Egypt's 'Shams Al Sina'a' Initiative Targets Solar Power for 7,000 Factories and Smart Lighting Technology Localization

Engineer Khaled Hashem, Egypt's Minister of Industry, announced the implementation of the "Shams Al Sina'a" (Industry Sun) initiative, which aims in its first phase to install solar power stations with a total capacity of 1,000 megawatts on the rooftops of approximately 7,000 factories across various governorates. This move coincides with efforts to expand the localization of smart lighting technology and increase the percentage of local components in industrial products.

Meeting Details and Technology Localization Plans

This was revealed during a meeting held by the Minister of Industry with representatives of "Al Tawakol Electrical – Gila" company, chaired by Engineer Sherif Abdel Fattah, CEO. The meeting discussed the company's current projects and future plans for localizing modern lighting technology, as well as enhancing cooperation in energy efficiency and renewable energy fields. The meeting was attended by Engineer Mohamed Sami, Assistant Minister of Industry for Strategic Affairs, Engineer Hussein El Ghazawy, Advisor to the Minister of Industry for Energy Affairs, Mukhlis Tawakol, representative of the Tawakol Group, along with several ministry leaders.

First Smart Lighting Factory with $30 Million Investment

The meeting reviewed the executive status of the project to establish Egypt's first factory for the alliance of "Signify International and Gila," specializing in manufacturing smart, ultra-efficient lighting fixtures and systems. The project involves investments of $30 million over the next three years, with a local component ratio starting at 40% and a plan to reach 80% in the future. The project aims to localize modern lighting technology and enhance the manufacturing and export capabilities of Egyptian industry.

Export Plans and Job Creation

The project targets exporting 60% of its production to African and European markets, while providing approximately 1,000 direct and indirect job opportunities. The factory is scheduled to open during the last quarter of this year, strengthening Egypt's position as a regional hub for advanced lighting technology manufacturing.

The Minister of Industry emphasized the ministry's commitment to providing various forms of support for serious industrial projects that contribute to the transfer and localization of advanced technology, deepen local manufacturing, and increase the added value of Egyptian products. He pointed out that expanding reliance on renewable energy within the industrial sector has become an economic necessity to enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian industry, reduce production costs, and achieve optimal energy use, in addition to keeping pace with global trends towards a green economy and sustainable development. He stressed the importance of increasing local component ratios and deepening local manufacturing across the company's products to boost national industry competitiveness, aligning with the state's strategy to reduce import dependency and strengthen supply chains.