Dr. Ahmed Rustom, Egypt's Minister of Planning and Economic Development, held an expanded meeting with representatives of the international credit rating agency Standard & Poor's. The meeting was attended by some international institutions and took place within the framework of the periodic review of Egypt's credit rating. The discussions focused on the latest developments in Egypt's economic performance, financial results, and ways to enhance private sector participation and create a competitive investment environment.
During the meeting, Dr. Rustom reviewed the positive developments in Egypt's economic indicators, noting that the country's GDP growth rate reached 5.1% during the 2025/2026 fiscal year, compared to 4.4% in the previous year. This growth was driven by a noticeable recovery in high-value-added sectors, particularly the manufacturing and communications sectors. The minister emphasized that these growth results reflect the ability of productive and service sectors to support economic activity and consolidate a diversified base of national support.
Dr. Rustom highlighted the success of financial and monetary policies in curbing inflationary pressures, noting that the inflation rate declined to 12.7% in August 2026. He also pointed to an improvement in labor market performance, with the unemployment rate dropping to 5.8% during the second quarter of 2026. This, he said, reflects the economy's increasing ability to create new and sustainable job opportunities.
The minister discussed the current geopolitical and regional developments, emphasizing that the Egyptian economy has demonstrated resilience and the ability to absorb external shocks. This, he attributed to the continuation of structural reforms and increased investment competitiveness. Dr. Rustom also revealed estimates for Egypt's economic growth in the coming period, targeting a growth rate of 5.2-5.4% in the next fiscal year.
The Egyptian government is focusing on empowering the private sector, improving the investment environment, and enhancing the economy's ability to provide job opportunities. Dr. Rustom's meeting with Standard & Poor's leaders aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of Egypt's economic performance and future prospects. The discussions also covered ways to strengthen cooperation and promote investment in Egypt.
Egypt's economic growth has been driven by a recovery in key sectors, including manufacturing and communications. The country's GDP growth rate has increased to 5.1% in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, exceeding the previous year's rate of 4.4%. This growth is expected to continue, with the government targeting a growth rate of 5.2-5.4% in the next fiscal year.
The meeting between Dr. Rustom and Standard & Poor's leaders reflects the government's efforts to maintain a positive dialogue with international institutions and investors. Egypt's credit rating is an important indicator of the country's economic health and investment attractiveness. The government's commitment to implementing structural reforms and promoting investment competitiveness is expected to have a positive impact on the country's credit rating and economic growth prospects.
Key points
- Egypt's Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Ahmed Rustom, met with Standard & Poor's leaders to discuss the country's economic performance and credit rating.
- The Egyptian economy has demonstrated resilience and the ability to absorb external shocks, driven by structural reforms and increased investment competitiveness.
- The government is targeting a growth rate of 5.2-5.4% in the next fiscal year, driven by private sector empowerment and improved investment environment.
