EBRD And Transfora Partner To Digitise Egypt's Suez Canal Economic Zone

The Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), aiming to become a leading global logistics and trade hub, is undergoing a significant transformation with the help of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Transfora. This collaboration involves the development of a digital operations platform to streamline the Zone's functions, a move that is central to the Egyptian government's vision for the SCZONE.

The partnership between SCZONE and Transfora, a top-tier business process automation provider, is underpinned by a multi-year contract. This initiative is financed by the EBRD, which is dedicated to fostering private sector growth and entrepreneurial spirit across 36 countries on three continents. Transfora's role is to provide a comprehensive enterprise management platform, enhancing the zone's ability to manage investor inquiries and documentation efficiently.

Transfora, owned by Agility, is poised to revolutionize how the SCZONE operates. This low-code digitalization platform facilitates easy integration with various business systems, both in the cloud and on-premises, making it user-friendly across desktop and mobile devices. "The advantage of Transfora is that it's a low-code enterprise digitalization platform that integrates with simple-to-complex, line-of-business systems in the cloud and on-premises. It is easy for stakeholders to use, modify and customize. And it is accessible through both desktop and mobile devices," explained Waleed Khoury, VP of strategic Projects at Agility and CEO of Transfora.

The SCZONE will benefit greatly from the comprehensive service offered by Agility Economic Zones, which aims to link SCZONE authorities, customs officials, and regulators with a network of investors and logistics providers. This initiative is part of a broader effort to automate and integrate customs processes, improving efficiency and compliance within the zone.

The collaboration also signifies a strong commitment from various stakeholders to enhance the SCZONE's appeal as an investment destination. SCZONE Chairman Waleid Gamal El Dien emphasized the importance of digitalizing all investor and logistics services to foster a competitive business environment. "We are keen to enhance partnerships and cooperation with EBRD, Agility, Transfora, and all the concerned parties to ensure the creation of a competitive and attractive business environment for investments in targeted projects. That is especially true where it concerns digitizing all investor and logistics services," he stated.

Moreover, the EBRD's support, coupled with the Egyptian government's backing, ensures rapid deployment of the Transfora platform, anticipated to significantly boost the zone's operational efficiency. Khalid Hamza, Director of Egypt for the EBRD, shared his enthusiasm for this project, saying, "We are very pleased to engage Agility to support the SCZONE in its digital transformation journey, representing a key milestone in enhancing the investment climate and competitiveness of both the Zone and Egypt leading to attracting high-quality foreign direct investment and job creation."

This initiative is expected to have far-reaching implications, not only for the SCZONE but also for Egypt's position in global trade and logistics. "The SCZONE sits at the crossroads of global trade. Adoption of the Transfora platform will enhance its efficiency and rapid development as a global center for maritime transport and logistics services, an industrial gateway, and the link between East and West. The companies investing in the zone see it as a manufacturing and trade engine of the future," remarked Wael Khalifa, CEO of Agility Economic Zones.

In addition to modernizing the SCZONE, the EBRD has been actively involved in various other projects within Egypt, spanning renewable energy, infrastructure, and support for small and medium enterprises, among others. This holistic approach to development demonstrates the EBRD's commitment to driving sustainable growth in the region.

The partnership between Agility and Hassan Allam Holding in Cairo's Yanmu East Logistics Park further illustrates the broader efforts to bolster Egypt's logistics and industrial infrastructure, signaling continued investment in the nation's economic future.