Table of Contents
Key Points
- The El-Sewedy family, one of Egypt's wealthiest, dominates the Middle East's electrical infrastructure industry through their holdings in Elsewedy Electric.
- With a 78.7% stake in Elsewedy Electric, the family has transformed the electrical equipment sector, boosting both wealth and influence in MENA.
- The family’s investments focus on electrical manufacturing, power solutions, and digital technologies, playing a key role in regional infrastructure and energy development.
Egyptian billionaire El-Sewedy family, one of the wealthiest families in Egypt and the broader Middle East and North Africa region, has become a cornerstone of Egypt's industrial sector, particularly in electrical infrastructure.
Members of the family, including Ahmed, Sadek, Mohammed, Azza, Zainab, and Mona El-Sewedy, have all played pivotal roles in transforming the region's cable and electrical equipment industry. Their leadership in this sector has not only shaped the industry but has also greatly increased their wealth through their holdings in Elsewedy Electric.
Since its inception, Elsewedy Electric, under the guidance of the El-Sewedy family, has evolved from a small operation to a dominant player in electrical equipment manufacturing. Today, the family retains a 78.7 percent stake in the company, securing their influential position in Egypt and across the Middle East and North Africa.
The family's diverse investments further demonstrate their strategic vision, focusing on industries critical to regional development, including electrical product manufacturing, turnkey power solutions, and digital technologies. Their companies are integral to advancing infrastructure and energy needs in the region.
Led by Sadek and Ahmed El-Sewedy and their siblings, the family is focused on continuing to build a legacy centered on sustainability and future-focused energy solutions.
Billionaires.Africa tracks ten key companies under the family’s control, underscoring their significant impact on shaping the region’s energy and infrastructure landscape:
Founded in 1938, Elsewedy Electric stands as one of the largest electrical equipment manufacturers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). With 78.7 percent of the company held by the El-Sewedy family, it boasts $3.7 billion in assets, spanning 31 production facilities across 15 countries. Operating in over 110 nations, Elsewedy Electric manufactures everything from cables and transformers to renewable energy solutions. In the nine months ending September 2024, Elsewedy Electric reported revenue growth of 51.49 percent, rising from EGP108.8 billion ($2.15 billion) to EGP164.82 billion ($3.26 billion). It has spearheaded major projects like Libya's Zliten power plant and a $328 million high-voltage cable installation for Qatar’s Kahramaa, cementing its role in regional energy infrastructure and renewable initiatives.
- El Sewedy Electric for Transmission & Distribution
Operating primarily in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region, El Sewedy Electric for Transmission & Distribution plays a key role in the expansion of the family’s business empire. With a focus on power transmission and distribution, the subsidiary secured a $176.1 million contract in Saudi Arabia, illustrating the family’s strategic investments in energy solutions in some of Africa’s wealthiest nations.
- Elsewedy Power
Specializing in turnkey energy solutions, El Sewedy Power has solidified its position as a leading provider of energy infrastructure for both government and private sectors. With an emphasis on sustainable energy, it is heavily involved in Africa’s largest markets, focusing on solar and wind power as part of the continent's push towards greener energy sources.
- Egytech Cables Co
Egytech Cables, a key subsidiary of Elsewedy Electric, manufactures and exports cables for telecommunications, lighting, and electrical grids, including fire-resistant, coaxial, welding, and LAN cables. As a leading exporter, it supports the El-Sewedy family’s global expansion into sectors like automotive and telecoms. Egytech about 4 years ago signed a EGP193 million ($3.89 million) contract with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company to establish the Delta Zone Regional Control Center (DRCC) Lot 2, the largest OPGW turnkey project in Egypt's history, spanning 1,500 KM.
- United Industries Company
Specializing in the manufacturing of copper and fire-resistant cables, United Industries plays a critical role in supplying products for the automotive and telecommunications industries. Its presence is vital in Africa’s high-growth regions, including Nigeria and Egypt, where infrastructure projects are expanding rapidly.
- Elsewedy Technology Holding AG
Elsewedy Technology Holding AG focuses on the digitalization of energy systems and the development of high-tech solutions in the energy sector. With a keen focus on automation, smart grids, and innovative power distribution systems, the company plays a pivotal role in the ongoing transformation of the energy landscape. Elsewedy Technology is particularly involved in projects related to smart city technologies, positioning the El-Sewedy family at the forefront of the digital energy revolution.
- Elsewedy Electric for Trade and Distribution
This subsidiary supports the distribution of El Sewedy Electric’s extensive product range across Africa and the MENA region. By providing essential infrastructure to sectors such as construction, utilities, and manufacturing, it plays a critical role in meeting the growing demand for energy products in some of Africa’s richest markets.
- Jeddah Cable Company Limited
Jeddah Cable Company Limited is a key player in the Saudi Arabian market, manufacturing a wide range of cables used in construction, telecommunications, and energy sectors. With a focus on high-quality and durable cables, Jeddah Cable has become one of the leading suppliers in the region. The company’s success is built on strong partnerships with major Saudi Arabian corporations and government entities, which has helped it secure long-term contracts for both local and international projects.
- Elsewedy Electric Zambia Limited
A key player in the growing economies of Sub-Saharan Africa, Elsewedy Electric Zambia focuses on providing electrical solutions for energy and infrastructure projects. Its contributions to Zambia’s energy sector align with the El-Sewedy family’s long-term strategy of positioning itself in Africa's emerging markets, which are rich in natural resources.
- United Company for Wires
United Company for Wires specializes in manufacturing copper and aluminum wires, crucial for industries such as construction, telecommunications, and energy. Its products are integral to major infrastructure projects in Africa's wealthiest countries, including Nigeria and South Africa.
