Egypt’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Kouchouk, on Friday expressed strong optimism about the nation’s economic future, declaring that the private sector is poised to lead the next phase of growth. Speaking at the second Cairo Forum 2025, Kouchouk affirmed that recent economic reforms have attracted significant investor interest, resulting in a tangible boost to private investments.
The Minister asserted that Egypt is now a “real and tangible focus of attention for manufacturing and export” across the Middle East and Africa, positioned as an attractive destination for international partnerships due to its competitive logistics base.
Kouchouk announced that a second package of “tax incentives” will be launched soon, designed to offer important benefits to local and international investors and financiers.
Complementing the tax overhaul, a new package of facilitations in the customs system is also forthcoming, aimed at supporting the business community and stimulating the investment environment.
The Minister stressed the government’s commitment to providing certainty and clarity to investors. This includes launching a strategy to reduce and improve debt indicators of budget entities before the end of December 2025, and releasing the medium-term tax strategy before March 2026 for dialogue and adoption.
Kouchouk emphasized that the economic team is operating with great harmony, working in “one system” to serve the state’s goals. “We are betting on industry and export as a driver of growth while maintaining financial stability,” he stated.
Addressing the broader regional context, Minister Kouchouk highlighted the vast opportunities for investment across Africa. He called for balanced policies across the continent to enhance competitiveness in global markets, noting that huge funds from the East are actively seeking new investment destinations.
“We must be present strongly to direct the course of these flows for the benefit of the continent,” he urged, stressing the need for collective action to deepen industry and exports.
The Minister concluded his remarks by noting that international inflation rates are declining, and Egypt’s immediate priority must be to push forward with economic development efforts and the creation of decent job opportunities for its youth.
