Egypt Launches Local Production of Dongfeng MAGE EV

On October 31, 2026, Egypt officially commenced local production of the MAGE EV, an electric vehicle model from the Chinese brand Dongfeng. The vehicle is assembled at the public El Nasr Automotive plants. The project boasts a local integration rate that can reach up to 45%, with commercialization scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.

Strategic Partnership and Industrial Upgrades

The production of the MAGE EV is the result of a strategic partnership involving:

• El Nasr Automotive
• SN Automotive (Dongfeng’s local representative)
• Al-Safi Group (an Egyptian conglomerate)

This initiative marks a historic first for the local production of electric passenger cars in Egypt. It is underpinned by significant upgrades to El Nasr’s industrial facilities, including modernizations to its assembly, welding, and painting lines.

Beyond Market Entry: Building a Local Ecosystem

The stakes extend far beyond simply launching a new model on the market. For Egyptian industrialists, the primary objectives are to:

1. Gradually develop a network of local suppliers.
2. Reduce dependence on imported vehicles.
3. Capture greater value within an automotive sector undergoing rapid transformation.

A key challenge will be increasing the share of components manufactured domestically, moving beyond mere assembly operations to deeper local value creation.

Egypt Emerges as Africa’s Leading EV Market

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Egypt recorded approximately 7,900 sales of new electric vehicles in 2025. This figure surpasses Morocco (5,500) and South Africa (3,800), establishing Egypt as the leading African market in this segment.

Registration data confirms this upward trajectory. According to data from the Egyptian statistical agency CAPMAS, cited by Egypt Oil & Gas, the number of registered electric vehicles surged from 3,244 in 2023 to 8,560 in 2024, representing a growth of approximately 164%. However, these vehicles still account for a limited share of the total registered vehicle fleet, at just 0.08% for that year.

Future Outlook and Government Ambitions

While the growth potential is significant, the market’s development will also hinge on the ability to offer affordable vehicles and to strengthen charging infrastructure.

The Egyptian government has set an ambitious target: to increase the share of electric passenger cars to 50% of the national automotive market by 2040.