Algeria News Portal: Ahmed Al-Sewedy, CEO of the Egyptian company “Al-Suwaidi Electric”, has outlined a new expansion strategy that reflects growing confidence in Algeria’s investment climate and paves the way for a new phase of industrial positioning focused on the African continent.In an interview with the “Eqtisad Alsharq” channel, El-Sewedy explained that the company has established a presence in Algeria for more than twenty years, emphasising that this presence is no longer merely a traditional investment but has evolved into a genuine integration within the local economic fabric. He stated that the company “treats Algeria as if it were Egypt”, referring to the level of satisfaction in dealing with public authorities and the availability of skilled personnel that has supported the expansion of its activities.
The spokesperson added that “El Sewedy Electric” currently owns six factories in Algeria operating in various sectors, with expansion plans continuing at an accelerating pace, driven by government support which he described as a catalyst, alongside a strategic vision that views Algeria as a regional industrial base, rather than merely a consumer market.In this context, he highlighted that a significant portion of production is not aimed solely at the local market, but is directed towards exports, particularly to African countries and even to Europe, reflecting a shift in the nature of investment towards a competitive, cross-border production model.
In a related context, Al-Sewedy revealed the company’s intention to strengthen its presence in infrastructure-related industries, particularly in the field of fibre optics, which he considered a cornerstone for the development of communication networks within Algeria and across the African continent, noting that the growing demand for this type of cable will prompt the company to allocate a significant portion of its production for export to Africa, given the increasing need to connect countries with modern networks.The company’s ambitions do not stop there, however, as the same official mentioned the exploration of new projects in the water transport sector through the manufacture of GRP pipes, a move that forms part of Algeria’s efforts to develop its infrastructure and reduce reliance on imports.
The company is also working to develop processing industries in the plastics and polymers sector, including the production of basic materials such as PVC, XLPE and masterbatch, as part of building an integrated industrial base that enhances local manufacturing capacity and increases export volumes.Speaking on the matter, Al-Sewedy emphasised that the central aim of these investments is to reduce the import bill by producing raw materials locally, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Algerian products in foreign markets. He confirmed that the company has already commenced copper manufacturing, and is considering expanding into aluminium production, given its strategic importance in many industries.He also revealed a project under consideration to establish a partnership with Algeria’s Sonelgaz, through the creation of a joint venture aimed at developing renewable energy projects in Africa, including solar, hydro and wind power, alongside infrastructure projects.He explained that this initiative, although still at the conceptual stage, reflects a clear move towards uniting Algerian and Egyptian efforts to invest in promising African markets, such as Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal.
