The African Union (AU) has chosen Mohamed Abu Elenein, chairman of Ceramica Cleopatra Group’s board of directors, as “Best Manufacturer in Africa”, in the wake of the Tenth African Union Forum for the Private Sector.

The forum was held under the auspices of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and was attended by Minister of Planning and Administrative Reform Hala El-Said.

Victor Harrison, AU commissioner for economic affairs, handed the award to Abu Elenein.

The prize statement elaborated that Abu Elenein had succeeded to create a modern industry in Africa and a world trademark for Egypt and Africa in the field of ceramics and porcelain.

The statement added that Ceramica Cleopatra’s success depended on state of the art technology and the creativity of its designs along with its values and principles towards clients, workers, society and the environment.

The statement continued that the company's experience during the last 40 years is a decisive example of thecontribution of the private sector to reclaiming the desert with factories, farms and tourist sites, and technological and real estate projects that develop the economy and society and create jobs and qualified workers.

For his part, Abu Elenein expressed his happiness to receive this distinguished award. He said that Cleopatra’s success is the fruit of the hard work of 25,000 workers and the state's support for serious investment.

Abu Elenein said his experience in the world of industry started in 1979 by building in the desert of 10th of Ramadan the first modern ceramics factory in Egypt.

In time, the company went on to be first in the Middle East and among the four biggest ceramics companies in the world.

"Our products made it to the whole world, including the Japanese market, the most difficult world market," Abu Elenein said.