The Egyptian-French Business Forum 2026 was inaugurated on Monday, September 28, 2026, in Paris, with the participation of over 200 companies and institutions from both Egypt and France. The forum was opened by Dr. Mohamed Fared, Egypt's Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, at the Luxembourg Palace in Paris, which is the seat of the French Senate. The event was attended by several French officials, representatives of the business community, and investment and financial institutions.
Dr. Fared emphasized that the forum is taking place at a crucial stage in Egyptian-French relations, especially with the elevation of ties between the two countries to a strategic partnership level. He noted that the current stage aims to translate political and economic relations into investments, partnerships, and practical projects. The minister reviewed the developments in the Egyptian economy over the past few years, highlighting the challenges and shocks it has faced, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian-Ukrainian war, and the war in Gaza.
The Egyptian economy has demonstrated its ability to absorb shocks and continue growing, with a 5.1% growth rate during the 2025/2026 fiscal year. The unemployment rate has also decreased from around 8% in 2020 to 5.8% currently, which is the lowest historical level. Dr. Fared stressed that these indicators reflect the Egyptian economy's ability to deal with crises and turn them into growth opportunities. He also highlighted the government's efforts to create a business-friendly environment, with a greater role for the private sector in leading investment, production, and exports.
The minister noted that the private sector's share of total investments has increased from less than 40% to around 65% currently, reflecting a shift towards an economic model that gives the private sector a greater role. He also mentioned that foreign direct investment in Egypt reached $15.5 billion in 2025, according to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), making Egypt the largest African country attracting foreign direct investment.
The Egyptian stock market has also witnessed significant growth, with its market capitalization increasing from less than 300 billion pounds in 2011 to around 4.5 trillion pounds currently. Dr. Fared emphasized that Egypt aims to be a hub for investment, growth, production, and exports for French companies already operating in the Egyptian market, as well as for those considering entering the market for the first time.
The volume of trade between Egypt and France reached around 3.08 billion euros in 2025, with Egyptian exports to France amounting to around 1.22 billion euros. French investments in Egypt have a strong and diversified presence, with a cumulative total of around $8.5 billion in French investment flows, and over 180 French companies operating directly in Egypt.
Dr. Fared addressed the French business community, saying that Egypt aims to be a center for investment, growth, production, and exports for French companies. He highlighted the competitive operating costs, preferential access to over 100 markets, and the ability to use Egypt as a platform for production and exports to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Key points
- The Egyptian-French Business Forum 2026 aims to translate political and economic relations into investments and practical projects.
- Egypt's economy has shown resilience in the face of challenges, with a 5.1% growth rate and a decrease in unemployment.
- The private sector's share of total investments in Egypt has increased to around 65%.
