As part of a significant step toward advancing Egypt’s grain storage sector, and under the framework of EU-Kafi programme and the partnership between the European Union and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation—Carlos Campabadal, Grain Storage Outreach Specialist, and Jay Allen, Senior Agricultural Economist from Kansas State University in the United States, conducted a successful field visit to the Egyptian Holding Company for Silos from July 14 to July 21, 2025. The visit aimed to assess and improve the ICT systems used in silo management.
This mission supported ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen governance in Egypt’s grain storage system. It included a series of productive meetings with key officials and engineers from the Holding Company, led by Major General Dr. Eng. Ashraf Ghazy and Brigadier Eng. Hesham Abou El Naga, Head of the ICT Component, alongside a team of specialized technical experts.
Discussions focused on a comprehensive review of the existing digital systems, evaluating current performance and exploring pathways for upgrading the system to meet smart operation standards. The importance of training technical staff was emphasized to ensure sustained performance and maximize the benefits of digital integration.
During the field visit, the team toured the Arab El-Olayqat silo in Qalyubia Governorate, where they observed firsthand the application of ICT systems in a real operating environment. They reviewed decision-making processes, inventory tracking mechanisms, and the system for issuing grain distribution orders to mills. The visit also included Beni Salama silo in Giza Governorate, with a storage capacity of 60,000 tons, which currently operates without an ICT system. This presented an ideal opportunity to compare traditional operational methods with digital systems, helping identify existing gaps and potential areas for development.
These field visits enabled the team to formulate a detailed technical perspective on the differences between digital and non-digital silos, paving the way for practical recommendations that expand the use of modern technology, enhance operational efficiency, and support Egypt’s digital transformation in the grain sector. The mission concluded with a wrap-up meeting on the morning of Sunday, July 21, attended by Brigadier Eng. Hesham Abou El Naga and Eng. Sameh Helaly, Managing Director of the Holding Company for Silos. The meeting summarized the key outcomes of the visit, discussed future technical needs, and explored system development options to ensure greater flexibility and alignment with international standards.
The experts are expected to submit a comprehensive technical report evaluating the current ICT system and presenting actionable recommendations that contribute to strengthening silo management in Egypt and expanding ICT integration in both existing and future silos supported by the KAFI Project.
