CAIRO – 5 May 2025: In a powerful reaffirmation of Egypt’s growing role as a regional hub for investment and sustainable development, Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly received Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), at the government headquarters in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital.
The high-level meeting marked a pivotal moment in the bank’s strategic engagement with Egypt, one of its largest and most dynamic countries of operation.
The visit was also attended by Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and Egypt’s official governor at the EBRD. The discussions underscored the strength of the Egypt-EBRD relationship and outlined shared ambitions for the future.
Since Egypt joined the EBRD in 2012, the country has emerged as one of the bank’s leading investment destinations. As Dr. Rania Al-Mashat highlighted, the cumulative portfolio of EBRD investments in Egypt has now exceeded €14 billion, spread across approximately 200 projects.
Notably, more than 90% of these investments are directed to the private sector, demonstrating the bank’s role in supporting Egypt’s vision of a private-sector-led economic transformation.
In 2024 alone, EBRD investments in Egypt reached €1.5 billion, with a staggering 98% allocated to private enterprises. These figures highlight the bank’s confidence in Egypt’s market potential and its ongoing commitment to fueling entrepreneurship, job creation, and innovation.
The meeting served as an opportunity to reaffirm Egypt’s economic reform agenda, which emphasizes enhancing the role of the private sector, diversifying the economy, and attracting foreign direct investment.
According to Dr. Al-Mashat, this approach aligns closely with the EBRD’s mandate to promote open and sustainable market economies.
“The government is committed to ensuring that economic growth is led by private sector innovation and competitiveness,” the Minister stated. “We appreciate the EBRD’s efforts in providing low-cost financing and mobilizing international capital for key sectors like agri-business, renewable energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure.”
The Egyptian government also expressed strong support for the EBRD’s recent geographic expansion into Sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Al-Mashat welcomed this strategic move, noting Egypt’s own ambition to deepen economic integration and investment across the African continent.
“Egypt is committed to enhancing its economic partnerships with its African neighbors,” said the Minister. “The EBRD can serve as a key platform to facilitate this cooperation, especially in financing private sector projects in African countries.”
President Renaud-Basso agreed, emphasizing the bank’s enthusiasm for expanding operations across Africa, with Egypt acting as a pivotal bridge for investment and collaboration.
In her remarks, Ms. Renaud-Basso emphasized Egypt’s significance within the EBRD’s global operations, describing the country as “one of the most dynamic economies in the MENA region.” She highlighted the bank’s focus areas, including:
• Renewable Energy: Under Egypt’s flagship “Nawfi” platform, the EBRD is helping mobilize billions in private capital for green energy projects. The bank is currently financing renewable power generation projects with a combined capacity of 6 GW.
• SMEs and Entrepreneurship: The EBRD is expanding its support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), working closely with local partner banks to enhance access to credit and business development services.
• Infrastructure and Manufacturing: The bank remains committed to investing in critical infrastructure and high-value manufacturing, sectors seen as crucial to boosting productivity and job creation.
Ms. Renaud-Basso also emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP) as a model to attract foreign direct investment and deliver large-scale infrastructure efficiently.
Both sides praised the success of the the Nexus of Water, Food and Energy (NWFE) initiative – Egypt’s integrated platform for attracting climate finance in food, water, and energy sectors. Dr. Al-Mashat revealed that since its launch in 2022, the platform has helped mobilize over $4 billion in private financing, positioning it as a global model for sustainable development finance.
“The NWFE platform is a blueprint for how countries can align climate goals with investment strategies,” she said, noting that the EBRD considers the initiative as a best-practice model for other emerging markets.
The two sides also reviewed preparations for the EBRD’s 2025 Annual Meeting and Business Forum, set to be held in London from May 13 to 15. Egypt’s delegation is expected to play a prominent role in the event, which will feature high-level dialogues on investment, sustainable development, and innovation.
“This will be another opportunity to spotlight Egypt’s success story and attract more investors,” Dr. Al-Mashat said, adding that the Egyptian government is keen to use the forum to strengthen partnerships and unlock new financing opportunities.
As the visit concluded, both Egyptian officials and the EBRD delegation reaffirmed their mutual commitment to deepening cooperation and maximizing impact. President Renaud-Basso expressed her satisfaction with the outcomes of the visit, describing it as “inspiring and promising.”
“We are proud of our longstanding partnership with Egypt,” she said. “This country is a cornerstone of our operations, and we are excited to continue working together to unlock its full economic potential.”
The growing collaboration between Egypt and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development reflects more than just successful development finance – it represents a shared commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable investment, and regional leadership.
As Egypt continues to diversify its economy and champion private sector expansion, its partnership with the EBRD is set to play a critical role in shaping the country’s economic future and strengthening its position on the global investment map.
Be Social
Comments
Leave a Comment