15 things to know about Egypt–Japan ties
© Egypt Business Directory
Egypt and Japan have taken major steps to deepen their partnership, highlighted by new agreements on green hydrogen, investment, education, and trade. Here are the key developments shaping this growing relationship:
Green hydrogen deal – Egypt’s SCZone signed an MoU with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to cooperate on green hydrogen development, aiming to position Egypt as a hub for sustainable fuel exports.
Clean energy push – Japan’s Itochu Corporation and Egypt’s Orascom agreed to build and operate ammonia-based green fuel facilities for ships in the Suez Canal, boosting Egypt’s role in global energy transition.
Twelve new agreements – At the Egypt–Japan Investment Forum, both sides signed 12 MoUs and letters of intent covering energy, industry, education, and tourism.
Growing trade flows – Bilateral trade reached $386 million in the first five months of 2025, up 12.6 percent year-on-year.
Export decline, import surge – Egypt’s exports to Japan dropped 13.3 percent to $27.5 million, while imports from Japan rose 15.2 percent to $358.5 million.
Top Egyptian exports – Agricultural and food products dominated: fruits ($8.2M), oil seeds ($4.3M), vegetables ($3.6M), along with smaller volumes of animal fodder, clothing, carpets, and fertilizers.
Top Japanese exports – Cars and motorcycles led with $102M, followed by machinery ($81.2M), rubber products ($24.9M), electrical equipment ($24.7M), and steel ($17.8M).
Rising Japanese investment – Japan invested $73.2M in Egypt in FY2023/24, up 7 percent from the previous year.
Remittances on the rise – Egyptians working in Japan sent home $5.6M in FY2023/24, while Japanese workers in Egypt remitted $1.3M, both showing double-digit growth.
Industrial zone proposal – PM Mostafa Madbouly invited Japan to establish a dedicated industrial zone in the SCZone, offering access to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe through Egypt’s trade deals.
Education transformation – Agreements included Casio Middle East modernizing math education, Sprix Japan reforming curricula with IT and programming, and Yamaha expanding music education in 100 schools.
Vocational and special needs focus – A partnership with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Japan’s education ministry will strengthen vocational training, special needs programs, and the “Tokkatsu” learning model.
Industrial and R&D links – El Araby Group signed with Toyota Tsusho for technology transfer and with Kageto/Onkyo to produce advanced visual and audio devices in Egypt.
Tourism and hospitality boost – Tokyo Hotels Group partnered with Waterway Developments to train hospitality workers, while Titan Capital and Promotors Egypt teamed up for leisure and tourism ventures.
Automotive cooperation – Toyota Tsusho signed agreements with Egypt’s Ministries of Industry and Investment to promote local automotive manufacturing, while also partnering with E-JUST to expand scholarships and academic exchanges.