–2030, which aims to increase industry’s contribution to gross domestic product to 20% by 2030 and create up to eight million jobs.

Mark Bryson-Richardson, the UK Ambassador to Egypt, said, “The UK is proud to support Egypt through its partnership with British International Investment. BII’s new strategy underlines the UK’s long-term commitment to mobilising investment that drives sustainable growth, supports economic reform and creates opportunities for people and businesses across Egypt.”

More than half of BII’s investments in Egypt during its previous strategy period were allocated to climate-related projects. These included more than $300 million invested in projects such as the 1.1GW Gulf of Suez Wind Farm and a 1.1GW integrated solar and battery storage project developed with Scatec.

Beyond renewable energy, BII is supporting Egypt’s ambitions to strengthen its manufacturing and logistics sectors through investments in infrastructure, including its partnership with DP World to expand port capacity and improve trade connectivity.

The institution is also backing climate-resilient water infrastructure through the Africa Water Infrastructure Development platform, with Egypt identified as a priority market.

In financial services, BII has partnered with lenders including Arab African International Bank, Banque du Caire and Commercial International Bank to expand access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, entrepreneurs and underserved groups, including women.