Cityscape Egypt 2025: Retail Sector Positioned for Growth as Consumer Trends Shift

 At the Cityscape Egypt 2025 Summit, a key panel discussion

titled “The Retail Goldmine Exploring Egypt’s True Potential for Retail – Understanding Gaps,

Opportunities for Investors and Outlook” spotlighted the promising future and persistent challenges

of the Egyptian retail sector, one of the country’s most dynamic economic engines

With Egypt representing the largest consumer market in the Arab world — and nearly 60% of its

population under the age of 30 the session emphasized how retail continues to dominate over 50% of

the domestic market, even as e-commerce in Egypt accelerates its footprint

Youth-Driven Market with Expanding Investment Opportunities

Moderated by Nihal El Koussi, Managing Director of North Africa and Levant at NielsenIQ

the panel featured top industry leaders including

Rasha Azab, Managing Director – Shopping Malls, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, Egypt

Ahmed Badrawi, Executive Vice-Chairman, Marakez (Fawaz Al Hokair Group)

 Cityscape Mohamed Galal, Chairman and Founder, TSM

All speakers agreed that retail in Egypt presents compelling investment opportunities,

particularly as urban expansion fuels demand in food, entertainment, and mixed-use developments

Retail Sector in Egypt Set for 11% Growth Over Four Years

 Cityscape Speaking during the panel, Rasha Azab projected that the Egyptian retail sector will see 11% growth

through 2029, while the food sector in Egypt is expected to expand by 4% over the next seven years

She highlighted that Majid Al Futtaim currently operates nearly three million square meters of retail space

in Egypt, with a focus on transforming malls into fully integrated lifestyle destinations

“Malls today are more than shopping spaces — they’re experience centers with entertainment zones

co-working areas, and comprehensive services tailored to Egypt’s evolving consumer base,” Azab said

 Cityscape: International Retailers Eye Egypt as Investment Hotspot

Ahmed Badrawi echoed this optimism, citing positive economic indicators over the past year

that have drawn international retail brands to Egypt. He stressed that innovation is now a critical

success factor, with local Egyptian brands stepping in to fill key market gaps

“Supporting homegrown businesses is vital,” Badrawi emphasized, adding that as retail diversifies into food

leisure, and experiential offerings, it becomes a cornerstone of Egypt’s economic development strategy

Innovative Models Respond to Competition and Market Pressures

Mohamed Galal, Chairman of TSM, noted that both the retail and food & beverage sectors i

n Egypt are witnessing robust growth, with plenty of untapped space available for residential

and mixed-use projects. However, he warned that intense competition is a real challenge

To navigate this, Galal revealed that TSM has adopted a unique model by managing several

projects within the same geographic area in a complementary, non-competing way a move

aimed at creating added value and promoting long-term sustainability

Cityscape Egypt 2025 Exhibition Set to Attract Over 40,000 Visitors

Kicking off tomorrow, Cityscape Egypt 2025 will run from September 24 to 27 at the Egypt

International Exhibition Center (EIEC) in New Cairo The exhibition will bring together more

than 80 local and international real estate developers, showcasing over 1,000 projects, including

Residential developments

Commercial and administrative projects

Smart cities

Sustainable developments

The event is expected to draw over 40,000 visitors, including investors, entrepreneurs

and homebuyers seeking new opportunities in Egypt’s booming real estate and retail markets

 Cityscape: Retail Remains a Key Driver of Egypt’s Economic Future

 Cityscape As insights from Cityscape Egypt 2025 reveal, the retail industry in Egypt remains a vital

growth driver for the country’s economy. Despite headwinds such as reduced consumer

purchasing power and fierce competition, the sector offers a wealth of investment opportunities

particularly in integrated retail spaces, food & beverage, and localized innovation

With international interest rising and local players adapting with forward-thinking strategies

Egypt’s retail landscape is well-positioned for transformation and long-term growth