Egypt launches new PPP initiative to accelerate private sector investment

CAIRO – 14 September 2025: Egypt’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Kouchouk, announced the creation of a new financing mechanism dedicated to supporting feasibility studies and advisory services for Public–Private Partnership (PPP) projects. The initiative aims to expand cooperation with the private sector and speed up the country’s development agenda.

Speaking at the “PPP Project Preparation Mechanism” conference—organized by the Ministry of Finance’s Central PPP Unit in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)—Kouchouk praised the EBRD for its continued support. He underlined that the government is focused on building a strong investment framework that promotes trust, confidence, and long-term partnerships with the business community.

The minister pointed out that private investors, both domestic and international, now account for 65 percent of total investments, highlighting their capacity for growth and competitiveness. He noted that Egypt launched 30 PPP projects in the last fiscal year with total investments of LE 41 billion, spanning dry ports, water and wastewater facilities, sludge management, electricity generation and distribution, and technical education. Looking ahead, upcoming projects are expected to attract between LE 25–30 billion in additional investment.

Atef Hanoura, Advisor to the Minister for PPP Projects, described the initiative as a model of productive cooperation with the EBRD, backed by an initial €10 million fund. He explained that the new mechanism dramatically reduces the time needed to contract consultants—from around 15 months to just eight weeks—allowing the government to launch more than 10 PPP projects in parallel. Importantly, winning investors will reimburse preparation and consultancy costs, ensuring the account remains financially sustainable. Hanoura also noted that the fund can be leveraged to support green energy PPP projects.

From her side, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat emphasized that the mechanism strengthens Egypt’s broader strategy to empower the private sector as a vital partner in national development. She praised the EBRD’s role, noting that more than 80 percent of its investments in Egypt are directed toward the private sector.