Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) is building the future by producing cement and providing construction services. OCI traces its roots back to 1950 when Onsi Sawiris founded a construction company in Upper Egypt. By digging waterways and paving roads, he built his business into one of Egypt's largest general contractors. In 1961, the business was nationalized and later became known as the Al Nasr Civil Works Company.

In 1976, Onsi Sawiris returned to Egypt from Algeria and established OCI with five employees. Sawiris transferred management control to his son, Nassef Sawiris, who began diversifying OCI through investments into complementary businesses such as cement and building materials. Along with expanding capacity at the Egyptian Cement CompanyEgyptian Cement Company, OCI expanded internationally and established the Algerian Cement CompanyAlgerian Cement Company. OCI also acquired equity stakes in Belgium-based Besix Group and the US-based Contrack Group. OCI also established the National Steel Fabrication Company (NSF) and the Alico Egypt that manufactures Aluminum and Glass architectural products. By 2006, OCI became one of the largest cement producers in the Middle East and one of the top 200 construction contractors in the world with more than 40,000 employees operating in 14 different countries.

With over 70% of revenues generated outside Egypt (as of September 30, 2006), OCI's construction activities contributed 73% of total group revenues and 40% of income. The cement activities on the other hand contributed the remaining 27% of revenue and 60% of income.

In March 1999, OCI went public on the Cairo and Alexandria Stock ExchangeCairo and Alexandria Stock Exchange (CASE)(CASE). In September 2002, OCI also listed part of its shares on the London Stock Exchange in the form of Global Depository Receipts. In February 2006, OCI came back to the market by undergoing a USD403 million rights issue.