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Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Sherif Farouk announced that the remaining payments due to sugar cane farmers will be disbursed next week, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to meeting its obligations to growers and supporting domestic agricultural production.

Farouk said the move reflects the state’s commitment to supporting farmers and encouraging them to expand production, recognising them as key partners in achieving Egypt’s food security objectives.

The remarks came during an expanded meeting chaired by the minister to review the latest developments in sugar production, discuss plans to modernise the industry, and examine mechanisms to improve production and distribution efficiency in order to stabilise markets and maintain a balance between supply and demand.

The meeting reviewed the current status of sugar production from various sources, indicators of product availability, and ongoing efforts by the relevant authorities to support the domestic sugar industry. Participants confirmed that the strategic reserve of sugar, along with other essential commodities, remains at safe levels sufficient to meet demand for an extended period, reflecting the stability of the supply system and its ability to meet citizens’ needs.

The discussions also focused on improving the efficiency of sugar production, modernising manufacturing and distribution processes, and strengthening supply chain performance to increase domestic output, reduce losses, and enhance the competitiveness of the national sugar industry.


Participants further reviewed the quantities of sugar offered through the Egyptian Mercantile Exchange as part of efforts to assess trading mechanisms, improve market efficiency, support price stability, and ensure balanced outcomes for all market participants.

Farouk stressed that the government attaches strategic importance to developing the sugar industry as one of the country’s key food sectors. He underscored the need for continued coordination among all relevant authorities, higher production efficiency, and stronger supply chains to ensure the sustainable availability of sugar and reinforce Egypt’s food security.

The minister also directed officials to continue monitoring production indicators and strategic stock levels on a regular basis while expanding the adoption of best practices that enhance the development, efficiency, and competitiveness of the sugar industry for the benefit of farmers, producers, and consumers alike.

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Property Finder Egypt has signed a cooperation protocol with the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC) to support the licensing and qualification of real estate brokers, ahead of the July 2026 deadline for compliance with Law No. 21 of 2022, which regulates commercial agency and real estate brokerage activities.

The law requires all real estate brokers to obtain government-issued licenses in order to continue practicing the profession.

Under the agreement, Property Finder Egypt will cooperate with GOEIC to deliver training and qualification programs designed to help brokers meet the licensing requirements.

Essam El Naggar, Chairperson of GOEIC, said the partnership supports the authority’s efforts to implement the regulatory framework through cooperation with the private sector. He noted that accredited training programs are expected to improve professional standards, strengthen market efficiency, and protect the rights of market participants.

Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder Group, said the agreement represents a step toward a more regulated real estate market by promoting professional standards and transparency. He added that the initiative aims to support compliance with the new licensing framework.

Nervein Magdy, Managing Director of Property Finder Egypt, said the company will work with brokers throughout the licensing process and support compliance with the new regulatory requirements.

For his part, Amr Hussein, Legal Advisor at GOEIC for Legal and Anti-Money Laundering Affairs, said the mandatory training program covers the legal framework governing real estate brokerage, professional ethics, contract drafting, and the responsibilities of brokers in preventing money laundering and terrorism financing, in addition to practical skills required for the profession.

The protocol comes as Egypt moves to formalize its real estate brokerage sector through mandatory licensing, with the objective of improving professional qualifications, strengthening regulatory oversight, and increasing transparency in the property market.

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Egypt is preparing to launch innovative financing solutions for its infrastructure projects following advanced consultations with the World Bank, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rostom announced during high-level meetings in the United States.

Rostom met with Katiana Kaelouri, the World Bank’s Senior Expert for Financial Development and Long-Term Finance, on the sidelines of the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF 2026) in New York to finalize the mechanisms for the upcoming infrastructure funding initiatives.

During his visit, Rostom also held talks with Pablo Saavedra, World Bank Vice President for Prosperity, and Sandeep Mahajan, Regional Director for Equitable Growth, Finance, and Institutions in the Middle East and North Africa, to present the priorities of Egypt’s 2026/27 development plan and its 2026/27–2029/30 medium-term strategy, which was recently approved by the House of Representatives.

The newly approved economic blueprints target sustained economic growth, a higher ratio of private investments within the country’s total investment pool, the continued implementation of the “Decent Life” presidential initiative, the rollout of the comprehensive health insurance project, and increased spending on human capital.

“We are implementing a clear vision to upgrade the planning system, enhance the efficiency of public investments, and support economic reform efforts in Egypt,” Rostom said, explaining that the ministry’s participatory planning model aims to maximise the impact of development projects and create productive employment.

Rostom praised the long-standing strategic partnership with the World Bank group in support of “Egypt Vision 2030”, noting that the bank’s diagnostic reports and surveys provide deeper insights that back evidence-based decision-making across various economic sectors.

Addressing the country’s economic performance amidst ongoing global pressures, Rostom noted that the Egyptian economy has demonstrated resilience, achieving a growth rate of 5.1 per cent during the first nine months of the previous fiscal year. He emphasized that the government is focused on transitioning from economic stabilization to an active takeoff phase that directly improves living standards by capitalising on the economy’s structural potential.

The meetings were attended by Egypt’s Ambassador to the United States Moataz Zahran, Abdulaziz Al-Mulla, the Executive Director for Egypt and the Arab Group at the World Bank, and Hisham Seif, the World Bank’s Alternate Executive Director.

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Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, and Jordan’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in natural gas, mining, and energy infrastructure during talks in Amman, with both sides agreeing to establish joint technical working groups to advance a range of strategic projects.

The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in natural gas, expanding the participation of Egyptian companies in Jordan’s energy infrastructure projects, and exploring joint investment opportunities in mining, particularly phosphate production and downstream mineral industries.

Badawi said Egypt is keen to deepen cooperation with Jordan in both the energy and mining sectors, building on the two countries’ longstanding partnership in natural gas. He highlighted the potential to expand collaboration in phosphate mining and value-added mineral industries by leveraging the expertise, capabilities, and resources of both countries.

The two sides also reviewed opportunities to increase the role of Egyptian petroleum companies in Jordan’s energy sector. Companies including Fajr Jordan Egyptian, Petrojet, Enppi, and Gas Misr are already operating in the Jordanian market, while additional firms such as Eprom, Town Gas, and Modern Gas are expected to participate in future projects covering natural gas distribution, operations, and maintenance.

Al-Kharabsheh said cooperation between Jordan and Egypt has become a model for Arab energy integration, noting that previous joint projects have laid a strong foundation for expanding strategic partnerships that deliver long-term economic benefits for both countries.

He announced that Jordan is nearing the signing of agreements with two Egyptian companies to implement natural gas distribution projects in the industrial cities of Ma’an and Al Muwaqqar. The projects will complement the ongoing expansion of gas networks in Mafraq and Zarqa, supporting wider adoption of natural gas across Jordan’s industrial sector.

The ministers also discussed prospects for cooperation in green hydrogen, ammonia production, and gas-based industries. Badawi said Egypt has developed significant expertise in these fields and is adopting advanced production technologies that could support future joint ventures.

The meeting, which marked the start of Badawi’s visit to the Jordanian capital, was attended by Khaled El Abyad, Egypt’s Ambassador to Jordan; Yasser Salah El Din, Chairperson of Fajr Jordan Egyptian Natural Gas Company; Mohamed El Bagoury, Head of the Legal Affairs Department at Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; and senior officials from both countries.

In the mining sector, the talks covered cooperation in phosphate development, geological services, mineral exploration, and downstream industries aimed at increasing the added value of natural resources and enhancing the competitiveness of the sector.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two ministers agreed to establish joint technical working groups to follow up on the proposals discussed and develop implementation mechanisms covering natural gas, mining, value-added industries, infrastructure development, and investment partnerships between Egyptian and Jordanian companies.

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Egypt plans to replace its capital gains tax on stock market transactions with a stamp duty and cut value-added tax (VAT) on medical devices from 14 per cent to 5 per cent as part of a second package of tax facilities aimed at attracting investment and reducing burdens on businesses.

The details of the new measures were outlined by Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk during a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Hussein Issa. During the talks, Madbouly affirmed the government’s full support for the successful implementation of the package to improve services provided to taxpayers.

Focusing on capital markets, Kouchouk stated the package introduces an investment incentive to encourage companies to list on the Egyptian Exchange for a period of three years, guaranteeing an increase in trading volume and investments. This will be accompanied by the replacement of the capital gains tax with a stamp duty to stimulate trading.

To support the industrial and healthcare sectors, the government will extend the suspension of VAT payments on machinery and equipment used in industrial production and medical devices to four years, up from two years. In addition to the VAT reduction on medical devices, inputs for kidney dialysis machines, filters, parts, and supplies will be entirely exempt from the tax.

For the wider business community, the finance minister said the solidarity contribution will be deducted from the tax base to lower the financial burden on all taxpayers. Additionally, the tax dispute resolution law will be renewed until the end of next December to encourage the voluntary settlement of the largest possible number of disputes.

Regarding property, the real estate disposition tax for individuals will remain unchanged at 2.5 per cent of a unit’s sale value, regardless of the frequency of transactions. However, the new package introduces a full exemption for property transfers between spouses, children, and direct descendants.

Kouchouk noted that the ministry aims to shift the tax environment toward a “customer service” culture characterised by simplification and incentivisation. He added that tax offices are prepared for the flexible and precise execution of the measures as soon as the laws governing the second package are officially issued.

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Egypt signed a guarantee agreement under the United Nations TIR Convention to reduce road transport costs by up to 40 per cent and transit times by 80 per cent, alongside announcing the implementation of eight international logistics corridors designed to link Europe, the Gulf, and Africa.

The agreement between the Egyptian Customs Authority and the General Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce activates a presidential decree approving Egypt’s accession to the international customs treaty.

The signing ceremony was attended by Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid, International Road Transport Union (IRU) Secretary General Umberto de Pretto, and Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport President Ismail Abdel Ghaffar.

Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir stated that Egypt is shifting from building isolated roads and railways to creating integrated developmental logistics corridors linking the Red and Mediterranean seas and the Suez Canal to dry ports, industrial, agricultural, and mining zones.

El-Wazir outlined the eight corridors: Arish/Taba, Sokhna/Alexandria, Safaga/Qena/Abu Tartour, Cairo/Alexandria, Tanta/Mansoura/Damietta, Gargoub/Sallum, Cairo/Aswan/Abu Simbel, and the Bernice/Aswan/East Oweinat/Kufra/N’Djamena corridor. The latter, he noted, is strategic for connecting the Red Sea with Libya, Chad, and Central Africa, supported by the development of the Egypt-Chad road via Libya.

To facilitate trade between Europe and the Gulf, El-Wazir detailed two main Arab trade corridors. The Northern Arab Trade Corridor links Europe to the Levant—including Jordan, Iraq, and Syria—via the Arish/Taba route and the Arab Bridge Maritime Company fleet. The Southern Arab Trade Corridor connects Europe to Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf via Safaga port to NEOM (formerly Duba) using Egyptian national fleets. These routes integrate with the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and the Iraq-Turkey Development Road.

El-Wazir added that Egypt has jumped 100 places to rank 18th globally in road quality, citing the creation of a separate concrete truck lane on the Western Desert Upper Egypt road and the ongoing concrete paving of the Aswan-Bernice road. He noted the state spent 3 billion Egyptian pounds developing the Sallum land port to boost Egyptian-Libyan trade, whilst highlighting a Ro-Ro shipping line between Damietta and Trieste, Italy, which serves as a bridge for goods moving between Europe and Saudi Arabia.

The transport minister concluded by thanking ministry workers and transport authorities, noting that the high-speed electric train will reach Abu Simbel for the first time to serve various sectors, including tourism.

Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid said activating the TIR system will reduce road transport costs by 25 to 40 per cent and cut the time required for goods to cross borders by up to 80 per cent. Following directives from President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to turn Egypt into a global logistics hub, Farid noted his ministry is coordinating with the finance ministry and customs to develop a digital risk management system balancing trade facilitation with regulatory compliance.

Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk revealed that transit trade has grown by 40 per cent since March. He directed the establishment of an executive department within the Customs Authority to ensure the proper application of the TIR system. Under the government’s second package of tax facilities, Kouchouk confirmed there is no value-added tax on transit goods and their associated services.

Head of the Customs Authority Ahmed Amoui explained that the TIR agreement, established under the UN and managed by the IRU, is the only global customs transit system allowing goods to cross international borders without intermediate inspections. He affirmed the authority is expanding international agreements and digital transformation to balance trade facilitation with protecting public treasury rights.

Ahmed El-Wakil, Head of the General Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, stated the agreement grants Egyptian transport companies greater access to regional and international markets, lowering supply chain costs and supporting exports.

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Egypt targets a 65% private sector investment share within two years alongside an accelerating state exit plan that has already seen 20 government companies provisionally listed on the Egyptian Exchange, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced.

Speaking at a meeting in the New Administrative Capital to review the privatisation programme, Madbouly stated that the private sector’s contribution to total investments has exceeded 56.5 % over the past three years. He noted that expectations point to the private sector surpassing the state’s 65 % target within the next two years at most, positioned to lead the country’s economic development.

Hashem El-Sayed, Assistant Prime Minister and Chief Executive of the State-Owned Enterprises Unit, explained that the 20 provisional listings were completed before the end of June and comprise 17 firms affiliated with the public enterprise sector and three from the petroleum sector.

Procedures are currently underway to provisionally list an additional 10 companies, including seven petroleum and three public enterprise firms. This will complete a previously announced 30-company programme comprising a total of 20 public enterprise and 10 petroleum entities.

Madbouly clarified that provisional listing is the first phase of a public offering, which is followed by valuation studies, registration with the Financial Regulatory Authority, and finally, the offering and initial trading. The government aims to begin registering the first provisionally listed companies with the authority before the end of 2026.

During the meeting, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid reviewed the latest procedures for offering a stake in Misr Life Insurance, detailing the steps taken to prepare for the sale in a manner that secures optimal returns for the state and enhances the company’s attractiveness to investors.

The talks were attended by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Hussein Issa, Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk, Acting Executive Director of the Sovereign Fund of Egypt Noha Khalil, and other officials.

Issa discussed the institutional framework governing the second edition of the State Ownership Policy Document, highlighting the complementary roles of the State-Owned Enterprises Unit, the Sovereign Fund of Egypt, and the Information and Decision Support Centre (IDSC) in accelerating the initial public offering programme.

Osama El-Gohary, Assistant Prime Minister and Head of the IDSC, stated that the second edition of the document has received positive feedback from international institutions. He noted that international observers praised the updates as a reflection of the state’s seriousness in pursuing economic reform, enhancing transparency, and widening private sector participation.

Madbouly reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the private sector’s role to maximise the use of state assets, attract domestic and foreign investments, and increase production and employment across the economy.

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Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly chaired a meeting on Monday with Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El-Hefny and Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi to review joint initiatives between the two ministries, with a focus on securing fuel supplies for the aviation sector and advancing Egypt’s first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project.

During the meeting at the New Administrative Capital, Madbouly stressed the importance of close coordination between the Ministries of Civil Aviation and Petroleum to ensure the uninterrupted supply of petroleum products required by the aviation sector. He said the cooperation supports the government’s broader strategy to modernise civil aviation, upgrade airport infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and maintain the highest standards of safety and security.

Cabinet spokesperson Mohamed El-Homsany said the discussions also focused on expanding cooperation in providing cleaner energy solutions for aviation, particularly through the production of sustainable aviation fuel as part of Egypt’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the transition towards renewable and clean energy sources.

The meeting reviewed progress on the Ministry of Petroleum’s sustainable aviation fuel project, which is being implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Civil Aviation on its technical aspects. The project, the first of its kind in Egypt, is expected to support the decarbonisation of the aviation sector by producing environmentally sustainable jet fuel and reducing carbon emissions from air transport.

The government also reaffirmed the strong coordination between the petroleum and civil aviation sectors in meeting Egypt’s jet fuel requirements. Fuel supplies continue to be delivered efficiently and consistently, particularly during periods of peak demand, including the Hajj and Umrah seasons and the tourism high season.

Badawi said the Ministry of Petroleum is continuing to upgrade aircraft refuelling stations at Egyptian airports operated by national petroleum companies and international partners in line with internationally recognised standards.

He added that the ministry is also expanding airport fuel infrastructure through the construction of new refuelling stations and the deployment of modern aircraft fuelling units to accommodate the continued growth in air traffic.

Badawi noted that Egypt currently meets all domestic demand for jet fuel through local production at its refining facilities, underscoring the petroleum sector’s ability to increase output and respond efficiently to higher demand during peak travel seasons.

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Egypt is stepping up efforts to expand telemedicine services and accelerate the digital transformation of its healthcare system, following a meeting between Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar and representatives of the Specialized Medical Councils, pharmaceutical company Novartis, and healthcare technology firm TeleMed.

According to the Health Ministry, the meeting focused on expanding remote medical consultations, strengthening digital healthcare services, and improving access to specialised medical care across the country.

Abdel Ghaffar said the modernisation of healthcare services and digital transformation remain national priorities aimed at ensuring equitable access to specialised healthcare, particularly for residents of remote and border governorates.

He added that expanding telemedicine services would reduce the need for patients to travel long distances, easing both financial and logistical burdens while improving access to specialist consultations.

Health Ministry spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar said the meeting reviewed a comprehensive plan to expand the operational capacity of the telemedicine system by upgrading digital infrastructure and enhancing the speed and reliability of communication networks.

The discussions also addressed measures to streamline administrative procedures by reducing paperwork, improve patient waiting areas, introduce a patient satisfaction monitoring system, and strengthen knowledge-sharing among physicians to support younger medical professionals and promote more consistent clinical decision-making.

Participants further reviewed a proposal to expand home healthcare services for patients with limited mobility, particularly older adults and people with disabilities, through dedicated multidisciplinary medical teams. Abdel Ghaffar directed officials to accelerate the technological upgrading of medical facilities to ensure the new services are delivered in line with high standards of quality and efficiency.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to strengthen cooperation between the Ministry of Health and Population, the Specialized Medical Councils, Novartis and TeleMed to implement digital healthcare development plans aimed at improving the quality, accessibility and efficiency of healthcare services across Egypt.

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Mohamed Awad, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), said there is strong domestic and international demand for investment in Egypt’s healthcare sector, particularly in the management and operation of healthcare facilities and medical tourism.

He noted that Egypt welcomed more than 19 million tourists in 2025, adding that the country’s competitive pricing and advanced medical services position it as one of the region’s leading destinations for medical tourism.

Awad made the remarks during a meeting with Ahmed El Sobky, Chairperson of the General Authority for Healthcare and General Supervisor of the Universal Health Insurance Project, to discuss strengthening cooperation to attract greater investment into the healthcare sector in line with the state’s goal of improving healthcare services for citizens.

El Sobky said closer cooperation between the two authorities would accelerate the rollout of the Universal Health Insurance System by strengthening the private sector’s role as a strategic partner in healthcare delivery. He added that the partnership would also expand channels for promoting healthcare investment opportunities, reinforcing public-private partnerships to improve healthcare services and support sustainable sector growth.

He added that the General Authority for Healthcare is working to diversify investment models across the sector through partnership and management contracts, outsourcing arrangements, and opportunities to establish and develop healthcare facilities. The Authority also plans to launch a specialised investment fund dedicated to the construction, operation and management of healthcare facilities, offering both local and international investors a broad range of opportunities while contributing to Egypt’s economic development.

For his part, Awad announced that GAFI will work closely with the General Authority for Healthcare to promote investment opportunities in the sector by featuring them on Egypt’s Investment Map and incorporating them into the Authority’s domestic and international investment promotion campaigns.

He stressed that healthcare services remain among GAFI’s highest-priority sectors for investment promotion, citing the sector’s strong investor appeal, readiness to absorb new investments, commercial viability, and alignment with the state’s sustainable development objectives.

The two sides agreed to establish a joint working group to coordinate the implementation of these initiatives and prepare a formal cooperation protocol aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two authorities.

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Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad reviewed a package of proposed projects under the Sustainable Blue Economy in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (HESBERSGA) initiative, following recent regional meetings held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Environment said.

During a meeting with Sherif Abdel Rahim, Chief Executive Officer of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA), Awad discussed the outcomes of the first regional committee meeting of the HESBERSGA project and the national focal points meeting of the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA).

Awad said the initiative aligns Egypt’s national development vision with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the priorities of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through integrated projects that protect marine ecosystems while promoting sustainable economic growth.

The meeting reviewed a proposal to upgrade environmental infrastructure in one of Egypt’s Red Sea marine protected areas, including the installation of environmentally friendly mooring buoys, designated safe anchorage zones, navigation support systems, environmental monitoring equipment, and training programmes for protected-area inspectors and yacht operators. The measures are intended to safeguard coral reefs while supporting the sustainable development of marine tourism.

Awad directed officials to complete accurate mapping of coral reef locations, establish dedicated mooring systems for yachts and diving boats, create safe waiting areas, and strengthen environmental monitoring and capacity-building programmes to minimise damage to sensitive marine habitats.

Officials also reviewed a proposed green ports programme covering Red Sea ports, which includes comprehensive environmental audits, the implementation of ISO 14001 environmental management standards, real-time air and water quality monitoring, and enhanced waste management systems aimed at reducing pollution and carbon emissions.

The meeting further discussed an integrated marine spatial planning project designed to improve the governance of economic activities along Egypt’s Red Sea coastline while ensuring the long-term conservation of marine protected areas and environmentally sensitive habitats.

Awad also reviewed the outcomes of the PERSGA national focal points meeting, highlighting ongoing regional cooperation in marine pollution control, emergency response, scientific research, environmental monitoring and information sharing through an early warning network and a regional marine emergency assistance centre.

She stressed the importance of developing a national plan to combat illegal fishing in the Red Sea and reducing the use of plastic bags in coastal tourist destinations to curb marine litter and protect fragile marine ecosystems.

Awad reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation to safeguard the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, describing the Sustainable Blue Economy initiative as a key framework for balancing economic development with the long-term conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems.

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Egypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched the country’s first national feasibility study for the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Union.

The study’s initiation was marked by a two-day workshop opened by Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El Hefny. The project, operating under the ACT-SAF programme, aims to establish a national roadmap to adhere to the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and ICAO’s target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in international aviation by 2050.

Following the workshop, ICAO experts will remain in Egypt for 10 days to collect and analyse data with national authorities to draft the technical feasibility study and the subsequent roadmap.

El Hefny stated that the feasibility study aims to build a national industry, diversify aviation energy sources, and lower carbon emissions. The study will assess national capabilities, identify investment opportunities, and formulate a framework for private sector participation and cooperation with financial institutions.

The minister noted that Egypt possesses the geographic location, renewable energy and green hydrogen expansion, and upgraded aviation infrastructure to act as a regional hub for SAF production.

He added that the ministry submitted its second national action plan to ICAO in 2025. The plan included 25 measures, such as improving air traffic management, operational efficiency, and airport infrastructure. According to the ministry, these measures resulted in Cairo International and Hurghada International airports receiving the Airports Council International (ACI) environment and sustainability award for 2025, while Alexandria International Airport was recognised by ICAO-Africa for its green infrastructure and recycling initiatives.

The workshop was attended by Maria Gonzalez, ICAO ACT-SAF project coordinator; Jacoba van Dijk, technical advisor; and Farah Mismar, International Air Transport Association (IATA) representative, alongside other EU and ICAO officials.

Egyptian participants included Reem Oraby, alternate delegate to ICAO; Pilot Karim Gamil, ACT-SAF national focal point and advisor to the Civil Aviation Authority President; Navigator Ahmed Sokkar, Vice President of the authority for Airport Safety and Air Navigation; Dr Pilot Mohamed Salah, Vice President for Aviation Safety; Salma El-Tahhan, Head of the Central Administration for Air Transport; and Pilot Ahmed Matar, Assistant President of the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation.

The event also drew representatives from the ministries of petroleum, industry, environment, agriculture, and tourism. Additional participants included the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Suez Canal Economic Zone, the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality, the Waste Management Regulatory Authority, and the Agricultural Research Centre.

Representatives from EgyptAir Holding, the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation, and various operating airlines were present, alongside multiple petroleum refining companies, Citadel Capital, ECARO, Biodiesel Misr, and the Egyptian Company for Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Biofuels (ESAF).

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Egypt has reviewed the implementation of water cooperation projects with several Nile Basin countries and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting regional development through a $100m financing mechanism for priority projects, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation said.

According to a ministry statement, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam met senior officials from the Nile Water Affairs Sector to review bilateral cooperation agreements and assess progress on joint projects with Nile Basin countries.

Sewilam said Egypt’s approach is based on promoting development cooperation through infrastructure projects, technical studies and capacity-building programmes that support local communities and strengthen national institutions across the basin.

The projects include the construction of solar-powered groundwater wells for drinking water, ground reservoirs, river jetties, aquatic weed removal initiatives, rainfall and flood forecasting centres, water quality monitoring facilities, applied research programmes, and technical knowledge exchange.

The minister noted that, under the directives of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt has launched a $100m financing mechanism to support feasibility studies and priority development projects in Nile Basin countries, while expanding the participation of Egyptian companies in implementing these projects.

The meeting reviewed progress in cooperation with Uganda, including the sixth phase of the water hyacinth removal project launched in 2023 and the implementation of a memorandum of understanding on integrated water resources management.

Officials also assessed ongoing cooperation with Rwanda, covering rainwater harvesting projects, nature-based flood protection measures, groundwater development, and capacity-building programmes.

Discussions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo focused on the operation of a rainfall and climate forecasting centre, solar-powered groundwater drinking water stations, modern irrigation projects, technical training programmes, and potential new development initiatives.

The meeting further reviewed technical cooperation between Egypt and Sudan through the Permanent Joint Technical Commission for Nile Waters, including coordination meetings, training programmes, and the exchange of technical expertise.

Concluding the meeting, Sewilam directed ministry officials to continue monitoring the implementation of cooperation agreements and maintain close coordination with partner countries to address any challenges, with the aim of strengthening regional cooperation and delivering sustainable development benefits across the Nile Basin.

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Al Alamein International Airport recorded a 57% year-on-year increase in passenger traffic as Egypt accelerates preparations to host the second edition of the Egypt International Air Show (EIAS 2026) this September, according to the Cabinet’s Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC).

The government said the airport’s rapid growth reflects broader efforts to modernise Egypt’s civil aviation infrastructure and expand airport capacity to accommodate rising demand from tourism, business, and investment.

As part of Egypt’s strategy to position New Alamein City as a global destination for tourism, business, and international events, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is continuing to upgrade Al Alamein International Airport to support growing passenger traffic and ensure full readiness to host the international aviation and aerospace exhibition.

The event is being organised in coordination with the Ministry of Defence, the Egyptian Air Force, and the Egyptian Space Agency.

According to the IDSC, hosting the second edition of the exhibition reinforces Egypt’s growing position in the regional and international aviation and aerospace industries while creating new opportunities for investment, strategic partnerships, and technology transfer.

Data released by the centre showed that passenger traffic through Al Alamein International Airport rose by 57% to 266,600 passengers in 2026, compared with 169,500 passengers during the corresponding period of 2025.

Aircraft movements also posted strong growth, increasing by around 26% to 3,190 flights this year, up from 2,540 flights during the same period last year.

The airport currently serves 15 airlines, including Etihad Airways, flydubai, flynas, Air Cairo, and Saudia.

With the launch of the 2026 summer season, Al Alamein International Airport has also welcomed several new international carriers, including Romania’s TAROM, Poland’s Enter Air, Bulgaria’s BH Air, and Gulf Air.

The number of airlines operating through the airport is expected to increase to 26 by the end of the summer season, reflecting expanding international connectivity and growing demand for travel to Egypt’s North Coast, as New Alamein continues to strengthen its position as a leading tourism and investment destination.

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Fourteen countries accounted for 68.8% of Egypt’s total foreign trade during the first half (July–December) of fiscal year 2025/26, with combined trade reaching $50.616bn, according to a report published by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE).

The total comprised imports worth $36.147bn and exports amounting to $14.469bn.

According to the report, Egypt’s total foreign trade during the period reached $73.540bn, including $52.647bn in imports and $20.893bn in exports.

The United States remained Egypt’s largest trading partner during the period, with bilateral trade totalling $8.709bn, comprising $6.570bn in imports and $2.139bn in exports.

The United Arab Emirates ranked second, with total trade amounting to $7.028bn, including imports worth $3.606bn and exports of $3.422bn.

China came third, with bilateral trade reaching $6.845bn, driven largely by imports of $6.609bn, while Egyptian exports to China totalled $235.6m.

Saudi Arabia ranked fourth, with total trade of $5.586bn, comprising imports worth $4.647bn and exports of $939m.

Germany placed fifth, with bilateral trade amounting to $3.271bn, including imports of $2.303bn and exports valued at $968.9m.

Trade with Italy reached $2.824bn, comprising $1.372bn in imports and $1.451bn in exports, followed by Turkey with bilateral trade of $2.753bn, including imports worth $1.767bn and exports of $985.7m.

The United Kingdom ranked eighth, with total trade of $2.699bn, including imports worth $1.270bn and exports amounting to $1.428bn.

Trade between Egypt and Switzerland totalled $2.333bn, comprising imports worth $937.4m and exports of $1.396bn.

Brazil followed with bilateral trade reaching $2.175bn, including imports of $1.986bn and exports worth $189.4m.

India ranked eleventh among Egypt’s largest trading partners, with total trade amounting to $1.875bn, including imports worth $1.665bn and exports of $209.6m.

Russia followed with bilateral trade of $1.660bn, comprising imports worth $1.617bn and exports of $43.2m.

Trade with France totalled $1.627bn, including imports of $999.4m and exports worth $628.2m.

Spain ranked fourteenth, with bilateral trade reaching $1.225bn, comprising imports worth $794.1m and exports of $431.1m.

According to the CBE, trade with all other countries not individually identified in the report totalled $22.924bn during the period, including imports worth $16.499bn and exports amounting to $6.424bn.