INTERVIEW - Smart manufacturing key to Egypt sustainable industrial future: Aveva MEA chief

Doaa A.Moneim , Thursday 2 Oct 2025

Nayef Bou Chaaya, head of the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region at UK-based Aveva, discussed during an interview with Ahram Online how the company’s industrial software solutions can support Egypt’s manufacturing sector under the country's new economic narrative.

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Nayef Bou Chaaya, Head of MEA Region at UK-based Aveva

 

Manufacturing is one of five priority sectors Egypt aims to boost to raise real GDP growth to 7 percent by 2030.

The interview took place on Wednesday during Bou Chaaya’s visit to Egypt to explore cooperation opportunities in the local market.

During the interview, Bou Chaaya said the company is committed to supporting Egypt’s Vision 2030 development agenda, emphasizing the role of advanced industrial technologies in enhancing manufacturing efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and promoting sustainability.

Aveva currently provides solutions for Egypt’s oil, gas, water, and smart cities sectors, with plans to expand into other areas soon.

He noted that Egypt accounts for nearly 10 percent of the company’s regional operations, with a target of reaching 20 percent in the coming years, driven by recent economic improvements.

 

He explained that Aveva’s portfolio covers the full lifecycle of industrial projects, from design and construction to operation and optimization, helping Egyptian manufacturers integrate sustainability and efficiency from the start.

“Whether we are supporting a new capital expenditure project, building a factory from scratch, or optimizing an existing plant, our technologies can ensure efficiency at every stage,” Bou Chaaya said.

“If the design phase is done right, using the right technologies, sustainability becomes part of the project from day one rather than something to worry about later,” he added.

He also noted that Aveva’s technologies help manufacturers improve efficiency, cut energy consumption and costs, and ensure products meet global standards. 

“Most importantly, when we talk about energy optimization, we also mean decarbonization. By burning less fuel while running the same plant with greater efficiency, emissions are reduced, a priority for any industry today,” he stated.

Bou Chaaya emphasized that Aveva’s technologies are not siloed solutions but integrated offerings that connect design with operations.

“For example, a digital twin created during the design and build phase can be carried forward into operations, allowing the same data and systems to support efficiency and performance over the plant’s lifecycle,” he explained.

On Egypt’s market outlook, Bou Chaaya acknowledged the challenges but pointed to strong potential for growth.

“Egypt has faced economic difficulties, but the opportunities are promising. When we first considered establishing an office here, we started with three to four employees. Today, we have grown to around 22, which reflects both our confidence in the market and our progress so far,” he said.

While Egypt cannot yet be compared to Gulf peers such as Saudi Arabia or Kuwait, the country has clear potential, Bou Chaaya highlighted.

“This is why we are investing in Egypt, and why we see ourselves playing a role in supporting its industrial development journey,” he said.

Aveva hosted its flagship event, AVEVA Day Egypt, this week, showcasing how AI and digital technologies are transforming Egypt’s industry, from connected operations to the energy sector’s use of digital twins, unified engineering, and industrial AI to boost efficiency and reduce emissions.

“As Egypt advances toward its Vision 2030 targets, the country is embracing Industry 5.0 to strengthen competitiveness. By integrating AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and smart manufacturing, Egypt is laying the foundation for a sustainable, tech-driven industrial future,” Bou Chaaya said.

He added that Egypt’s strategic location, expanding infrastructure, and commitment to sustainable development position it as a key player in digital transformation.

"As Egypt builds a smart, future-ready industrial economy, we are supporting this journey with technologies that enhance efficiency, resilience, and intelligence across sectors,” he stressed.

The event included expert-led sessions on AI-powered digital twins in the energy sector, new approaches to project delivery, and strategies to improve sustainability and enterprise visibility using AI assistants and 3D visualisation.

Bou Chaaya also pointed to Egypt’s mining sector, which is now undergoing transformation following the 2025 law establishing the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority. He said Aveva plans to expand its solutions to cover the mining sector, calling it a promising area. 

During the event, the company highlighted its AVEVA Connect platform, which helps mining firms integrate and analyse data across operations.

“With the launch of its new Egypt office, AVEVA is deepening its partnership with the government and supporting national goals for industrial growth and digital transformation. Through certified training, university collaborations, and internship programmes, the company is helping build a skilled workforce equipped to drive Egypt’s industrial future,” Bou Chaaya concluded.

Aveva has four offices in the region. Its regional headquarters is based in Dubai, with additional offices in Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

 

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