The move reflects Egypt’s ongoing efforts to diversify financing instruments, broaden its investor base, and secure sustainable funding sources for development priorities.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Finance said the new eight-year issuance, carrying a yield of 6.7%, attracted strong interest from international investors, with subscription requests exceeding the targeted issuance size by more than fivefold.

According to the ministry, proceeds from the bond sale will be directed toward financing development projects aimed at improving healthcare and education services, while strengthening investment in human capital.

The ministry added that Egypt is currently repaying more external debt than it is borrowing in an effort to reduce the outstanding external debt of budget-sector entities. It noted that the government is targeting an annual reduction in external debt ranging between $1bn and $2bn.

The statement also highlighted the government’s proactive management of geopolitical tensions and global economic challenges, saying these measures have helped reinforce investor confidence and sustain strong demand for Egyptian debt issuances.

The ministry further noted that maintaining access to stable external development financing sources has contributed to improving market sentiment toward Egypt and supporting confidence among international investors.

The post Egypt issues $1bn international bonds in first MENA offering since Iran conflict escalation first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.

The announcement came during Abdelatty’s meeting with World Bank Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa Ousmane Dione and International Finance Corporation (IFC) Vice President for Africa Ethiopis Tafara to discuss enhancing cooperation and supporting economic development.

During the meeting, Dione praised Egypt’s economic performance, noting that the economy has shown resilience against the fallout of regional escalation thanks to structural reforms and the adoption of a flexible exchange rate. He added that the government’s reforms have bolstered financial and monetary stability, improved the investment climate, and supported economic empowerment and social protection.

Abdelatty outlined the government’s commitment to continuing its comprehensive economic reform programme, highlighting the development of the state IPO programme and the expansion of its listed companies. Empowering the private sector is a top government priority, he said, noting that the state is creating an attractive investment environment through tax and customs incentives and the digitisation of services.

The foreign minister also stressed the importance of building on the outcomes of the World Bank President’s visit to Cairo in March. He called for expanding cooperation in health, water, energy, food security, and digital transformation, while maximising the benefits of the 2023-2027 strategic partnership programme.

Additionally, Abdelatty expressed a desire to broaden cooperation with the IFC in the electricity, tourism, and agriculture sectors, as well as in small and medium-sized enterprises. He also discussed opportunities to collaborate with the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency to support state-owned enterprises and maximise asset utilisation.

The post Egypt’s Abdelatty discusses $1bn World Bank development financing, IPO programme expansion first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.

Rostom affirmed that Egypt is pursuing a comprehensive development vision aimed at promoting sustainable growth, improving the investment climate, and expanding private sector participation. He stressed that entrepreneurship remains central to government priorities, given its role in driving innovation and creating sustainable employment opportunities for youth.

The minister noted that the ministry is coordinating with relevant entities to build an integrated system that supports innovation by simplifying procedures, improving access to finance, and advancing digital transformation, steps designed to enhance Egypt’s competitiveness regionally and internationally.

On infrastructure, Rostom revealed that the government is developing an innovative financing model that combines public resources, private sector investment, and foreign capital. This mechanism, he explained, will enable major national projects to be funded more efficiently and sustainably, building on Egypt’s recent achievements in energy, transport, and urban development.

For her part, Almud Weitz reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Egypt’s efforts, praising the resilience of Egypt’s tourism sector amid regional challenges. She added that the Bank is conducting intensive consultations with investors and private sector stakeholders to identify opportunities and design innovative solutions that support green and sustainable tourism in Egypt.

The post Egypt, World Bank develop innovative financing model for infrastructure projects first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.

During his remarks, Rostom highlighted the depth of cooperation between Egypt and the OECD, describing it as a long-standing and evolving strategic partnership based on supporting evidence-based policymaking, strengthening institutional development, and achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The minister said a key milestone in relations between Egypt and the OECD dates back to 2005, when Egypt became a founding partner in the OECD’s Middle East and North Africa Initiative, laying the groundwork for a sustainable institutional framework for dialogue and knowledge exchange.

He added that cooperation has continued to expand over the years, reflecting Egypt’s increasing alignment with OECD standards and frameworks.

Rostom also reviewed Egypt’s economic reform programme launched in 2016, which was anchored in Egypt Vision 2030 and aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, enhancing competitiveness, and expanding social protection programmes.

The minister highlighted the closing conference of the OECD country programme, held in Cairo on 4 May in the presence of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and the OECD secretary-general.

He said the event reviewed the outcomes of five years of close cooperation and marked the launch of 10 strategic reports prepared by the organisation covering priority sectors including innovation, investment, productivity, green growth, governance, and women’s economic empowerment.

According to Rostom, the reports represent an important resource for supporting evidence-based policymaking in Egypt.

He stressed that the country programme has played a pivotal role in strengthening institutional capacities, improving coordination among government entities, and embedding OECD standards into national policymaking mechanisms, helping ensure the long-term sustainability of the programme’s impact.

On follow-up mechanisms, Rostom said the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development has developed a dedicated electronic platform for the programme, enabling project managers across national entities to update implementation progress and monitor different aspects of cooperation, thereby improving coordination and enhancing the efficiency of programme management.

The minister added that the programme’s impact has extended regionally and internationally. In May 2025, Egypt assumed co-chairmanship of the OECD’s Middle East and North Africa Initiative on “Governance and Competitiveness for Development” for the 2026–2030 period, in addition to co-chairing the Women’s Economic Empowerment Forum.

He said the appointments reflect Egypt’s growing role as an active partner in regional and international policy dialogue.

Looking ahead, Rostom revealed that the ministry is leading broad consultations with national entities and the OECD to determine the priorities of the programme’s second phase.

He said the next phase aims to become more focused and targeted by deepening structural reforms in competitiveness, governance, and private sector development, while further integrating OECD standards and tools into national systems to support institutional reform and improve public policy efficiency.

Rostom concluded by saying that the upcoming phase of cooperation will focus on enhancing the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy, strengthening the capacity of state institutions to adopt more efficient and sustainable policies aligned with international standards, and supporting Egypt’s long-term development priorities.

The Egyptian country programme has received broad praise from representatives of OECD member states, including officials from the European Union, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Switzerland, Portugal, Greece, Germany, Austria, and Italy, who commended its role in supporting and accelerating economic reforms in line with international best practices.

The post Egypt preparing second phase of OECD country programme: Planning minister first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.

Representing the Prime Minister, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Raafat Hindi led the official opening ceremony, attended by Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid, Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem, and Ahmed El Zaher, CEO of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency.

Located within the Yanmu East logistics complex on the Cairo-Suez Road, the facility was developed in partnership with Hassan Allam Utilities. Spanning around 27,000 sqm, the hub is designed to handle up to one million items per day, making it the largest of its kind in the region.

The centre currently supports 100% of Talabat Mart’s operations across 12 Egyptian cities, with plans to expand to 17 cities in the near term. This positions the facility as a cornerstone of Talabat’s growth strategy and Egypt’s broader ambition to become a regional hub for e-commerce and digital services.

Hindi said the expansion–particularly the launch of an AI-powered logistics centre–reflects growing investor confidence in Egypt’s market potential. He highlighted improvements in digital infrastructure, the widespread adoption of online platforms, and the rapid growth of mobile-based services as key drivers attracting global companies to scale locally.

The facility operates through fully integrated, real-time systems linking inventory management, retail platforms, and supply chain operations. It also deploys proprietary AI models to forecast demand, optimise inventory allocation, and automate supply processes–enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and enabling faster, more accurate order fulfilment.

Designed as a next-generation quick-commerce hub, the centre emphasises scalability and technological efficiency. It currently accommodates around 75,000 storage locations, with the capacity to double throughput within the same footprint through advanced space optimisation technologies, without the need for physical expansion.

Talabat CEO Tomaso Rodriguez described the project as a major milestone for the company in Egypt and across the region, noting that it will enhance operational reliability, improve product availability, and strengthen support for partners as demand for quick-commerce services continues to grow.

Mohamed Sakina, Regional General Manager of Talabat Mart, said the facility goes beyond conventional warehousing, functioning instead as a smart logistics ecosystem. He added that continued investment in advanced technologies underscores Talabat’s commitment to delivering faster, more reliable services aligned with international best practices.

Beyond operational efficiencies, the hub is expected to generate broader economic benefits by supporting local producers, suppliers, and merchants. By improving access to distribution networks and boosting efficiency, it will help enhance competitiveness, expand market reach, and elevate service quality for consumers.

Talabat Egypt plays a central role within the company’s regional operations, employing around 3,100 people, including more than 1,600 specialists based in its technology and shared services centre, which supports operations across eight markets.

The post Egypt launches MENA’s largest AI-powered quick-commerce fulfilment hub for Talabat first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.

Daily News Egypt sat down with Steve Lutes, Vice President of the US Chamber of Commerce for Middle East Affairs, to explore the realities of US-Egypt economic ties and the challenges of turning Egypt’s potential into execution.

How do you assess Egypt’s performance in attracting investment? What is needed to improve?

Every government faces the challenge of becoming an attractive destination. Egypt already enjoys advantages that are difficult to replicate, most notably its geographic location. The key question is how to fully leverage that position.

Egypt also benefits from trade agreements with African markets. While I am not an economist, many experts anticipate strong growth across Africa in the coming years, which presents a significant opportunity. We often speak about Egypt as a gateway to Africa, but the priority now is to translate that concept into practical reality. This requires expanding dialogue frameworks beyond bilateral engagement to more multilateral cooperation.

What role can the US Chamber play in promoting economic support for Egypt?

The Chamber maintains ongoing engagement with US policymakers to highlight Egypt’s strategic economic importance, its role in regional stability, and its value as a trade and investment partner, particularly amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Through the US-Egypt Business Council, we consistently advocate for strengthening economic resilience, ensuring market stability, and supporting private sector-led growth. During periods of crisis, we also communicate the impact of economic shocks on supply chains, investor confidence, and reform trajectories. This helps foster a more stable political and economic environment conducive to financing and sustainable investment.

There’s a perception that Egypt’s private sector lacks equal opportunity. How do you see it?

There is always room for improvement; no system is perfect. From what I hear, there is clear government intent to expand privatisation and strengthen the private sector’s role. Naturally, businesses would like to see this process move faster.

Recent government changes suggest a greater willingness to accelerate reforms. This is creating more opportunities for private sector participation across a range of industries, whether through domestic firms or partnerships with international companies, including American ones.

With China, Türkiye, Germany, and Russia active in Egypt, where does the US stand?

It is important to recognise that different countries operate under different economic models. China and, to a large extent, Russia rely on state-led investment approaches. The United States operates very differently.

The US government does not direct companies where to invest. Decisions are made by private firms based on market conditions. If the investment environment is attractive, companies will come. If not, they will look elsewhere.

Can Egypt truly become a regional hub?

Absolutely. Egypt has the potential to serve not only as a gateway to Africa, but also to the Mediterranean and Europe. The Suez Canal remains a critical artery for global trade, whether for goods, energy, or even digital connectivity through submarine cables.

However, the real challenge is not promotion; it is execution.

What do you mean by execution?

Attracting American investment requires a more tailored approach than in state-led systems. In countries like China, agreements are often concluded at the government level, with companies following.

In the United States, each company must be engaged individually. Some are looking to expand into Africa, others have capital ready to deploy, while others require detailed feasibility studies. This makes the process more complex and demands targeted engagement and customised analysis.

Does this make US investment more difficult to secure?

It does make it more demanding, but also more sustainable. American companies tend to take a long-term view. They invest in local hiring, integrate into the market, and build enduring business operations.

What can we expect from the second Egyptian-American Economic Forum?

The objective is to frame the relationship strategically, rather than as a one-off event. There is a real opportunity to reinforce Egypt’s role as a gateway to Africa, including by involving African stakeholders and presenting concrete, investment-ready projects.

How can interest be converted into real investment?

American firms require precise, actionable information, not general messaging. When opportunities are clearly defined and well-structured, it becomes much easier to convert interest into investment.

Sector-focused discussions and direct engagement are essential to this process.

Why has Egypt-US cooperation in Africa been limited?

The Chamber continues to view Egypt as a key platform for US companies seeking to expand into Africa, particularly in sectors such as logistics, construction, energy, agriculture, and services.

However, progress depends on clearer project pipelines, the use of innovative financing tools such as blended finance, and stronger coordination between governments and development institutions.

What guarantees do US investors seek in tech and infrastructure?

Investors prioritise regulatory stability, transparency, effective dispute resolution mechanisms, and the availability of foreign currency. They also look for clear frameworks for public-private partnerships and predictable licensing timelines.

In the technology sector, data governance, intellectual property protection, and cybersecurity are especially critical.

Beyond energy, which sectors are most attractive?

Key growth areas include logistics, ICT, fintech, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and export-oriented manufacturing.

What is the Chamber’s vision for the future of the Egypt-US economic partnership?

The relationship is evolving into a more strategic partnership built on resilience, innovation, and shared responsibility. Key areas of focus include energy security, regional stability, supply chain diversification, and human capital development.

The post Egypt poised to become gateway to Africa, Europe: Steve Lutes first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.

The round drew support from Disruptech Ventures and DPI Venture Capital via the Nclude fund, alongside new strategic investors including Suez Canal Bank and OneStop. Tech investor Mohamed Farouk also joined as Chairman of the Board following the transaction.

Lucky’s fundraising follows a year of rapid growth, with the company reporting a threefold increase in activity in 2025 and achieving profitability by year-end. Its platform provides digital financial services and consumer credit solutions to users across Egypt.

The fresh capital will be used to scale credit offerings, expand geographically, and strengthen operational and regulatory infrastructure — including preparations for new licensing requirements. Lucky confirmed it is working toward a Payment Service Provider (PSP) license as part of its broader strategy.

Chairman Mohamed Farouk said the investment underscores confidence in Lucky’s growth trajectory and its role in shaping digital finance in the region. CEO Ayman Essawy added that the company aims to broaden access to financial services while deepening investment in technology and infrastructure, particularly as Egypt’s regulatory frameworks evolve.

Egypt’s fintech sector has seen significant regulatory progress in recent years, from digital onboarding systems to payments infrastructure and new licensing frameworks. Lucky has built partnerships with merchants and financial institutions and now serves a growing user base in Egypt. With this latest funding, it plans to expand into select North African markets and enhance its technology and risk management capabilities.

The post Egypt’s Lucky secures $23m Series B to drive credit expansion across North Africa first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.

Speaking at the World Bank conference titled “Multilateral Development Projects: Procurement Readiness and Opportunities in Egypt,” Sylla said that approximately $1bn has already been committed during the current fiscal year.

This brings IFC’s cumulative investment portfolio in Egypt to $6.5bn over the past seven years.

Sylla added that the IFC aims to scale up its annual investments in Egypt to reach $1bn on a sustained basis, underscoring the institution’s long-term commitment to supporting economic development and private sector growth in the country.

He explained that IFC’s current investments in Egypt are distributed across several key sectors aligned with sustainable growth objectives. The financial sector accounts for the largest share of the portfolio at 47%.

Infrastructure, renewable energy, and transport projects follow, collectively representing 32% of total investments and supporting Egypt’s long-term development needs.

Manufacturing, tourism, and real estate account for around 12% of IFC’s investments, while startups and investment funds represent approximately 6%, reflecting support for innovation and entrepreneurship. The healthcare sector makes up about 3% of the portfolio, while agribusiness accounts for 1%, highlighting the diversified nature of IFC’s investment strategy and its focus on sectors with tangible economic and social impact.

In addition to direct investments, the IFC provides advisory services valued at $27m to support strategic priority areas in Egypt.

The financial sector leads advisory activities, accounting for 38% of total engagements, followed by public-private partnership (PPP) advisory services at 21%, aimed at improving the efficiency and execution of development projects.

Advisory services related to manufacturing, agribusiness, and services represent 17% of total activities, Sylla noted. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices and market-creation advisory services each account for 9%, reflecting IFC’s emphasis on sustainability and market development.

Green building initiatives make up 4% of advisory services, while programmes supporting gender equality account for 2%, highlighting the institution’s focus on inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The post IFC to invest $1.2bn in Egypt during FY2026 first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said the discussions aim to reach a comprehensive and sustainable political solution that is “purely Libyan” and free from foreign interference. The meeting, which includes Tunisia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Ali Nafti and Algerian representation, will be held in the presence of Hanna Tetteh, the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Libya.

Abdelatty was received at Carthage International Airport by Nafti on Sunday. Beyond the tripartite mechanism, the Egyptian minister is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with senior Tunisian officials to strengthen ties and exchange views on regional issues of mutual interest.

The ministerial agenda includes a review of the latest developments in the Libyan electoral process in accordance with the United Nations roadmap and structured dialogue sessions. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated that the meeting serves to coordinate efforts to support stability and maintain Libya’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Central to the discussions is the requirement to remove all mercenaries and foreign forces from Libyan territory before any electoral process begins. The ministers are also expected to address the management of border files and mechanisms to end the political division and institutional paralysis currently affecting the country.

The ministry added that the talks would also cover proposed solutions to address rapid regional changes and the evolving security landscape in North Africa.

The post Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria to discuss Libyan political deadlock and foreign force withdrawal first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.

The signing took place at an event in Cairo attended by Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat, EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti, and RMBV Managing Partner Ahmed Badreldin.

The fund aims to provide capital alongside managerial expertise to local enterprises operating in high-impact sectors, including consumer goods and services, healthcare, and education. It is expected to unlock new growth opportunities in Egypt, support regional expansion, and foster closer economic integration between Europe and Egypt.

RMBV North Africa Fund III is managed by RMBV, a regional investment firm with a strong track record in delivering sustainable growth. By supporting the expansion of local private sector companies, the fund seeks to promote innovation and competitiveness while strengthening trade and investment ties between European industries and Egypt.

Beyond capital mobilisation, the fund aligns with EIB Global’s mission to work closely with local investment firms capable of playing a catalytic role in domestic capital markets, while enhancing corporate governance, digitalisation and environmental standards.

“Given Egypt’s strategic importance in areas such as energy cooperation, migration and shared economic interests, it is a key counterpart for the European Union and central to EIB Global’s strategy,” said EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti. “In this context, private equity funds play a crucial role in supporting the private sector and fostering a win-win approach between the European Union and Egyptian private sector partners.”

Minister Al-Mashat said the agreement marks an important chapter in the strategic partnership between Egypt and the EIB, reflecting confidence in the Egyptian economy and reinforcing the state’s direction towards maximising the role of the private sector as a key development partner. She noted that cooperation between the EIB and RMBV North Africa Fund III supports regional investments and enhances shared growth and economic integration between Egypt and Europe.

For his part, Ahmed Badreldin said RMBV aims, through its portfolio, to foster a virtuous cycle of growth by strengthening local value chains while deepening commercial and industrial partnerships with European suppliers, technology providers and service companies.

The initiative complements the European Union’s Global Gateway and Team Europe efforts to deepen cooperation through sustainable investment, innovation and inclusive growth. It supports private sector expansion in areas that enhance economic resilience, create quality jobs and contribute to the EU’s broader neighbourhood strategy for regional stability.

In line with EIB Global’s inclusive investment approach, the RMBV North Africa Fund III will ensure that at least 30% of its portfolio directly contributes to advancing gender equality. This includes supporting women-led enterprises, promoting gender-responsive business practices and fostering inclusive employment opportunities across its target sectors, with the aim of driving equitable growth across Egypt and North Africa.

The post EIB commits $80m to RMBV North Africa Fund III, catalysing over $300m in investments first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.