Egypt Sets Sights on Sugar Self‑Sufficiency by 2026 Through Expanded Beet and Cane Cultivation

Egypt’s Cabinet has disclosed that the country is on track to achieve full self‑sufficiency in sugar production by 2026, marking a significant milestone in bolstering national food security and reducing dependency.

This ambitious target follows an aggressive push to expand sugar crop cultivation, particularly sugar beets. The cultivated area for beets increased from 600,000 feddans in 2023 to over 780,000 feddans in 2025, supported by attractive Government-set procurement prices—EGP 2,500 per ton for sugar cane and EGP 3,000 per ton for sugar beets.

In 2025, Egypt’s total sugar output surpassed three million tons, with approximately 620,000 tons derived from sugar cane and a substantial 2.5 million tons harvested from sugar beets, firmly positioning the nation to cease sugar imports from next year. Officials emphasize that the move will preserve foreign currency reserves, stabilize domestic sugar prices, and reinforce national food security.

Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture attributes this achievement to targeted government incentives and improved agricultural extension services, underscoring a strategic commitment to fostering resilient agricultural systems.

About Khalid Al Mouahidi 4740 Articles
Khalid Al Mouahidi : A binational from the US and Morocco, Khalid El Mouahidi has worked for several american companies in the Maghreb Region and is currently based in Casablanca, where he is doing consulting jobs for major international companies . Khalid writes analytical pieces about economic ties between the Maghreb and the Mena Region, where he has an extensive network