Egypt’s wealthiest man, Nassef Sawiris, is preparing to reshape his global business empire with an ambitious plan to channel up to $50 billion into US infrastructure projects. The move comes as he consolidates his industrial and construction assets under one roof in Abu Dhabi, signalling a decisive shift in strategy and geography for one of the Middle East’s most influential entrepreneurs.
Sawiris, whose portfolio includes ownership of English Premier League club Aston Villa, is close to finalising the breakup of his Dutch-listed chemicals and fertiliser group, OCI Global. Over the past two years, OCI has sold more than $11.6 billion in assets, creating room for a merger with Orascom Construction, his family’s flagship enterprise. The combined company is set to be listed in Abu Dhabi, a decision reflecting Sawiris’ relocation to the emirate and Italy following his departure from the UK amid what he described as unfavourable tax changes.
A $50 Billion Infrastructure Bet
The restructured entity will place infrastructure at the centre of its growth strategy, with particular emphasis on opportunities in the United States. Sawiris’ plan includes large-scale investments in data centres, transport systems, and other critical infrastructure needed to meet America’s rising demand.
“We want to focus the next stage of our business on the area we see the biggest opportunity, which is infrastructure,” Sawiris told the Financial Times. He stressed that construction-led companies, such as France’s Vinci and Spain’s Ferrovial, consistently outperform private equity-backed rivals that lean too heavily on financial engineering.
Sawiris intends to deploy Orascom’s own capital alongside funds from investment partners, using equity and credit structures. With over $1 billion in cash reserves and proceeds from recent divestments, the firm is well positioned to benefit from Washington’s renewed focus on infrastructure spending under major federal programs.
Expanding a US Foothold
Orascom is no stranger to the US market. Through its subsidiary Weitz, which it acquired in 2012, the company has delivered major projects, including university housing, airport terminals, and advanced data centres. This existing footprint provides Sawiris with a springboard to scale up in one of the world’s largest and most lucrative construction markets.
The decision to double down on US infrastructure also aligns with wider global trends, as governments increasingly prioritise resilience, digitalisation, and sustainability. By channelling capital into data centres and energy-efficient projects, Orascom positions itself at the heart of these transformations.
A Family Legacy of Bold Pivots
Sawiris’ strategic shift is the latest in a career defined by bold and sometimes contrarian moves. He is the youngest son of Onsi Sawiris, who founded the Orascom empire in the 1950s and built it into one of the Arab world’s most powerful conglomerates.
In the early 2000s, Nassef Sawiris led Orascom’s cement business before selling it to France’s Lafarge in 2007 for more than €10 billion—a deal that cemented his reputation as a shrewd businessman. He later shifted focus to chemicals through OCI, which became one of the world’s leading producers of nitrogen-based fertilisers.
More recently, in 2024, OCI sold its global methanol business to US producer Methanex for about $2 billion, further streamlining operations and freeing resources for reinvestment. These moves, observers say, reflect Sawiris’ willingness to anticipate industry cycles and pivot toward areas of sustained growth.
Strong Returns and Investor Confidence
According to a KPMG audit, between Orascom’s public listing in 1999 and the end of 2024, Orascom and OCI generated a combined internal rate of return of more than 39 percent and distributed over $22 billion in dividends to shareholders. These figures underscore the companies’ long-standing ability to create value and reward investors—a track record Sawiris hopes to replicate in the infrastructure sector.
With a net worth estimated by Forbes at nearly $9 billion, Sawiris is consistently ranked among the richest men in the Arab world. His personal wealth and proven business record give credibility to his latest pivot, reassuring markets and attracting potential partners eager to participate in large-scale infrastructure projects.
Abu Dhabi as a Strategic Hub
The decision to consolidate his businesses in Abu Dhabi is as much a lifestyle choice as it is a strategic one. The emirate has positioned itself as a global financial hub, offering tax incentives, strong investor protections, and proximity to both Middle Eastern and international markets. Sawiris’ relocation from London highlights the shifting dynamics of global wealth, as billionaires increasingly move away from traditional Western centres to more investor-friendly jurisdictions.
Listing the merged Orascom entity in Abu Dhabi also reflects growing confidence in the region’s stock exchanges, which are attracting significant liquidity and international attention. For Sawiris, the move provides access to capital markets closer to home, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a financial powerhouse.
Looking Ahead
Sawiris’ $50 billion commitment to US infrastructure underscores his belief in the long-term growth potential of the sector, particularly in a political environment where bipartisan support exists for upgrading America’s ageing systems. With demand surging for digital infrastructure like data centres, and with government backing for renewable energy and green transport, Orascom is positioning itself to benefit from transformative investments.
At the same time, the consolidation of his companies under one banner streamlines operations and creates a unified platform capable of delivering large, complex projects across multiple regions.
Industry analysts say Sawiris’ strategy is a calculated blend of risk and reward. By focusing on infrastructure rather than speculative financial investments, he is betting on tangible, long-term growth. “This is not just about chasing quick profits,” one analyst noted. “It’s about building the foundations of future economies—and capturing the value that comes with it.”
Conclusion
Nassef Sawiris’ next chapter reflects both continuity and change: continuity in the bold entrepreneurial spirit that has defined the Orascom family for decades, and change in the form of a decisive pivot toward infrastructure, global partnerships, and a new base in Abu Dhabi.
If successful, his $50 billion bet on US infrastructure could reshape not only his business empire but also the global construction landscape—positioning an Egyptian-born billionaire at the heart of America’s infrastructure renaissance.
