Planning Minister: Egyptian economy shows exceptional resilience amid regional, global challenges

Egyptian Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rostom highlighted the nation's economic resilience despite regional and global challenges. The economy saw a growth rate of 5.1 percent in fiscal year 2025/2026, surpassing forecasts from major international institutions. Rostom explained that the industrial, trade, and ICT sectors contributed nearly half of this growth.

He emphasized the importance of the quality and sources of this growth, not just the overall figure. Egypt's growth is driven by diverse sectors, including industry and ICT, and the minister stressed the need to curb inflation and create more job opportunities. The annual inflation rate declined to 12.7 percent in August 2026, down from 13 percent in August 2025.

Rostom also noted that Egypt's data has received international recognition and that the country has effectively dealt with economic shocks in the past. The government aims to raise the private investment share from 59 percent to 64 percent by 2030, with investments expected in sectors like ICT and logistics, particularly in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

Egypt is also working to develop new financing instruments for greater risks and opportunities. The Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship is focusing on establishing a flexible regulatory environment to expand private-sector partnerships and provide financing mechanisms for startups. Rostom concluded that the government's goals extend beyond growth rates, focusing on competitiveness and expanding private investment in key sectors like industry, agriculture, tourism, ICT, and energy security to achieve sustainable growth and improve living standards across all regions.