INVESTMENT WATCH-

Russia locks in decades of incentives for its industrial zone: Russian companies operating in the planned Russian Industrial Zone will benefit from major tax and customs breaks fixed for 49 years under a new intergovernmental agreement, Russian state media RT reports, citing Russian Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Roman Chekushov. His remarks came following a recent high-level Russian delegation trip to Egypt — the zone, set to launch operations in 2030, was the main focus of the trip.

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Gateway for Russian exports to Africa and beyond: Chekushov said the zone’s Gulf of Suez location offers developed infrastructure, links to the Suez-Hurghada highway and nearby rail, and access to more than 70 preferential trade agreements signed by Egypt. Priority sectors include mechanical engineering, chemicals and petrochemicals, pharma, and medical equipment — areas where Russian exporters see growing African demand, particularly for chemicals.

M&A-

Premium Healthcare to acquire Upper Egypt’s largest lab chain: Premium Healthcare Group plans to acquire 100% of Elesraa Lab, a lab operator with 21 branches across Upper Egypt, in a EGP 150 mn transaction, Premium Healthcare Vice Chairman Beshoy George told EnterpriseAM. About EGP 135 mn of the purchase price will be covered by creditor balances and the remaining EGP 15 mn through the company’s own funds. The acquisition is part of Premium Healthcare’s wider strategy to expand its footprint in Egypt.

More in the pipeline: Premium Healthcare is also in talks to acquire radiology center Mega Scan, which operates four branches in Egypt.

ENERGY-

The government awarded Canadian oil and gas company Mediterra Energy an oil exploration concession in the North Baraka area, Asharq Business reports, citing an unnamed government official. The company is expected to ink an agreement with EGPC subsidiary South Valley Egyptian Petroleum Holding Company (Ganope) to drill three new wells in the area near Aswan in 4Q 2025.

REGULATIONS-

FRA cracks down on misuse of consumer loans: The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) has ordered the Federation of Consumer Finance to compile a blacklist of companies, brokers, customers and staff involved in turning consumer loans into cash, according to a statement.

Consumer finance firms will be required to stop dealing with anyone found to be engaged in the practice and take legal action against employees proven to be involved. The FRA is also mandating that the federation set up an electronic link with the authority to share data on offenders, aiming to improve oversight and transparency and to ensure loans are used for their intended purposes.

AVIATION-

EgyptAir Holding subsidiaries inked a number of MoUs with AbuDhabi Aviation Group (ADA) companies, according to a statement from the Civil Aviation Ministry. The agreements include:

  • An MoU between EgyptAir Cargo and Maximus Air to cooperate on expanding cargo capabilities, launching new routes, and sharing expertise;
  • An Mou between EgyptAir Maintenance and Engineering with Etihad Engineering to cooperate on the maintenance and overhaul for certain airplane models;
  • An MoU between EgyptAir Maintenance and Engineering and GAL to supply spare parts to airports and airlines, in addition to mulling the establishment of a regional center in Egypt to supply spare parts to local and foreign markets;
  • An MoU between the EgyptAir Training Academy and the Abu Dhabi Aviation Training Center to cooperate on training programs.

PLUS- The Egyptian Airports Company inked an MoU with ADA subsidiary Royal Jet to develop and operate lounges for private jet passengers at the Capital International Airport and training programs to encourage private jet traffic.

FINTECH-

Local fintech leader Valu partnered with used electronics platform MobileMasr to launch the country’s first P2P BNPL service for pre-owned smartphones, according to a statement from Valu’s parent company EFG Holding. The service uses MobileMasr’s diagnostic and verification technology to ensure secure transactions. It also offers buyers installment plans of up to 60 months, including a limited-time option of 12 months with no interest, fees, or down payment.

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