Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly recently visited the Robbiki Leather City, underscoring its critical role in transforming the country’s leather industry. This ambitious project, initiated under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, represents a turning point for the sector, positioning Egypt as a major player in the global leather market.
During the visit, Madbouly highlighted the industry’s previous challenges, especially its former location in Souq Magra El-Ayoun, a bustling yet unsuitable site in the heart of Cairo.
He remarked, “The conditions there were far from ideal for such a vital industry with immense potential.”
The relocation to Robbiki Leather City was driven by strong political will and a strategic vision to modernize the sector.
According to Madbouly, the project reflects the government’s determination to support industries that can significantly contribute to Egypt’s economic growth.
The Robbiki Leather City project spans an impressive 500 feddans (~4,200 square meters) and is being developed in three key phases:
- First Phase – Relocation and Regularization
Over 195 tanneries were relocated from Souq Magra El-Ayoun to Robbiki, ensuring better infrastructure and working conditions.
The government has started delivering contracts to these facilities, enabling them to resume operations in a more efficient and regulated environment.
- Second Phase – Adding Value to the Leather Industry
Madbouly emphasized the shift from merely processing raw leather to manufacturing value-added products.
The second phase includes the establishment of factories for adhesives, gelatin, and other essential leather-related products. This shift aims to significantly boost Egypt’s export potential.
- Third Phase – Finished Leather Goods Production
The final phase focuses on manufacturing finished leather goods, such as shoes, garments, and accessories.
These industries, once a strength for Egypt, will be revived to compete on a global scale. The government plans to attract global expertise to enhance production quality and increase exports.
Robbiki Leather City is already home to 100 factories, with the government preparing to hand over the first batch of these facilities to investors. These factories will focus on producing high-quality leather goods for export markets.
With Robbiki Leather City nearing completion, Egypt’s leather industry is poised for a major leap forward. The project is expected to generate over $1 billion in annual exports, a dramatic increase from the current figures, which stand in the tens of millions.
