EBRD Investment in Egypt tops €13.8B
With over €13.8 billion invested in Egypt’s economy since 2012—more than 86 percent of it directed to the private sector — the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is a significant strategic partner, Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, reaffirmed during a high-level meeting in Cairo.
Al-Mashat received Ms. Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the EBRD, at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital on Monday, as part of the Bank President’s official visit to Egypt. The meeting focused on final preparations for the EBRD’s 2025 Annual Meeting and Business Forum, set to take place in London from May 13 to 15, and explored opportunities to further enhance cooperation across strategic sectors.
Egypt, a founding member of the EBRD and one of its largest countries of operation globally, is expected to play a prominent role in the upcoming forum, which will spotlight private sector investment, green transformation, and sustainable growth across emerging economies.
Al-Mashat noted that the EBRD’s continued investment in Egypt reflects deep confidence in the country’s economic trajectory and the resilience of its private sector.
She underscored that Egypt’s structural reform efforts—particularly in renewable energy—have strengthened its investment climate and enabled access to innovative financing. As a lead partner in the energy pillar of the “NWFE” (Nexus of Water, Food, and Energy) platform, the EBRD has helped mobilize critical funding for clean energy initiatives and infrastructure upgrades.
Renaud-Basso commended Egypt’s commitment to reform and inclusive development, reaffirming the EBRD’s dedication to the Egyptian market.
In 2023 alone, the Bank invested approximately €1.5 billion (LE 86 billion) in Egypt, and intends to expand its engagement in key areas including the green economy, digital transformation, and gender-inclusive finance.
During the meeting, Al-Mashat also presented Egypt’s latest economic indicators, highlighting a strategic pivot toward a private sector–led growth model focused on tradable and export-oriented industries.
She emphasized that the government has capped public investment at LE 1 trillion to create fiscal space for private and foreign investment. This approach is already yielding results: in the first half of the current fiscal year, private sector investments outpaced public investment, accounting for more than 50 percent of total capital expenditure.
She further noted that 2024 marks a turning point for concessional development finance in Egypt. Private sector development financing reached $4.2 billion (LE 212 billion)—its highest level in five years—surpassing government borrowing, which totaled $3.2 billion (LE 162 billion). The majority of public borrowing last year was used to support the state budget and advance structural reforms.
Looking ahead, Al-Mashat announced plans to launch Egypt’s “National Narrative for Economic Development”—a strategic roadmap developed in coordination with government institutions to drive long-term growth through foreign direct investment, industrial expansion, and human capital development. She emphasized that all state entities are working in alignment to unlock the country’s full economic potential, particularly in manufacturing and value-added sectors.
The Minister also spotlighted Egypt’s ambitious clean energy agenda. Under the NWFE program, Egypt has mobilized $3.9 billion (LE 197 billion) in concessional finance for private renewable energy projects, with the EBRD playing a central role in strengthening the national electricity grid to accommodate increased renewable capacity.
Efforts are currently underway to attract $10 billion (LE 506 billion) in additional investments to install 10 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2028, in line with Egypt’s Integrated and Sustainable Energy Strategy.
Al-Mashat concluded by highlighting the 2022–2027 Country Strategy between Egypt and the EBRD, which focuses on three main pillars: supporting inclusive economic growth, advancing the green transition, and expanding economic opportunities. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring continued alignment between the Bank’s priorities and Egypt’s national development agenda.