Under the esteemed auspices and presence of H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, and Lieutenant General Kamel Al Wazir, Vice Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, the Egyptian Government celebrated the revitalization of the Leather Tanning Technology Centre at Robbiki Leather City.
Dr. Tiberio Chiari, Head of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation – AICS Cairo Office, was honoured to participate in this official ceremony on behalf of the Italian Embassy. His presence reflects the strong and long-standing cooperation between Egypt and Italy in promoting industrial modernization and sustainable economic development. The revitalized centre will serve as a hub for innovation, training, and technology transfer in the leather sector, reinforcing Egypt’s competitiveness in global markets.
This milestone celebrates the successful implementation of the “Technical Assistance to Implement Robbiki Leather City Project”, a flagship initiative of the Egypt–Italy partnership. Following Italy’s steadfast support and technical expertise, the Egyptian government completed a full-scale infrastructure to the Leather Tanning Technology Centre and established a strategic partnership with Robbiki Tanning Technology Company, ensuring sustainable management and industrial excellence.
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation – AICS has played a pivotal role in transforming Egypt’s leather sector through a comprehensive programmes and initiatives combining infrastructure development, technical assistance, and capacity building. With an investment of €45 million, Italy supported the relocation of over 500 tanneries from Magra El Eyoun to Robbiki Leather City, creating modern facilities equipped with wastewater treatment plants and solid waste management systems. Additionally, AICS has provided €6 million for technical assistance to strengthen the Leather Tanning Technology Centre, including training of trainers, launching quality services and laboratories, and supplying advanced equipment for pilot plants.
Building on this success, a new €3 million initiative, managed and fully financed by AICS is planned, to replicate the Robbiki model by strengthening technology centres, improving industrial governance, and promoting sustainable practices across various industrial districts and sectors. This initiative is expected to generate 25,000 jobs, boost leather exports from $100 million to $350 million annually, and further enhanced Egypt’s global competitiveness.
This ceremony reaffirms the shared vision of Italy and Egypt to foster inclusive industrial development, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation. Both nations remain committed to deepening their strategic partnership, leveraging expertise and resources to drive economic growth and create opportunities for future generations. The revitalization of Robbiki Leather City stands as a testament to this enduring collaboration and a model for future initiatives across multiple sectors.
