However, once it was built they quickly saw an opportunity and Disraeli ordered the British government to purchase the Khedive of Egypt's 44% interest; as the Ismail Pasha was deeply in debt.

This gave the British nominal control over Egypt's rulers, and therefore suzerainty over the country. It also gave them a large stake in the canal.

Egypt was then used as a point to invade Sudan and complete the conquests needed to secure the construction of the Cape to Cairo Railway (which was never actually completed, but most of it still exists and is still a major railway in Sub-Saharan Africa).