Saudi Arabia is playing a leading role in redefining the logistics landscape across the MENA region. With new industrial infrastructure, energy diversification and supply chain investments under way, countries across the region are aligning their strategies to support local manufacturing, regional connectivity and long-term competitiveness. They’re not only investing in infrastructure but also rethinking how value flows through supply chains.

This shift is being driven by energy diversification, industrial policy and the integration of technologies like AI and modular infrastructure. Here’s how Saudi Arabia and its neighbours are expanding the reach and impact of global supply and distribution networks.

Saudi Arabia: Strategic Fabrication and Offshore Logistics

Saudi Arabia is reinforcing its position as a regional industrial and logistics leader. Through long-term agreements with McDermott (US) and Saipem (Italy), Saudi Aramco is expanding offshore oil and gas projects while localising fabrication under the IKTVA programme.

The development of McDermott’s SAFIRA yard in the Kingdom will support the construction of offshore platforms, jackets and subsea pipeline structures — significantly reducing the reliance on external suppliers and strengthening domestic logistics resilience.

Saudi Arabia is also pushing forward with autonomous maritime systems through its partnership with L3Harris Technologies and Zamil Shipyards, advancing both defence logistics and unmanned vessel capabilities.

These industrial shifts will be explored further at WAM Saudi 2025, taking place from 24 to 26 November at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre. The event will highlight the logistics, manufacturing and cross-sector partnerships driving growth across the region. Visit www.wamsaudi.com for details.

Morocco: Ports, Pipelines and EV Supply Chains

In Morocco, the planned LNG terminal at Nador is a major step in securing energy inputs for local industry while positioning the country as a logistics gateway to Europe. The facility will connect to the Nador West Med Port, an infrastructure hub designed to handle 25 million tonnes of hydrocarbons and serve nearby industrial zones.

Morocco is also expanding its footprint in advanced materials with a CSPG anode plant led by Falcon Energy Materials (UAE) and Shanshan New Materials (China). These anodes are critical components in electric vehicle batteries and mark Morocco’s move into high-value segments of the supply chain.

Meanwhile, Tesla’s announced factory in Morocco signals growing confidence in the country’s manufacturing capacity and trade access.

Egypt: Wind, Metals and Local Supply Networks

Egypt is investing in logistics-linked manufacturing across sectors. Prime Minister Madbouly has mandated that all national wind energy projects use locally manufactured components, ensuring that supply chains are built within Egypt for long-term resilience.

The restart of the KIMA ferrosilicon plant in Aswan also reflects this strategy. By producing critical inputs for steel and alloys domestically, Egypt is reducing import dependence and supporting logistics for heavy industry.

The Ras Ghareb and Amunet wind farms — developed with partners from France, Japan and the UAE — further demonstrate how logistics, local manufacturing and energy goals are now fully intertwined.

Africa’s Digital and Modular Leap

Beyond infrastructure, digital platforms are reshaping how supply chains operate. Accelya’s FLX ONE Cargo, headquartered in Spain, uses AI to automate air cargo processes. SES AI, from the US, is applying AI to accelerate material discovery, with implications for sourcing and inventory models in energy and manufacturing.

Meanwhile, Vertiv’s SmartRow introduces modular, prefabricated infrastructure for data centres, offering faster deployment and integrated logistics solutions in high-demand regions.

And in Nigeria, Tingo AI is developing satellite-linked logistics technologies tailored to African markets — blending connectivity, agriculture and mobility into unified regional systems.

From the Gulf to North Africa, logistics is evolving from the simple movement of goods to strategic capabilities supported by cutting-edge tech. Countries are investing in ports, pipelines, fabrication yards and digital tools not only to move goods, but to anchor themselves in global value chains.

As supply routes shift and production rebalances, those who build locally, collaborate regionally and deploy technology wisely are creating lasting economic advantage.