Onsi Sawiris

$1.20 B

Ranked #1678 in World

About Onsi Sawiris

Onsi Sawiris, an Egyptian business magnate born on August 30, 1930, in Sohag, Egypt, and patriarch of the influential Sawiris family, passed away at ninety-one on June 29, 2021. A Cairo University alumnus with a degree in agricultural engineering, Sawiris transitioned from managing family lands to pioneering infrastructural development in Egypt by founding Onsi & Lamei Co in 1952. Although faced with nationalization challenges under President Nasser and significant personal restrictions, he laid the foundation for the Orascom conglomerate—a business empire in construction, telecommunications, and tourism, now stewarded by his sons. With a reported net worth of $1.2 billion in 2017, Sawiris not only established a lasting legacy but also marked the Sawiris family as a key player in Egypt’s economic landscape.

Born

January 02, 1930

Died

June 29, 2021 (aged 91)

Source Of Wealth

Construction, Telecom

Industries

Construction & Engineering

Citizenship

Egypt

Onsi Sawiris was born on August 30, 1930, in Sohag, Egypt, to an Egyptian Coptic Christian family. He was the youngest of four children born to Naguib Sawiris, a lawyer. Onsi Sawiris received his bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering from Cairo University in 1950.

After completing his education, Onsi Sawiris managed the family's farm for two years before venturing into road construction.

Onsi Sawiris: Family

Onsi Sawiris was married to Yousriya Loza Sawiris, and together they had three sons: Naguib, Samih, and Nassef. The Sawiris family is well-known in Egypt for their business acumen and philanthropic endeavors.

Onsi Sawiris: Career Highlights

Onsi Sawiris's career is marked by significant achievements in the construction and business sectors.

In 1952, he established Onsi & Lamei Co, a road and waterways contractor, which later became El Nasr Civil Works Company after nationalization in 1961.
He ran the nationalized business for five years before facing restrictions on leaving Egypt in the 1960s.
In 1976, Onsi Sawiris returned to Egypt and founded Orascom for Constructions and Trade.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he expanded his investment portfolio to include diverse sectors such as tourism, hospitality, computing, and cell phone networks.
The Orascom conglomerate is currently managed by his sons and great-grandson.

Onsi Sawiris: Companies

Onsi Sawiris's business ventures include:

Onsi & Lamei Co (1952)
El Nasr Civil Works Company (1961)
Orascom for Constructions and Trade (1976)

Onsi Sawiris: Major Achievements

Onsi Sawiris's major achievements include:

Establishing and expanding Orascom into a conglomerate with diverse business interests.
Playing a pivotal role in the development of Egypt's infrastructure through road construction and civil works.
Expanding Orascom's operations internationally, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa.

Onsi Sawiris: Awards & Achievements

Onsi Sawiris received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to business and society.

Honorary Doctorate from Cairo University (2003)
Order of the Nile (Egypt's highest honor) (2008)
Arab Businessman of the Year (2009)

Onsi Sawiris: Personal Life & Legacy

Onsi Sawiris was known for his dedication to his family and his commitment to philanthropy.

He passed away on June 29, 2021, in El Gouna, Egypt, at the age of ninety-one due to age-related issues.

Onsi Sawiris's legacy is one of entrepreneurship, innovation, and social responsibility. He is remembered as a visionary businessman who contributed significantly to Egypt's economic development and left a lasting impact on the country's infrastructure and business landscape.

Onsi Sawiris: Trivia

Onsi Sawiris was prevented from leaving Egypt for six years in the 1960s due to political reasons.
The Sawiris family held the three largest stocks by market capitalization on the Cairo exchange in 2003.
Onsi Sawiris's estimated net worth was approximately $1.2 billion in 2017, according to Forbes.

Wealth History

Timeline

August 30, 1930

Onsi Sawiris was born in Sohag, Egypt, to an Egyptian Coptic Christian family.

1950

Received a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering from Cairo University.

1952

Established Onsi & Lamei Co, a road and waterways contractor.

1961

Business nationalized under President Gamal Abdel Nasser, became El Nasr Civil Works Company.

1960s

Prevented from leaving Egypt for six years.

1976

Returned to Egypt and founded Orascom for Constructions and Trade.

1980s and 1990s

Expanded investment portfolio to include tourism, hospitality, computing, and cell phone networks.

2003

Sawiris family held the three largest stocks by market capitalization on the Cairo exchange.

2017

Estimated net worth of approximately $1.2 billion according to Forbes.

June 29, 2021

Onsi Sawiris passed away in El Gouna, Egypt, at the age of ninety-one due to age-related issues.

Onsi Sawiris : FAQs

What is Onsi Sawiris's net worth?

As of 2017, Onsi Sawiris's net worth was $1.20 billion.

What are Onsi Sawiris's main sources of wealth?

Onsi Sawiris's main source of income comes from Construction, Telecom.

In which industry does Onsi Sawiris primarily operate?

Onsi Sawiris is primarily involved in the Construction & Engineering industry.

Is Onsi Sawiris dead?

Yes, Onsi Sawiris died on June 29, 2021 (aged 91).

How many children does Onsi Sawiris have?

Onsi Sawiris has 3 children.

Who was Onsi Sawiris and when was he born?

Onsi Sawiris was a prominent Egyptian entrepreneur, born on August 30, 1930, in Sohag, Egypt.

What is Onsi Sawiris known for in his professional career?

Onsi Sawiris is known for establishing Onsi & Lamei Co in 1952 and later founding Orascom for Constructions and Trade in 1976, expanding his investment in various sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and telecommunications.

How did Onsi Sawiris contribute to Egypt's economy and business landscape?

Onsi Sawiris played a pivotal role in shaping Egypt's economy and business landscape by expanding Orascom into a conglomerate with diverse investments, making the Sawiris family influential in the Cairo stock exchange.

Can you tell us about Onsi Sawiris' family and personal life?

Onsi Sawiris was married to Yousriya Loza Sawiris, with whom he had three sons: Naguib, Samih, and Nassef. He was the youngest of four children in a Coptic Christian family in Egypt.

When did Onsi Sawiris pass away, and what was the cause?

Onsi Sawiris passed away on June 29, 2021, in El Gouna, Egypt, at the age of ninety-one due to age-related issues.