Elsewedy family firm backs Nawah Scientific’s growth in $23 million funding round

Elsewedy Electric, the Cairo-based multinational cable and electrical equipment manufacturer controlled by the Egyptian billionaire El-Sewedy family, has joined a $23 million Series A funding round for Nawah Scientific, an Egyptian life sciences and testing company expanding across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. 

The round combines equity and debt and was led by Life Ventures Holding, with participation from Den Ventures, Empire M, AfricInvest and Elsewedy Electric. Banks and angel investors also took part, according to the company.

The funding coincides with Nawah’s 10th anniversary and supports its regional expansion. The company plans a 10,000-square-meter research and development center in Rwanda, expanded laboratory capacity in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and growth across North Africa and Europe to serve industrial, pharmaceutical and research clients.

A cloud-based lab model

Founded in 2015 by Omar Shoukry Sakr, Nawah Scientific runs a cloud lab model enabling researchers and companies to conduct testing remotely. The company says it has tested one million samples, employs 160 staff and serves clients in 30 countries.

The company operates across four divisions. Life Science Research offers testing and research services. Food and Agriculture conducts testing for producers and exporters. The pharma unit supports research, development and formulation for pharmaceutical firms, while Certified Reference Materials supplies calibration and quality-control materials for industries.

Hossam Heiba, chief executive of Egypt’s General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, said during Nawah’s anniversary event that the company plays a growing role in linking research, industry and public institutions. He said its services help improve product quality and open export opportunities in areas such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. 

Elsewedy Electric’s broader footprint

Founded in 1938, Elsewedy Electric has evolved from a family-owned cable maker into a regional player in energy, infrastructure and digital solutions, with operations in 15 countries. El-Sewedy family owns 68 percent of the firm, while CEO Ahmed Elsewedy holds 25.5 percent.

The company reported a profit of $298.5 million for the first nine months of 2025 on record revenue of $4.22 billion. Elsewedy Electric has also announced plans to invest about $500 million in Saudi Arabia and Qatar to expand manufacturing and power infrastructure.