Egypt is leaning heavily on development finance to plug a widening investment gap — but questions remain over impact and execution. The private sector has mobilized USD 15.6 bn in concessional funding since 2020, according to the Planning and International Cooperation Ministry’s latest Development Finance to Foster Private Sector-Led Growth and Jobs report (pdf), with officials pitching it as a vote of confidence in Egypt’s investment climate.

PRIVATE FINANCE IS BEING REIMAGINED AS PUBLIC STRATEGY-

Why development finance still matters. Even though the private sector already taps into a variety of financing tools, the Planning and International Cooperation Ministry argues that development finance remains distinct in its ability to offer concessional loans, equity investments, blended finance, guarantees, and technical assistance — tools that help de-risk investment and broaden access to strategic sectors such as infrastructure, trade, and innovation. By blending public-interest development instruments with market-driven capital, the government says it can more effectively channel funding into national priorities.

The report outlines how these tools — both direct and intermediated — are being deployed to improve the business climate, support structural reforms, and increase access to capital for SMEs and startups. The strategy hinges on a coordinated effort with multilateral and bilateral development partners to provide financial and advisory support across four main pillars: infrastructure, human capital and innovation, green transformation, and policy reform. The ultimate aim, officials say, is to stimulate a more resilient, competitive private sector capable of driving long-term, inclusive growth.

PRIVATE SECTOR BEATS GOV’T IN 2024 DEVELOPMENT FINANCE INTAKE-

A record year: Development finance to the private sector came in at USD 4.2 bn last year, exceeding that directed to the government for the first time. “From January to May 2025, the financing volume reached USD 1.14 bn, reinforcing expectations for continued momentum,” the report read.

Zooming out: More than 30 development partners have contributed to the USD 15.6 bn the private sector raised over the past five years — including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), European Investment Bank (EIB), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and regional players like the AfDB and the OPEC Fund. “This reflects increasing international confidence in the Egyptian investment climate and the rising role of the private sector in driving development,” the report said.

EUROPE IS LEADING THE PRIVATE SECTOR FINANCING PUSH-

Europe is writing the checks — and shaping the agenda: Some USD 8 bn — or around 51% of total private-sector development finance mobilized since 2020 — has come from European institutions and governments, according to the report. The EBRD led the pack with a 22% share, followed by the EIB (21%). While not a European institution, the IFC accounted for 19% of total private-sector financing — the third-largest individual contributor.

Egypt retained its spot as the EBRD’s largest country of operations in 2024, with the lender committing over USD 1.5 bn in new financing — 98% of which was directed to private-sector projects spanning renewables, agribusiness, transport, and industry. The EIB kept up its SME push, channeling funds through major local banks while stepping up direct corporate lending — including its first post-2010 loan to Telecom Egypt.

The EU upped Egypt’s EFSD+ funding target to EUR 10.8 bn: The EU has raised its investment target for Egypt under the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) to EUR 10.8 bn, up from a previous EUR 9 bn, as part of efforts to scale up support for private-sector-led growth and green transformation, the report reads.

Where the money is going: Around EUR 5.8 bn has already been mobilized through guarantees and blended finance tools, with funding routed via institutions like the EIB, the EBRD, and Germany’s KfW. The funds are being deployed through local banks including CIB and QNB.

BREAKING DOWN THE FUNDS-

Financial institutions have emerged as the top recipients of development finance to Egypt’s private sector, accounting for 41.4% of total disbursements. Most of the capital is being routed through commercial banks to fund SMEs and startups, the report notes. Private equity and venture capital funds have pulled in over USD 550 mn combined, with fintech startups capturing a growing share. Local unicorns MNT-Halan and Fawry were among the standout beneficiaries, reflecting rising investor appetite for digital financial services.

The energy sector came in second, taking 25% of total financing. Around USD 4 bn has been mobilized to deliver 4.2 GW in renewable capacity under the state’s Nexus of Water, Food

and Energy program.

Other sectors got some love as well: Development finance to Egypt’s logistics sector has topped USD 1 bn since 2021, backing major PPP projects like the second container terminal at Damietta Port and the Ain Sokhna Port expansion. Manufacturing pulled in USD 618 mn across 18 transactions, with companies like Edita, Beko Egypt, and Kandil Steel tapping funds for export growth, tech transfer, and green upgrades. Technical assistance programs, now worth USD 228 mn, are quietly shaping the ecosystem — supporting MSMEs, women’s inclusion, and energy reform.

EGYPT WANTS THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO DRIVE 65% OF INVESTMENT BY 2027-

The government wants the private sector to account for 65% of total investment by 2027, up from 43% in 2024 and a projected 56% this fiscal year, according to the report. The share is expected to hit 63% in the fiscal year 2025-2026, with the trajectory linked to ongoing asset sales, public-private partnerships, and regulatory reforms meant to create more space for non-state capital.

Achieving this is no easy feat: The report calls for stronger institutional coordination, data-driven policymaking, and deeper engagement with the private sector. Core policy initiatives — among them the State Ownership Policy Document and revised investment promotion strategies — are being framed as key levers to recalibrate the state’s economic footprint, curb market inefficiencies, and spur greater private sector participation across productive industries.

EQUITY AND EXECUTION REMAIN OPEN QUESTIONS-

While concessional funding has climbed in recent years, the bulk of it continues to flow to a narrow group of sectors and high-capacity borrowers — largely concentrated in Cairo. Smaller firms, less visible sectors, and companies operating in underserved governorates remain on the margins, raising concerns about equitable access and the effectiveness of delivery mechanisms.

The report flags the need to improve geographic and sectoral distribution, particularly to better reach firms in underserved governorates, micro and small enterprises, and sectors that lack visibility within donor ecosystems. It also notes that data availability remains patchy — limiting the ability to track project outcomes, benchmark impact, or design more responsive interventions. And while government-led tracking and coordination tools like Hafiz are meant to address the information gap, their scale and adoption are still early-stage.

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