Author: Rana Salem

Egypt’s financial inclusion rates have reached a record 76.3% of the adult population, according to the latest figures from the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE). In its update on the Financial Inclusion Strategy (2022–2025), the CBE reported that as of June 2025, more than 53.8 million citizens aged 15 and above actively use transaction accounts through banks, Egypt Post, mobile wallets, or prepaid cards. This marks a sharp rise from 74.8% in December 2024, underscoring the success of reforms aimed at expanding access to the formal financial system. Expanding inclusion for women and youth The CBE highlighted notable progress in…

Egypt’s government is drafting a legislative framework to regulate the burgeoning gold fund sector, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced on August 13, signaling a shift in how gold is viewed in Egypt. Once seen primarily as a hedge against inflation or a form of jewelry, gold is now poised to evolve into a dynamic investment class within the country’s growing capital markets. The proposed framework aims not only to regulate gold funds but also to establish internationally accredited gold refineries, positioning Cairo as a potential hub for both regional and global gold industries. This transformation is part of a broader…

After a prolonged period of currency fluctuations and fiscal challenges, Egypt’s economy is beginning to show tentative signs of stabilization—led by a modest strengthening of the exchange rate. In early August 2025, the Egyptian pound appreciated to EGP 48.40–48.50 per US dollar, according to Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) data, marking its strongest level in over a year. Unlike previous rebounds driven largely by short-term inflows or policy moves, the recent uptick may reflect gradual improvements in Egypt’s approach to economic and foreign exchange management. Exports, tourism, and remittances take the lead Improved trade dynamics have been central to the…

Egypt has signed a landmark $35 billion natural gas supply agreement with Israel’s NewMed Energy, securing 130 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas through 2040 in a bid to strengthen its role as the Eastern Mediterranean’s leading energy hub, the company announced on August 7. Phased output boost The deal, finalized with Egyptian buyer Blue Ocean Energy, will support the planned expansion of Israel’s Leviathan gas field and guarantee long-term supply stability. In the first phase, daily deliveries will increase from 450 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF)—about 4.7 bcm annually—to 650 MMSCF (6.7 bcm) once Israel Natural Gas Lines completes…

The Egyptian pound is significantly undervalued against the US dollar, according to the latest figures from The Economist’s Big Mac Index. The informal gauge—widely recognized for illustrating currency misalignment—shows that a Big Mac costs EGP 125 in Egypt compared to $6.01 in the U.S. This price difference suggests an implied exchange rate of EGP 20.80 per dollar, far below the current market rate of EGP 48.70, indicating a 57.3% undervaluation of the Egyptian pound. Even when adjusting for income disparities using GDP per capita, the pound remains 29.1% undervalued, underscoring deeper structural issues beyond simple cost-of-living differences. The Big Mac…

Egypt’s agricultural exports have surged to a record 6.24 million tons as of mid-July 2025, marking an increase of 575,000 tons compared to the same period last year, according to an official statement from Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. This sharp growth underscores Egypt’s growing stature as a major player in the global agri-export market. Citrus leads export growth Data from the Egyptian Plant Quarantine Authority highlights citrus fruits as the top export category, exceeding 1.9 million tons. Potatoes followed with 1.3 million tons, while fresh onions accounted for 231,894 tons. Other notable contributors include grapes (159,477…

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that the first unit of the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant is expected to be operational by the second half of 2028, according to a televised statement made in July. With a planned total capacity of 4,800 megawatts and over 80% of the workforce being Egyptian, the plant is positioned to transform the nation’s energy sector and fulfill a decades-old national aspiration. Operational by 2028 “El-Dabaa represents the realization of a long-awaited national dream,” Madbouly said, underscoring the project as a reflection of Egypt’s commitment to developing advanced, safe, and sustainable energy sources. During an…

Egypt has launched a new digital tourism campaign targeting Arab markets, part of a broader effort to position itself as a leading regional tourism destination. The campaign, launched in partnership with WEGO—one of the Middle East’s top travel booking platforms—is spearheaded by the Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETA) and will run until June 2026, according to a statement by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The initiative, part of the international “Egypt… A Unique Blend” campaign, aims to generate over 500,000 bookings and attract more than one million visitors by leveraging peak travel periods such as holidays and festivals. According to…

Once a symbol of marketing dominance, Egypt’s billboards and glossy TV ads are no longer enough to capture consumer attention or trust. As consumer behavior shifts, particularly among younger demographics, Egyptian brands across sectors—from fintech and retail to food and fashion—are turning to influencers and user-generated content (UGC) to connect more authentically with audiences. This strategic pivot is driven by the declining effectiveness of traditional, polished advertising and a growing appetite for relatable, people-first content. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are where Egyptians are spending time, engaging with creators who speak their language and reflect their lifestyles. Influencer partnerships…

National Printing S.A.E., a leading player in Egypt’s printing and packaging industry, has announced plans to proceed with an initial public offering (IPO) on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX). The offering will involve up to 21,171,040 ordinary shares, representing 10% of the company’s issued share capital. The shares will be divided equally between a Private Tranche and a Public Tranche, according to a statement issued by the company. The Private Tranche will allocate 10,585,520 shares to Saudi cornerstone investor Omran Mohammed AlOmran, a prominent entrepreneur. The remaining shares will be made available to public investors, with the subscription period expected to…