Fitch Ratings on Thursday reported that Egypt’s government programmes to support pharmaceutical exports are strengthening the country’s ambition to become a leading regional hub for drug manufacturing.
The measures include streamlining customs clearance, accelerating quality certification, and reducing administrative barriers for exporters.
The government has also expanded preferential financing programs, raising credit limits under its lowcost initiative for pharmaceutical manufacturers and offering loans at subsidized interest rates below 15 per cent.
In parallel, Egypt is promoting the use of artificial intelligence and biotechnology to cut drug development costs and reduce reliance on imported raw materials.
These factors, combined with Egypt’s geographic position, trade agreements, and broad industrial base, reinforce its role as a production and export platform for the Middle East and Africa, Fitch noted.
Pharmaceutical exports grew by 12.7 per cent in 2025, driven by stronger local industry capacity.
Domestic producers now cover about 93 per cent of Egypt’s pharmaceutical needs with nearly 17,000 registered products.
Based on this performance, Fitch raised its forecast for Egypt’s pharmaceutical market from $6.3 billion in 2025 to $7.1 billion in 2026, maintaining a positive outlook for the sector.
