Egypt Partners with IFC to Introduce Public Private Partnerships at 11 Airports
IFC has engaged with the Government of Egypt to advise on introducing public private partnerships (PPP) in the country’s airports sector to improve infrastructure, connectivity, and passenger services.
Under this engagement, IFC will advise the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on prepare a strategy for partnership development with the private sector in 11 airports across Egypt, representing a significant portion of the country’s domestic and international air travel. As a pilot project, IFC will act as Lead PPP Transaction Advisor for Hurghada International Airport, Egypt’s second busiest in terms of annual passengers and aviation traffic.
Airports were identified as a strategic sector for increased partnerships with the private sector as per Egypt’s wider Asset Monetization Program (AMP), which was launched by the Government of Egypt in June 2023 and is supported by IFC. According to the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation (EHCAAN), Egyptian airports served more than 50 million passengers on nearly 400,000 flights in 2024. Improving efficiency and passenger experience in the sector will lead to greater air connectivity, which is key to creating jobs and unlocking sustainable economic growth through both tourism and trade.
This program aims to leverage private sector financing for airport upgrades and expansions without burdening the national budget. Private sector innovation and efficiency are expected to maximize revenue generation for the Egyptian government, improve airport infrastructure and efficiency, and attract more passengers.
Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly stated that the agreement builds on the Government’s ongoing collaboration with IFC under the Asset Monetization Program. He highlighted that IFC will provide advisory services to boost private sector participation in Egypt’s air transport sector, and reaffirmed his commitment to this strategic partnership, which aims to improve airport services and capacity.
He added that the agreement reflects a broader partnership with IFC to attract private investment, deliver technical assistance, and strengthen public-private partnerships across key sectors in Egypt.
“Enhancing Egypt’s airport infrastructure through public private partnership will drive economic growth and boost connectivity in the country and across the wider region,” said Sérgio Pimenta, IFC’s Vice President for Africa. “This program will help attract world-class investors to deliver modern, efficient airports that strengthen Egypt’s position as a global travel and trade hub.”
H.E. Dr. Sameh El-Hefny, Minister of Civil Aviation, stated, "The Ministry of Civil Aviation is committed to developing the air transport sector in Egypt, in alignment with the state's vision towards enhancing infrastructure and achieving sustainable development that contributes to supporting the national economy. The partnership with IFC as a strategic partner will help provide advisory services on public private partnerships in a number of Egyptian airports, a crucial step towards improved service quality and operational efficiency in the civil aviation sector.”