Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, and happy hump day. We’re not sure about you, but this week feels to us like it’s moving particularly slowly, even if the news cycle isn’t.

THE BIG STORY TODAY

New privatization program targets just in: Egypt aims to raise some USD 6.5 bn through the privatization of state-owned companies and assets by the end of the year, Finance Minister Mohamed Maait said at the Annual Arab Fiscal Forum in Dubai, according to a ministry statement. The figure will include sales made only throughout 2024, a government source confirmed to Enterprise.

A handful of transactions might be around the corner:The long-delayed stake sale of fuel retailer Wataniya could wrap up this month, the Gabal El Zeit and Zafarana wind farms could see stake sales before the end of March, and the sale of a c. 70% stake in the Siemens-built Beni Suef power plant could go through by June. The government is also said to be close to finalizing stake sales in two state-owned banks, with Banque du Caire and United Bank being likely targets.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD

It’s a mixed bag of headlines in the international press this afternoon but the US Senate’s aid package vote is getting some ink. The Senate proposed a USD 95 bn aid package for Israel, Ukraine, and other allies but House Speaker Mike Johnson publicly rejected it ahead of the vote for not including border control policy. Republicans are mostly against providing Ukraine with aid and although the Senate can get Democrats to push it through with a discharge petition, many of them oppose Israel’s actions thus opposing sending aid. Voting for the funds that the Pentagon requested back in October will take place on Monday. (Washington Post | Associated Press)

** CATCH UP QUICK on the top stories from today’s EnterpriseAM:

HAPPENING NOW-

Cairo is hosting another round of ceasefire talks: CIA head William Burns, Mossad chief David Barnea, Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, and Qatari Prime Minister Mohamed Bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani are in Cairo today to meet with Egyptian officials for ceasefire in Gaza and hostage negotiations, Al Qahera News confirmed this morning (watch, runtime: 0:48).

HELP GAZA-

Want to support relief efforts in Gaza, but don’t know how? We’ve got you. Nearly 2 mn people in Gaza have been thrown from their homes and every human being there lacks access to food, water, and fuel amid the most intense bombardment any population has endured this century.

The folks at Talabat are processing donations for a range of Gaza relief appeals by charities including the Egyptian Food Bank and Misr El Kheir. Pay in EGP using your credit card.

Or check out our list of charities to which you can make direct donations via bank deposit and / or Fawry.

⛅ TOMORROW’S WEATHER- Look out for another partly cloudy day with a high of 20°C and a low of 12°C, according to our favorite weather app.

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