Egypt is working with the World Bank Group on a new investment promotion strategy aimed at directing foreign investment towards productive sectors, increasing exports and strengthening links with local industries.
During his participation in a session on the role of the private sector in financing development in developing countries, held as part of the 2026 UNCTAD World Investment Forum in Doha on Tuesday, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid said Egypt was seeking to move beyond attracting foreign capital towards maximising its economic impact.
The focus would be on investments that boost industrial production, create export opportunities and integrate Egyptian businesses into global value chains.
He said the strategy would identify priority sectors and investment opportunities within global value chains.
The minister noted that attracting long-term private investment requires clear and stable economic policies, simpler investment procedures and faster licensing and approvals.
He also highlighted Egypt’s network of trade agreements, which gives investors access to wider regional and international markets.
Farid said “developing countries need to improve their ability to prepare bankable projects, particularly in infrastructure, water and energy”.
The minister called for stronger domestic capital markets and wider use of investment guarantees and risk-mitigation instruments to mobilise savings and unlock additional financing for development projects.
He said these measures were particularly important amid high global interest rates and growing competition for capital, including investment in rapidly expanding sectors such as artificial intelligence.
On African economic integration, Farid stressed the need to harmonise capital market regulations and disclosure requirements. Such measures would facilitate cross-border investment and broaden the investor base.
He also called for greater alignment of product standards, rules of origin and trade procedures under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
These steps would help integrate African markets, support business expansion and attract further investment, he said.
