Egypt’s wood industry is full of challenges but also brimming with opportunities for those bold enough to dive in. Through an inspiring conversation with businessman Salah Ramadan Hawass, we get a glimpse into a journey that started from nothing and grew into a thriving enterprise. This article explores his story, the hurdles of wood cultivation in Egypt, and practical tips for young entrepreneurs looking to break into the industry, with a nod to the sustainability potential that could reshape the market.
From a 20-Meter Warehouse to Global Ventures
Picture four brothers from Badrashin, Giza, starting as laborers in tiny wood warehouses. “We were looking for a place to put the ladder to start,” that’s how their story began. With no big capital or ready resources, they leaned on family teamwork and grit. That small 20-meter warehouse grew step by step into bigger storage in Alexandria, then companies in Egypt, Jordan, Dubai, and even plans for expansion in Finland. The key? Courage and sticking together.
This journey shows that success in the wood industry doesn’t need a huge budget, but it does need a bold heart and patience. “The market needs someone with a strong heart,” as Salah put it, emphasizing that failure is part of the path, but persistence makes the difference. For Egypt’s youth, this is a call to action: start small, but dream big.
Challenges of Wood Cultivation in Egypt
Egypt imports around $3 billion worth of wood annually, like poplar and pine, because the country lacks natural forests. Poplar used to grow along the Nile, but local production can’t keep up with demand anymore. Growing trees is a big challenge since some, like pine, can take up to 80 years to mature. “In Sweden and Finland, the grandfather plants for the grandson,” Salah explained, highlighting that it’s a long-term investment, but one that pays off handsomely if done right.
The biggest hurdle is water. “The most important thing for wood cultivation is water,” Salah noted. Treating sewage water for irrigation is a practical solution, but it’s costly due to the three-stage process. A workaround? “If we treat the water in just the first stage, it’s good enough for growing trees.” This could cut costs while maintaining quality. Trees like casuarina or poplar, which mature in 10-20 years, are smarter bets for investors starting out.
Sustainability and Economic Opportunities
Wood cultivation in Egypt isn’t just farming—it’s an agricultural-industrial game-changer. Planting 2 million trees a year could lead to self-sufficiency in a decade, and even exports, as Salah pointed out. The Egyptian government has already started planting pine and poplar in places like the New Valley and Sinai, creating jobs, boosting the economy, and turning deserts green.
Economically, growing wood locally cuts down on costly imports and eases pressure on foreign currency. Using treated sewage water for irrigation adds environmental sustainability, making it a win-win. “It creates jobs, protects the environment, and competes with local markets,” Salah summed it up, showing the multi-layered benefits of investing in this sector.
The Role of Infrastructure
Egypt’s new roads and bridges have been a game-changer. “The new road network saved time and money, and improved quality,” Salah said. Moving wood from farms to markets or ports is now faster and cheaper, encouraging investors to jump into wood cultivation or trade in products like HPL (Formica) panels used in decor and furniture.
Tips for Young Entrepreneurs: Just Start
For young people eyeing the wood industry, the advice is straightforward: “You don’t need advice, you need to start.” Salah emphasized that courage is key, even if failure comes along the way. “We faced setbacks and failures, but we kept going,” he said, stressing that life teaches through experience. If a young person or a group starts planting trees like poplar or casuarina, they could have a profitable project in 20 years. Capital? “It doesn’t have to be big, it depends on the land and tree types,” Salah advised, making it feel achievable for anyone with determination.
Leveraging HPL Panels in Egypt’s Market
HPL panels, known as Formica in Egypt, are a staple in decor and furniture, from kitchens to offices to wall cladding. Egypt spends around $850 million annually importing these panels. The future lies in boosting local wood-related industries, whether through cultivation or improving product quality. For manufacturers and designers, the tip is to choose certified HPL panels (with standards like ISO or CE) and focus on practical finishes like matte, which hides scratches, or wood-like textures for a natural look at a lower cost.
Conclusion
Egypt’s wood industry is ripe with potential, but it takes courage and patience to tap into it. Salah and his brothers’ story proves that starting from zero is possible with vision and persistence. Wood cultivation, backed by modern infrastructure and a push for sustainability, could make Egypt self-sufficient and even an exporter. For young dreamers, the message is clear: plant trees like poplar or casuarina, leverage government support, and take the first step. As Salah put it, “You’ve got to get up and do it,” because courage is the first rung on the ladder to success.
