Egypt set to strengthen position as Africa’s largest sugar producer by 2035

Egypt is expected to consolidate its position as Africa’s largest sugar producer over the next decade, driven by government support, foreign investment and expanded processing capacity, according to the Agricultural Outlook 2026–2035 released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The report projects that Egypt will increase its share of Africa’s sugar production by 2035 through continued policy support and sustained investment across the sugar sector.

According to the outlook, government incentives and foreign capital are expected to boost domestic sugar production by expanding sugar beet cultivation while improving production efficiency and processing capacity.

The report identifies farmer-oriented pricing policies, greater adoption of improved sugar beet varieties and investments in sugar mills as the key factors supporting future growth. New industrial projects are also expected to strengthen the industry’s long-term competitiveness.

Among the major projects highlighted is the Canal Sugar facility, which the report describes as the world’s largest sugar beet processing plant. With an annual production capacity of around 900,000 tonnes, the facility has significantly expanded Egypt’s processing capacity, increasing domestic sugar production and reducing reliance on imports.

The OECD and FAO estimate that Egypt’s sugar beet production will rise by about 4.8 million tonnes above the report’s baseline period by 2035, making the country one of the leading contributors to growth in Africa’s sugar industry.

The report said Egypt’s expansion reflects a broader global trend of rising sugar crop production. While sugarcane is expected to remain the primary source of global sugar output, demand for sugar is projected to continue increasing, supported by population growth and rising incomes in emerging economies.

According to the report, continued investment and policy reforms are expected to strengthen Egypt’s sugar value chain further, enhancing the country’s competitiveness and reinforcing its role in Africa’s agricultural and food-processing sectors.

More details: https://www.chinimandi.com/egypt-set-to-strengthen-position-as-africas-largest-sugar-producer-by-2035-oecd-fao-report/