Egyptian Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Ahmed Rustam, recently participated in a panel discussion on the country's economic developments, organized by the Middle East Institute (MEI) in the United States. The discussion was part of the B20 Summit 2026, a major platform for business and private sector dialogue among G20 economies. Dr. Rustam emphasized that Egypt's economy has shown remarkable ability to absorb regional and global shocks, maintaining a strong growth path. The country's GDP grew by 5.1% in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, a significant increase from 4.4% in the previous year.
Dr. Rustam highlighted the success of proactive measures taken by the government, which have contributed to the economy's resilience. He also discussed the National Program for Economic Transformation, which adopts a development approach based on a spatial map, identifying investment opportunities and competitive advantages in each governorate. The program aims to offer integrated and finance-ready projects, developed in partnership with various ministries and agencies, to ensure that public investments align with private sector opportunities and meet actual citizen needs.
The Minister stressed the government's commitment to creating a business-friendly environment through fundamental reforms, including the implementation of the second edition of the "State Ownership Policy Document" and a full transition to an electronic system for allocating industrial land. This aims to eliminate bureaucracy and digitize all investor services, making the company lifecycle entirely electronic in the coming years. Additionally, the government seeks to maximize returns from underutilized assets through the Sovereign Wealth Fund.
Dr. Rustam also addressed financing challenges, announcing the launch of an innovative mechanism to guarantee infrastructure project financing, specifically designed to mitigate exchange rate fluctuation risks. This mechanism provides long-term financing in local currency, reducing reliance on external borrowing and alleviating pressure on the public budget. It also aims to decrease reliance on sovereign guarantees by enhancing the role of development partners and banks in sharing risks for economically viable projects with sustainable returns.
The Minister emphasized the importance of knowledge economy and entrepreneurship in driving sustainable growth. The government is finalizing the "Executive Program for Entrepreneurship and Innovation" to establish Egypt as a regional hub for startups and technology. This program includes coordination with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to finance research projects for students and graduates, transforming promising scientific research into productive economic projects.
Dr. Rustam's presentation highlighted the government's efforts to prioritize investments in areas with the greatest need, while promoting public-private partnerships. The National Program for Economic Transformation aims to unlock investment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in various sectors. By fostering a business-friendly environment and encouraging innovation, the government aims to position Egypt as an attractive destination for investors and a leader in regional economic development.
The panel discussion, which included Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, and Ambassador Mohamed El Mulla, Egyptian Ambassador to the United States, provided a platform for stakeholders to engage with Egypt's economic development strategies. The discussion underscored the country's commitment to implementing comprehensive reforms and innovative financing mechanisms to drive sustainable growth and investment.
Key points
- Egypt's GDP grew by 5.1% in the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
- The government is launching an innovative mechanism to guarantee infrastructure project financing.
- Egypt aims to establish itself as a regional hub for startups and technology through the "Executive Program for Entrepreneurship and Innovation".
