The 2026 Egypt-France Business Forum was inaugurated by Egypt's Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid in Paris. The event, held at the Luxembourg Palace, home of the French Senate, saw the participation of over 200 Egyptian and French companies, institutions, and officials from the business, investment, and financial communities. This forum takes place at a crucial stage in Egyptian-French relations, following the elevation of ties between the two countries to a strategic partnership.
Minister Farid emphasized that the current phase aims to translate strong political and economic relations into investments, partnerships, and concrete projects. He reviewed recent developments in the Egyptian economy, noting that the global economy has faced numerous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, the war in Gaza, and disruptions to navigation in the Red Sea and Suez Canal. These events have had significant repercussions for global trade, energy and food prices, supply chains, and capital flows.
Despite these challenges, the Egyptian government has continued to invest in the future, with substantial investments in infrastructure development over the past decade. This includes upgrades to roads, ports, energy networks, new cities, and the logistics system, laying the groundwork for an economy better positioned to produce and export. The private sector's share of total investment has increased from less than 40% to around 65%, reflecting a shift towards an economic model that gives the private sector a greater role in driving investment, production, exports, and job creation.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into Egypt reached around $15.5bn in 2025, according to a UNCTAD report, making Egypt the largest recipient of FDI in Africa and accounting for around 22% of total inflows to the continent. The Egyptian Exchange's market capitalization has also increased significantly, from less than EGP 300bn in 2011 to around EGP 4.5tn currently. This growth is accompanied by an expansion in the investor base and increased market activity.
The Egyptian economy has demonstrated its resilience, with economic growth reaching 5.1% in FY2025/2026 and unemployment declining from around 8% in 2020 to 5.8% currently, its lowest level on record. These indicators reflect the economy's ability to absorb successive shocks and maintain momentum. Policy consistency, rapid responses, and a greater role for the private sector have strengthened the economy's ability to deal with crises and turn them into opportunities for growth.
Trade between Egypt and France has also been robust, with bilateral trade reaching around €3.08bn in 2025 and Egyptian exports to France standing at around €1.22bn. French investment in Egypt has a strong and diversified presence, with a cumulative stock of French investment flows reaching around $8.5bn. Over 180 French companies operate directly in Egypt, and there are more than 950 French shareholdings in Egyptian companies.
Minister Farid expressed his optimism about the potential for increased investment, trade, and partnerships between Egypt and France. He invited French companies to leverage Egypt's competitive operating costs and preferential access to over 100 markets, making the country a production and export platform connecting Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The Egypt-France Business Forum represents a practical opportunity to identify new investment, expansion, and partnership opportunities between the two countries.
Key points
- Egypt aims to become a hub for investment, growth, production, and exports for French companies.
- The private sector's share of total investment in Egypt has increased to around 65%.
- FDI inflows into Egypt reached around $15.5bn in 2025.
