Libya’s largest consultancy firm, Qabas Consulting & Training, is set to inaugurate an office in the Second Sector of City Center New Cairo. For decades the firm delivered its services in Egypt from afar, operating chiefly from its headquarters in Tripoli. Now, driven by recent structural reforms and a modernising economic landscape, the firm has opted for a more direct engagement with the Egyptian market.
A Shift in Regional Strategy
Founded in 1994, Qabas Consulting has built a robust presence in North Africa, operating in Algeria, Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia, while also extending its interests into select European markets. The firm represents global giants such as Oracle and Amazon Web Services in the region, a role that has cemented its reputation as one of the most trusted regional partners for these industry leaders.
In Egypt, its business was conducted without a local office, as remote coordination proved sufficient in a less integrated market. However, recent regulatory upgrades and infrastructural investments have reshaped the commercial terrain. Egypt now presents a market where proximity enhances responsiveness and enables closer ties with institutional partners.
New Cairo, rapidly emerging as a regional financial and technological hub, presents an ideal setting for the new branch. The move aligns with the firm’s commitment to bolster a transitioning financial ecosystem and mirrors similar strategies adopted by other multinationals such as IGT Solutions, M2P, Daikine, and Knight Frank. These companies, alongside their peers, are capitalising on growth opportunities unveiled by the country’s sweeping modernisation programme.
Sector Diversification and Financial Services
Over decades, Qabas Consulting has developed expertise across various sectors. Its portfolio includes significant roles in aviation, transportation, communications, media, technology, energy, and natural resources. Notably, its involvement in the financial services arena has grown, positioning the firm as a trusted partner in projects that demand precision and adherence to international standards.
The firm’s record includes assignments for organisations such as the Libyan Central Bank, Gumhouria Bank, National Commercial Bank, Wahda Bank, and Sahara Bank. These engagements have encompassed services ranging from auditing and capacity building to regulatory compliance. With Egypt poised to upgrade its financial systems, Qabas Consulting is set to leverage its extensive experience in anticipation of the forthcoming overhaul of the SWIFT system, scheduled for full implementation in November 2025.
Upgrading Financial Infrastructure
At the heart of Egypt’s current reform efforts lies the modernisation of its financial infrastructure. The planned update of the SWIFT system is designed to improve transaction security and operational efficiency, addressing longstanding challenges in cross-border financial flows. This initiative is part of a wider drive to streamline financial practices and align domestic procedures with global benchmarks.
Qabas Consulting’s role will involve assisting Egyptian banks as they transition to the new system. By facilitating this change, the firm will help local institutions adapt to enhanced regulatory standards while ensuring continuity in operations. The upgraded SWIFT system is expected to reduce errors in financial transactions and mitigate risks, thereby contributing to the stability of the country’s banking sector.
Investing in Local Talent
The new office in New Cairo is not solely about infrastructure and regulatory alignment; it also marks a significant commitment to human capital development. Qabas Consulting has announced plans to recruit more than 100 Egyptian professionals by 2030. This initiative seeks to tap into the country’s pool of technical expertise, which has become recognised for its agility and practical know-how in complex markets.
Local recruitment is increasingly viewed as essential in regions undergoing rapid modernisation. By drawing on domestic talent, the firm aims to integrate its global best practices with an in-depth understanding of local market dynamics and regulatory nuances. In effect, the strategy seeks to create a robust link between international standards and regional realities – a combination that benefits both the consulting firm and its local partners.
Qabas Consulting Capitalises on a New Policy Environment
Egypt’s economic reforms have been characterised by a measured approach to updating and streamlining regulatory frameworks. Investments in infrastructure, particularly in the financial sector, have garnered broad support and have positioned the nation as a focal point for regional economic activity. This stable policy environment has not only attracted local business but has also signalled to international players that the country is ripe for a new phase of growth.
Qabas Consulting’s decision to establish a physical presence in New Cairo is a direct response to these developments. By positioning itself at the heart of a market undergoing significant reform, the firm is signalling its readiness to engage with the evolving demands of the regional financial ecosystem. This move comes at a time when Egypt’s systematic efforts to enhance its regulatory and infrastructural frameworks are beginning to yield tangible benefits, attracting further investment and fostering a climate of sustained economic progress.
