PUSHING RESPONSIBLE SECURITY IN EGYPT WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS

ICoCA’s First Visit to Egypt Highlights Momentum for Higher Security Standards

From 5–7 May 2025, ICoCA made its first official visit to Egypt, marking a key milestone in its engagement across the Middle East and North Africa.

The centrepiece of the visit was ICoCA’s participation in Egypt’s inaugural conference on Human Rights and Sustainable Development in Private Security. Organised by Ahmed Elserafy and hosted by Lafarge Egypt and Holcim, an ICoCA Observer, the event brought together Egyptian and international security providers, major corporate clients, civil society actors and government representatives in a landmark gathering for the sector.

A Platform for Industry Dialogue

The conference featured Egyptian private security companies All Care Security, an ICoCA Transitional Member, and Eagles Egypt Security, an Affiliate, alongside several ICoCA Observers, including Philip Morris International, bp, ABB and Holcim. It also provided a valuable opportunity for ICoCA to reconnect with GE and build new relationships with companies such as Schneider Electric and Crédit Agricole CIB. The presence of these major clients highlighted a growing awareness of the importance of human rights and accountability in private security, and the critical role clients play in setting expectations for ethical performance. Representatives from the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Global Affairs Canada were also in attendance, reinforcing the international relevance of the discussion.

Chris Galvin, Head of Outreach at ICoCA, delivered a keynote on human rights risks in private security contracting and shared findings from a recent ICoCA survey on working conditions for security personnel in Egypt’s extractives sector. His remarks prompted lively discussion, with recognition that while Egypt may outperform some other African markets in certain areas, serious challenges remain, particularly when procurement decisions prioritise cost over quality.

A key takeaway was the need for leadership from the top. Sustainable improvements in labour conditions and professional standards depend on senior executives recognising the long-term value of investing in ethical, rights-respecting security providers. ICoCA underlined the role of clients in shaping the sector through procurement. Companies that demand accountability and certification send a strong signal that human rights must be upheld in practice, not only in policy.

Strengthening Trusted Partnerships

Beyond the conference, ICoCA held meetings with senior leaders from All Care Security and Eagles Egypt Security. These discussions reflected the increasing focus on human rights and professionalism within Egypt’s private security sector. ICoCA continues to support this progress through tailored guidance and engagement, even before companies formally join as Members. With annual membership fees starting at just USD 1,000, ICoCA remains accessible to smaller, local firms looking to align with the International Code of Conduct and raise their standards.

In parallel, ICoCA also engaged with Hany Osman of Infinity Holdings, an Egypt-based Certification Body now operating across the Middle East. Certification is not a box-ticking exercise — it involves independent auditing by trained professionals through robust on-site assessments. The Association conducts thorough due diligence on all recognised certification bodies and enforces strict minimum requirements, giving clients the confidence to choose certified providers they can trust.

ICoCA’s first visit to Egypt signals growing regional momentum for more transparent, accountable and rights-aligned private security. By building partnerships with providers, certification bodies and clients, ICoCA aims to increase demand for responsible security, raise industry standards and strengthen accountability throughout Egypt and beyond.