Rate Notice: 5.9% general rate increase Jan 1, 2026 — Learn More

    Cairo

    Cairo’s infrastructure is characterized by ongoing modernization efforts and major transport projects, but faces persistent challenges with congestion, limited green spaces, and declining walkability.

    Country:Egypt

    12M+

    Population

    453km²

    Area

    19,376/km²

    Density

    Growth Trends

    450.3K

    The projected net population growth in Cairo for 2024 is 450,000.

    Working-Age Population

    63%

    58% of the European Union population is of working age (20–64 years) as of 2023.

    Employment Rates

    N/ACurrent Rate

    Key industries include manufacturing, information technology, and construction, with major corporations like Orascom Construction, Elsewedy Electric, and Vodafone Egypt playing significant roles in Cairo.

    Educational Attainment

    Tertiary attainment among young adults aged 25-34 in OECD countries increased from 45% in 2019 to 48% in 2024, placing it among top OECD nations.

    Foreign Residents

    Foreign residents data not available

    Ethnic Composition

    Foreign residents in Cairo surpassed 2 million in 2024, making up about 9% of the city population, with largest groups from Sudan, Syria, Palestine, and other African countries.

    Commuting

    The Cairo metropolitan area has extensive commuting patterns with millions of people traveling daily, primarily by rail, including over 3.5 million using the metro.

    Migration Patterns

    Cairo continues to attract residents from other regions with a net inflow of 440,000 people in 2024.

    Average Income

    3.2K

    The average annual income in Cairo is about 1.9 million yen, though more than half earn less than this amount.

    Transportation & Logistics Overview

    Major Highways and Freight Corridors

    Cairo’s major highway and road infrastructure includes the 100km Cairo Ring Road, upgraded multi-lane highways like the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, and a network of new bridges and superhighways aimed at reducing congestion and connecting the city to new developments.

    Port Facilities and Container Volume

    Cairo is landlocked and has no port facilities.

    Airport Cargo Handling

    Cairo International Airport has modern cargo facilities covering over 132,000 square meters, including specialized terminals for perishables and pharmaceuticals, with leading operators like CACC Cargolinx providing an annual cargo handling capacity of up to 240,000 tons.

    Rail Infrastructure and Intermodal Terminals

    Cairo’s rail infrastructure includes an extensive metro system with three operational lines for urban passenger transit, and national railways providing intercity passenger and freight services connecting Cairo to major cities and ports.

    Public Transit Network

    Cairo’s public transit system includes a three-line metro network and an extensive bus system serving the city and its suburbs.

    Commute Times and Congestion

    Average one-way commute times in Cairo are around 50 minutes, with high traffic congestion especially during rush hours, often causing travel times to double and speeds to drop significantly.

    Sustainability Initiatives

    Key sustainability and green transportation initiatives in Cairo include launching an electric bus rapid transit system, expanding metro lines, integrating electric vehicles into public transit, and implementing a green city action plan to reduce emissions and promote sustainable mobility.

    Warehousing & Fulfillment Landscape

    Global Hubs Warehousing

    Space and Vacancy Rates

    The search results do not contain information about warehouse space vacancy rates in Cairo, only office market vacancy rates.

    Lease Rates and Warehouse Classes

    Warehouse lease rates in Cairo typically range from EGP 30,000 to over EGP 1,200,000 per month depending on size, location, and class, with modern logistics and industrial warehouses in New Cairo and 6th of October City commanding higher rates and offering higher-grade facilities.

    Major Warehouse Districts

    New Cairo, East Cairo (YANMU Logistics Park), Suez Road, Sokhna Logistics Park, Sheraton Heliopolis.

    Last-Mile Delivery Infrastructure

    Cairo’s last-mile delivery infrastructure combines digital platforms, real-time tracking, flexible delivery options, and a mix of vehicles—including motorcycles—to navigate urban congestion and serve both dense and remote areas efficiently.

    Automation and Technology Adoption

    Warehouse automation in Cairo is in the early stages, with gradual adoption of technologies like automated storage and retrieval systems, robotics, and warehouse management software to improve efficiency and accuracy.

    Cold Storage and Specialty Warehousing

    Cold storage and specialty warehousing facilities in Cairo are temperature-controlled warehouses designed to preserve perishable goods such as food and pharmaceuticals, featuring advanced refrigeration systems and specialized storage areas for different products.

    Supply Chain Analysis

    Global Hubs Supply Chain

    Key Industries

    Key industries and economic sectors in Cairo include manufacturing (cotton textiles, chemicals, plastics, automobiles, iron and steel), agriculture-related processing, services (government, finance, media, healthcare, education), tourism, telecommunications, and shipping/logistics.

    Major Logistics Providers

    Cairo International Logistics, FAST FREIGHT INTERNATIONAL, CLASS SOLUTION, STAR INTERNATIONAL CO, WORLD FREIGHT CENTER, M.G.L CARGO SERVICES LTD, OVER WORLD FREIGHT LINE LIMITED, GLOBAL FREIGHT SYSTEMS, GREEN LINE WAREHOUSING & CARGO SERVICES, RED LINE EGYPT FOR INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING & TRANSPORTATION, EARTH LINK FREIGHT AND MARKETING SERVICES, UNIVERSAL FOR SHIPPING AND CUSTOMS CLEARANCE, SAFETYTRANS FOR INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, MESCO, NAQLA For Trucking Services, Suez Canal Container Terminal, Integrated Solutions For Ports, National Navigation, Aramex International Egypt, Alexandria International Container Terminals, Ship & C.R.E.W. Egypt, FedEx Express, Pan Marine, Bosta, Porto Marine Service, OPEX, DHL Worldwide Express, HAPAG-LLOYD (EGYPT) SHIPPING S.A.E, Maersk Logistics and Services Egypt Ltd, CMA CGM, Sczone, Suez Canal Authority, DB Schenker, Sescotrans for Developed Logistics, UPS SCS Egypt LLC, Ibramar Shipping Co. S.A.E., TRELLA, World Cargo Egypt, Nile Logistics International, EGY Logistics, Khawass Logistics, LOGISTICA, EPx, International Cargo Service, Tiffany Cargo Systems, EGY-LINE, ACS Logistics co.

    Import/Export Volumes and Trading Partners

    Cairo’s import volume was $7.53 billion and export volume $4.10 billion in April 2025, with key trading partners including the UAE, India, and other Arab League countries; major exports are petroleum products and garments, while main imports include natural gas and maize.

    Supply Chain Resilience

    Based on the search results provided, there is no specific information available about supply chain resilience and risk factors in Cairo.

    Local Manufacturing Capabilities

    Cairo serves as a vital hub for Egypt's manufacturing, benefiting from its strategic location and dense population, with significant industrial zones like 10th of Ramadan City and 6th of October City supporting various production facilities.

    Industry Clusters

    Cairo’s main industry clusters include textiles and apparel, technology and innovation, manufacturing, construction, and higher education and research.

    Competitive Advantages

    Cairo’s key competitive advantages as a logistics/business hub are its strategic geographic location connecting Africa, Asia, and Europe, strong transport and port infrastructure, large domestic market, established manufacturing base, and growing connectivity through new shipping routes and trade agreements.

    Infrastructure Assessment

    Detailed evaluation of Cairo's infrastructure quality, investment projects, utility systems, and environmental considerations for strategic planning.

    Quality and Capacity

    Cairo’s infrastructure is undergoing rapid expansion with major investments in transport, energy, and urban development, but faces ongoing challenges in technological modernization and capacity to keep pace with its fast-growing population.

    Planned Investments

    Cairo is undergoing major infrastructure investments including expanded metro and monorail lines, large-scale urban development such as the New Administrative Capital, and significant funding for housing, transport, water, sanitation, and green projects.

    Utilities Reliability and Costs

    Cairo’s utility infrastructure is extensive but aging, with near-universal electricity coverage, widespread water access facing periodic shortages and quality issues, and generally reliable but sometimes congested internet and telecom networks.

    Environmental Factors

    Key environmental factors affecting logistics in Cairo include severe air pollution from road transport and industry, traffic congestion, waste burning, and rising temperatures due to climate change.