State hopes to boost business ties as Egypt eyes investment in key U.S. sectors
Nebraska’s pushing for a fresh foothold in North Africa. In October, the state will send a group of business leaders to Egypt — hoping to unlock new trade routes, tap into investment flows, and maybe, just maybe, secure long-term partnerships far from home.
The fall trade mission, set for October 26 to November 2, is being led by Secretary of State Bob Evnen. He’s banking on Egypt’s gradual economic growth and Nebraska’s industry strengths to spark a few deals.
What’s Nebraska Doing in Cairo?
At first glance, it might seem like an odd pairing — the Cornhusker State and the Middle East’s most populous country. But zoom in a bit, and there’s a logic.
Egypt is one of the fastest-growing food importers in the world. Its population has topped 110 million and is still climbing. Climate pressures and water shortages mean agriculture output struggles to keep up.
Enter Nebraska.
The state is strong in:
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Agricultural production and food processing
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Water and irrigation technology
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Livestock genetics and ag-tech systems
“There’s real opportunity here,” said Evnen. “Egypt needs what we’re good at.”
A Different Kind of Corn Exchange
This isn’t Nebraska’s first overseas trade trip, but Egypt adds a bit of complexity — and intrigue. There’s a mix of old and new challenges there: inflation, a weakened currency, but also huge infrastructure projects and foreign investment reforms.
The mission will focus on connecting Nebraskan companies with Egyptian government officials, private firms, and distributors. The delegation will visit Cairo and Alexandria, with possible sideline meetings in other cities.
Only a few U.S. states have tried to open direct trade lanes with Egypt in recent years. Nebraska could get in early.
What Egypt Wants — And Where Nebraska Fits
Egypt isn’t just looking for wheat and corn. It’s positioning itself as a manufacturing hub, logistics player, and digital economy.
That might sound like a stretch, but recent numbers back it up. The government’s Vision 2030 plan targets multi-sector investment from abroad.
Here’s a snapshot of Egypt’s sectoral priorities and how Nebraska matches up:
| Egypt’s Investment Focus | Nebraska’s Strength |
|---|---|
| Food security | Crop production, agri-tech |
| Water & irrigation | Pivot irrigation systems, hydrology tools |
| Livestock development | Genetic breeding, vet science |
| Renewable energy | Biofuels, ethanol |
| Logistics & transport | Agri-supply chain know-how |
“Egypt is casting a wide net,” said a U.S. Department of Commerce official familiar with trade in the region. “And Nebraska checks a surprising number of boxes.”
Timing Isn’t Random — And Neither Is Egypt
This trip didn’t just fall on a calendar by chance.
October’s timing avoids Egypt’s blistering summer, but also lines up with several agriculture and investment expos in Cairo. That’s no accident. State officials confirmed the trip was timed to allow Nebraskan delegates to piggyback on larger business events.
And Egypt? It’s dealing with inflation, debt, and a cost-of-living crisis — but it’s also spending billions on infrastructure, canal upgrades, and food logistics.
One official from Cairo’s Ministry of Trade told KIOS, “We’re very interested in U.S. partnerships that bring real value — not just financial speculation.”
Will This Mission Deliver Results?
It’s too early to say. Trade missions can sound glamorous but sometimes fall flat. Much depends on follow-through.
That said, Evnen’s team has been building this one quietly for months. They’ve lined up companies, scheduled meetings with Egyptian counterparts, and will bring industry-specific experts — not just state bureaucrats.
There’s also the human side.
One Nebraskan cattle genetics firm said they’ve already shipped embryos to Sudan and Ethiopia — and Egypt is “the next frontier.”
Trade missions don’t guarantee contracts. But they start conversations. And sometimes, those grow into deals years down the line.
A Broader Strategy or Just One-Off?
So, is Nebraska quietly pivoting toward the Middle East?
Not exactly. But there is a clear pattern of outreach — to Asia, South America, and now North Africa.
Evnen has said he wants to position Nebraska “as a global agricultural leader.” That starts by getting Nebraska businesses into boardrooms overseas, not just trade show booths in Des Moines.
And Egypt? It’s one of the few countries still investing big in food logistics and processing, despite the tough global environment.
For Nebraska, that’s a bet worth placing.
