Egypt's Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rostom recently presented the country's development vision and efforts to attract investment and strengthen development partnerships during a panel discussion at the 2026 Sustainable Development Goals Dialogue in Madrid, Spain. The session, entitled "Country Platforms in Practice: From National Priorities to Bankable and Investable Project Pipelines", was attended by Ehab Badawy, Egypt's Ambassador to Spain. This event highlights Egypt's commitment to creating a transparent and attractive investment environment for global capital.
According to Rostom, the main challenge facing global development efforts is no longer limited to a shortage of capital, but also involves implementation and the ability to bridge the gap between national visions and pipelines of investment-ready projects. He emphasized that a country's ability to attract financing depends on translating its priorities into projects that appeal to the private sector and are capable of securing funding. This approach is crucial for achieving development goals and creating new opportunities for investment.
The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development has restructured its approach to public investment management to ensure greater efficiency and transparency. The reforms include integrating advanced digital systems for real-time project monitoring, helping direct public resources towards attracting financing and encouraging private-sector participation. These efforts aim to accelerate project implementation, improve public services, and create new jobs, ultimately contributing to Egypt's economic growth and development.
One of the key initiatives presented by Rostom is the Infrastructure Finance Guarantee Facility (IFGF), developed in partnership with the World Bank Group. The facility provides a strategic platform for addressing market and structural risks, encouraging domestic financial institutions and investors to participate in vital projects. Renewable energy, water desalination, and sustainable urban development are key areas for investment, as emphasized by the Egyptian government.
The IFGF is designed to provide early-stage support for project preparation and strengthen creditworthiness, sending a clear signal to international financial institutions that Egypt's development priorities are underpinned by robust and stable financial structures. This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in attracting investment and promoting economic growth in Egypt. The government has given high priority to completing the facility's establishment and launching it swiftly.
Rostom also invited the investment arms of development partners and multilateral development banks to provide flexible support for national platforms, including through blended finance instruments and mechanisms that enable financing in local currency to reduce exposure to exchange-rate volatility. This approach aims to create a more attractive investment environment and encourage private-sector participation in development projects.
In conclusion, Egypt's Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rostom reaffirmed the country's commitment to creating a transparent and attractive investment environment for global capital. The presentation in Madrid highlights Egypt's efforts to attract investment and strengthen development partnerships, ultimately contributing to the country's economic growth and development.
Key points
- Egypt's Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rostom presents country's vision to attract investment and strengthen development partnerships at 2026 Sustainable Development Goals Dialogue in Madrid, Spain.
- The Infrastructure Finance Guarantee Facility (IFGF) is a key initiative developed in partnership with the World Bank Group to address market and structural risks and encourage investment in vital projects.
- Egypt's Ministry of Planning and Economic Development has restructured its approach to public investment management to ensure greater efficiency and transparency.
