On August 19, 2026, Egypt officially launched construction of a phosphoric acid production complex on the Abu Tartour plateau in the Western Desert, with an investment of $658 million. The project is located in the New Valley Governorate and aims to transform the country's vast phosphate reserves into a major export driver.
The complex is part of Egypt's strategy to add value to its mineral resources rather than exporting raw phosphate rock. According to official statements, the facility will produce phosphoric acid, a key ingredient in fertilizers, and is expected to generate significant revenue and create jobs in the region.
The Abu Tartour area holds one of the world's largest phosphate deposits, and the new plant is designed to process this resource locally. The project aligns with Egypt's Vision 2030, which emphasizes industrial development and economic diversification.
Construction is expected to take several years, with operations slated to begin in the early 2030s. The Egyptian government has partnered with international firms for technology and financing, though specific partners have not been publicly detailed.
