Banks are loosening up FX restrictions

Wednesday, 13 Aug 2025

Banks are loosening up FX restrictions

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Today at a glance

Banking

Banks are loosening up FX restrictions as Abdalla nears end of current term.

TAX

Gov’t to more than triple tax threshold of rented units to shield old rent landlords from tax increases.

Capital markets

Rise in Bonyan’s gross asset value shows stocks trading at half their fair equity value.

PHARMA

Gov’t to settle dues owed to pharma players this fiscal year.

What We're Tracking Today

A fresh green bond issuance could be upon us.

Moves

Ayman Soliman joins HSBC Egypt’s board.

Also on our Radar

Breadfast closes USD 10 mn round.

PLANET FINANCE

Asia’s super wealthy look to physical gold trade amid global economic uncertainty.

HARDHAT

What’s in the pipeline for the local construction market?

What We're Tracking Today

Egypt could soon move forward with a green bond issuance

Good morning, wonderful people. We lead today’s issue with some much-welcomed banking news, signaling that the long-persistent FX crunch is a thing of the past — banks announced that they are slashing fees and loosening restrictions on foreign currency used by travelers and credit card users. The decision is putting the CBE in the spotlight days before Governor Hassan Abdalla’s term is up.

AND- Old rent is back under our spotlight, with sources telling us that the Finance Ministry is looking to raise the tax threshold for rented units to shield old rent landlords from tax increases.

Mark your calendar for the 2025 EnterpriseAM Egypt Forum, our flagship forum and part of our must-attend series of invitation-only, C-suite-level gatherings. Tap to register your interest to attend. Want to partner with us? Reach out to Moustafa Taalab at mtaalab@enterprisemea.com to discuss how you can sponsor.

PSA-

WEATHER- The heat and humidity aren’t going anywhere for the next couple of days, with Cairo in for a high of 41°C and a low of 29°C, according to our favorite weather app.

It’s a few degrees cooler in Alexandria, which is looking at a high of 36°C and a low of 26°C.

IN MEMORIAM-

Former Supply Minister Ali El Moselhy has passed away at the age of 76. He served as Social Solidarity Minister from 2005 to 2011 and as Supply and Internal Trade Minister from 2017 until 2024, overseeing key programs including the subsidized sugar and ration card systems.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- A fresh green bond issuance could be upon us: Egypt plans to issue a new tranche of sovereign green bonds, a senior government source told EnterpriseAM yesterday. The Finance Ministry, in consultation with the offering advisors, is looking into either replacing the bond maturing in September or reopening the current bond for another five years.

REMEMBER- Back in September 2020, Egypt made history by issuing its first five-year s overeign green bond, becoming the first country in the MENA region to do so. The issuance was oversubscribed more than sevenfold amid strong investor appetite.

Where will the proceeds go? The green bonds will likely finance some social and environmental projects, according to our source.

#2- The EGX is looking to tap Egyptian expats to invest in sector-specific subfunds, EGX Chairman Ahmed El Sheikh told Al Borsa. Under the proposal — developed in coordination with expats — a single holding fund will hold the subfunds and certificates, which can be listed and traded on the EGX.

The government is increasingly looking to Egyptian expats for sources of funding — even following the end of the FX crunch. Work is underway to launch new initiatives — similar to the expat car-for-FX scheme — to increase remittances sent in from Egyptians abroad. Remittances have already been up for 15 consecutive months since the float of the EGP did away with the parallel market that drove remittances to informal channels. The government is also considering issuing fractional bonds to individuals, a portion of which will be allocated for Egyptian expats, a government source has previously told EnterpriseAM.

ALSO FROM THE BOURSE- The EGX has received three requests to launch investment funds tracking the newly-launched EGX35-LV index, Al Borsa reports, citing El Sheikh. The head of the EGX did not name the three asset managers that filed the requests, but Mubasher Capital Vice Chairman Ehab Rashad had previously told us that an EGX35-LV-tracking fund could be part of the company’s plan to launch ten new funds.

#3- The Energos Force floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) has started processing LNG, just days after arriving at Jordan’s Aqaba Port, an oil industry source told EnterpriseAM. The vessel will help deliver some 750 mcf/d of gas that will be shared between Jordan and Egypt through the Arab Gas Pipeline. Egypt’s share, which it will start receiving this week, is 300 mcf/d, Asharq Business reports, citing an unnamed government source.

And a fifth FSRU is on its way? The Oil Ministry is in talks to lease a new regasification unit to help process booked LNG shipments in the coming months, our source told us. Egypt now has four FSRUs deployed — the Energos Eskimo, Energos Power, Energos Winter, and the soon-to-be-replaced Hoegh Galleon — with a combined capacity of 2.7 bcf/d.

SMART POLICY-

Automotive feeding industries that are currently not represented in local manufacturing will be included in the list of 28 sectors eligible for investment support, according to an Industry Ministry statement. Industry Minister Kamel El Wazir made the directive during a meeting with auto parts manufacturers to discuss localization and supply chain integration. The Industry Ministry will create a comprehensive database mapping out the needs, challenges, and prospects in the sector.

Mark your calendars for November: The updated incentives list and the database will be showcased at an industry and transport expo taking place in November 2025. The event is designed to connect manufacturers with suppliers, cut imports, and expand local production in strategic sectors, including automotive components.

REMEMBER- The Madbouly government has been working to localize auto feeder industries as part of wider efforts to boost local production and assembly.

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THE BIG STORY ABROAD-

There’s no single story capturing the attention of the international business press, but there are a handful of business stories to sink your teeth into.

US stocks hit a record high after inflation data fueled market expectations that the Federal Reserve will move ahead with interest rate cuts when it meets again next month. US inflation remained steady at 2.7% in July, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, coming in just shy of economists’ expectations of 2.8%. The inflation data pushed futures market to price in a 94% chance that the Fed will cut rates by 25 bps in September, rising nine percentage points compared to before the inflation data was released. The S&P 500 closed up 1.1%, while the Nasdaq Composite was up 1.4% at the close of trading. (Bloomberg | Financial Times)

AI startup Perplexity made an unsolicited USD 34.5 bn offer to acquire Google’s Chrome browser, in a bid that would see the startup pay more than its own valuation. The offer comes ahead of an expected antitrust ruling later this month that could require Google to sell its web browser. Perplexity spokespeople have said that the company has secured financial backing from “several investors, including large venture capital funds” to fully finance the transaction if it were to go through. The story is getting play in the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, and Bloomberg.

*** It’s Hardhat day — your weekly briefing of all things infrastructure in Egypt: EnterpriseAM’s industry vertical focuses each Wednesday on infrastructure, covering everything from energy, water, transportation, and urban development, as well as social infrastructure such as health and education.

In today’s issue: We look at what’s in the pipeline for the local construction market.

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debt Finance Ministry What We're Tracking Today

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Banking

Egyptian banks are loosening up FX restrictions

Banks are loosening FX restrictions in the latest sign that the FX crunch is behind us: Several lenders announced that they are slashing fees and loosening restrictions that were meant to dampen demand for foreign currency used by travelers and credit card users, according to statements seen by EnterpriseAM. The move comes as the Central Bank of Egypt and commercial banks respond to stronger USD liquidity, boosted by higher tourism revenues, and an uptick in remittances, exports, and portfolio investments, banking sources told EnterpriseAM.

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)

Here’s what this means for you: It’s getting cheaper to make FCY-denominated payments on your credit card as markup fees on FX transactions come down to 3% from 5%. You’ll also be able to get your hands on more USD from banks when presenting proof of upcoming travels.

AND- The central bank will also scrap a requirement that you hand in exit and entry stamps within 90 days of returning to Egypt, two bankers told us. The CBE has yet to announce that it is releasing the restriction.

Wait, there’s more: Banks will let customers consume as much as USD 10k for purchases outside of Egypt. The maximum amount of FX travelers can purchase from banks before departure will also increase to USD 10k — the maximum amount you can legally have on your person while leaving Egypt — banking expert Mohamed Abdel Aal told EnterpriseAM.

But merchants shouldn’t get greedy, the CBE seems to be saying. The central bank has reportedly sent a circular to all banks in Egypt reminding them that merchants can’t use point-of-sale machines to collect payment from customers in foreign currency. (The one exception we’re aware of is for hotels, which commonly charge foreign guests without residence permits in FCY.)

The big retail-focused banks are out in front on this: Our friends at CIB as well as the National Bank of Egypt, Banque Misr, and ADIB Egypt are all slashing markup fees on credit card FX transactions to 3%. Banque Misr and NBE also doubled the amount of USD they will sell to travelers to USD 10k.

WATCH THIS SPACE- We expect other banks to follow suit and announce similar measures soon.

We’ve come a long way: Despite the float of the EGP over a year ago and the FX crunch being a thing of the past, banks were yet to scrap measures put in place in 2024 and 2023 aimed at protecting their FX liquidity.

Why now? Abdel Aal noted that the changes came on the back of FX inflows over the past nine months — more than USD 85 bn from remittances, exports, tourism, the Suez Canal, and FDI, alongside a strong rebound in portfolio inflows. These inflows have driven reserves up to USD 49 bn, boosted net foreign assets to USD 14.7 bn, and improved liquidity in the interbank market, supporting a steady drop in the EGP/USD exchange rate to its lowest level in over a year. The measures, he said, signal the banking sector’s strength and ability to meet all FX needs across economic and personal uses.

Reason to be optimistic: The easing of FX restrictions follows the CBE’s decision to lift some of the tougher measures imposed during the FX crunch. Banks now have sufficient USD liquidity, which is a positive indicator for the outlook on inflows in the coming period, former Banque Misr Deputy Chair Sahar El Damati told EnterpriseAM. She pointed to recovery in FX sources — particularly tourism, remittances, exports, and portfolio investments — and played down concerns about reliance on hot money. El Damati added that the moves suggest a positive outlook despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Part of broader economic reforms: The CBE’s moves are part of its economic reform program ahead of the upcoming fifth and sixth IMF reviews, Al Ahly Pharos Head of Research Hany Genena told us. The measures — including enforcing a ban on FX use inside the country except for tourism and raising transfer limits — aim to establish a fair exchange rate without direct or indirect controls, similar to steps taken in 2016. Genena stressed that the changes are not driven by surplus liquidity, noting that 70-75% of banks’ accumulated foreign assets come from hot money that remains parked in the banking system. He added that Egypt’s current account is in a comfortable position thanks to strong tourism and remittance inflows.

HASSAN ABDALLA NEARS END OF TERM-

SPEAKING OF THE CBE- Governor Hassan Abdalla is nearing the end of his current one-year term, which began in mid-August 2024, prompting quiet speculation in the capital city in recent days about whether he will seek reappointment.

Who’s in the running to take the helm of the central bank if Abdalla is not reappointed? That’s the current parlour game in the banking community. CBE Deputy Governor Tarek El Kholy is a favorite of many, bankers we spoke with said, while CIB CEO Hisham Ezz Al Arab and NBE Chairman Mohamed El Etreby are also considered strong candidates. Ezz Al Arab has previously been touted as a candidate and reportedly declined appointment.

Market watchers will also be keeping an eye on the modifier in front of the title “governor” — like Abdalla, a number of senior appointees in the Sisi administration are serving one-year “acting” terms that have, in practice, become renewable. Financial Regulatory Authority Chairman Mohamed Farid saw his appointment as acting chairman extended for another year earlier this month. It is Farid’s fourth term as acting chairman.

Tags:

banking Banque Misr Central Bank of Egypt CIB economy foreign exchange National Bank of Egypt

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TAX

Egypt is planning to more than triple tax threshold of rented units to shield old rent landlords from tax increases

The Finance Ministry is planning to raise the tax threshold for rented units to an annual rental value of EGP 4.1k, up from the current EGP 1.2k, a senior government source told EnterpriseAM. Under the current rules, any rental value above this will be taxed 10%, following a 30% deduction for residential units and a 32% reduction for non-residential units of the total value to account for estimated maintenance costs.

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)

This is good news for landlords of old rent units over the seven-year phase-out of thelaw, with the monthly rent for residential units in lower-income areas now having risen 10x to a minimum of EGP 250 — below the EGP 341.6 monthly tax threshold set by the new amendments. The more than 3x increase in the tax threshold will also help cover — in full or in part — the 10x increase in middle-income areas, 20x increase in premium areas, and 5x increase for non-residential units — subject to a five-year transition — rented by individuals. Rents will continue to rise 15% each year throughout the transitional period, whether for residential or non-residential purposes, after which tenants will need to vacate.

The new change is expected to come into effect in September, which should help shield old rent landlords from rental tax increases stemming from higher rents, our source told us. The increase in the exemption is proof that the state is focused on rectifying clear market imbalances, rather than simply increasing the taxable revenues from the old rents, the source added.

Old rent landlords — and landlords of all properties — will soon also be exempt from rental taxes if their properties are valued at less than EGP 4 mn, when incoming amendments to the Property Tax Law are put in place. The decision to double the current EGP 2 mn threshold was taken because it’s currently “outdated due to inflation and rising property prices,” Deputy Finance Minister for Tax Policy Sherif Al Kilani has previously told EnterpriseAM.

However, the state could see an uptick in taxable income on the back of old rent tenants vacating their homes, with any sale or change of ownership subject to a 2.5% real estate transactional tax, we were told.

In total, there are some 3 mn old rent units — all of which will gradually be brought into taxable rental brackets or sold. This includes 575k units that are used for non-residential purposes and more than 400k units that are currently closed due to tenants travelling or owning alternative residences, Egyptian Society for Political Economy, Statistics and Legislation member Walid Gaballah told us.

DATA POINT- Old rents below current market rates had led to annual lost state revenues of around EGP 8 bn, according to government data reviewed by EnterpriseAM.

But not everyone agrees on how much changes to the Old Rent Law will raise for the treasury, with the Egyptian Association of Tax Experts expecting taxable revenues from the move to help increase total revenues by “at least EGP 15 bn” in the first year of the new law. The state, for its part, is less optimistic, pencilling in a much smaller EGP 10 bn increase in taxable real estate revenues to EGP 18 bn for the current fiscal year — which started a month before President Abdel Fattah El Sisi signed the bill into law.

SPEAKING OF OLD RENT- Applications for alternative housing will open soon: Tenants eligible under the recently amended law can apply for alternative housing units starting 1 October through a new online platform or at post offices nationwide, according to a Housing Ministry statement. Applications will be open for three months and handled by the Social Housing and Mortgage Finance Fund, which will log, categorize, and prioritize applicants to determine the number of units needed before the transition is up.

Who can apply? Eligible applicants include original tenants, their spouses if the lease was extended before the law took effect, and those to whom leases were legally extended, for both residential and non-residential units. Applicants must provide property details, select a preferred allocation system — subsidized rent, rent-to-own, or ownership via mortgage finance — and specify their preferred geographic location.

Tags:

policy real estate tax

Capital markets

Rise in Bonyan’s gross asset value shows stocks trading at half their fair equity value

Bonyan's gross asset value rose 9.0% YTD to EGP 17.4 bn by the end of June 2025, up from the EGP 16.0 bn recorded in December, the EGX’s second most recent addition said in an asset value update (pdf) based on a valuation by the Financial Regulatory Authority-licensed Global Appraisal Tech. This valuation — which outpaced inflation for the period — raises the implied gross asset value to EGP 171.2k per meter, up from 157k per meter at the start of the year and its implied enterprise value per meter of EGP 95.5k per meter at the time of its initial public offering in July.

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)

Gross asset value? Because Bonyan is a real estate operating company (REOC) and runs a not-so-commonplace business model, gross asset value “serves as the most relevant metric for assessing Bonyan’s performance,” according to CEO Tarek Abdelrahman. Gross asset value counts the total, undiluted value of a company’s assets — think of it as the full retail price of a house before you consider a mortgage.

When accounting for liabilities of around EGP 2.0 bn, this brings the company’s fair asset value to EGP 15.4 bn — around double Bonyan's current market cap — Ahly Pharos Head of Research Hany Genena highlighted in comments to EnterpriseAM.

“A key theme in the Bonyan story is its direct exposure to interest rates,” explained Genena, who described the company as following a carry trade strategy by borrowing money at lower interest rates to acquire assets with a higher return. Before 2022, the cost of carry was materially decreased by acquiring income-generating properties in a low-interest-rate environment, which were followed by acquisitions in 2023 and 2024 under a higher interest rate environment that raised the cost of carry.

And with encouraging inflation data out recently and the increased likelihood of further interest rate cuts, Bonyan shareholders may have some good news in store. Further decreases in interest rates — with a 200 bps cut expected by Genena in the Monetary Policy Committee’s next meeting — will come with a reduction in the cost of carry, savings which could be shared with shareholders, Genena told us.

Bonyan’s decision not to distribute dividends for at least two to three years was one of the reasons it had a muted debut on the EGX. Bonyan shares ended their first day trading largely flat, despite a favorable valuation. This came on the back of several reasons, including its decision to delay dividends due to ongoing expansion plans and outstanding liabilities. “This is why you see the markdown. Investors don't expect short-term payouts, and without clear catalysts, they’re hesitant,” Genena told us at the time.

REMEMBER- Bonyan priced its IPO at the lower end of its range (EGP 4.96), suggesting plenty of upside for buyers, given the independent financial advisor said a fair value looks more like EGP 7.52. The EGP 1.8 bn IPO had generated strong demand from both institutional and retail investors, and the listing was accompanied by a solid 1Q earnings release.

Tags:

bonyan capital markets EGX IPO watch

PHARMA

Egypt to settle dues owed to pharma players this fiscal year

UPA to settle its debt to pharma players this fiscal year? The Unified Procurement Authority (UPA) will settle some EGP 43 bn in overdue payments to pharma companies during the current fiscal year, with the first tranche to be paid out next week, according to a statement seen by EnterpriseAM. The accelerated payment plan is the result of an agreement between the UPA and Cairo Chamber of Commerce’s medical supplies division following a meeting between division head Mohamed Abdo and UPA head Hisham Stait.

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)

Where did the UPA find the funds to make this commitment? To help resolve the debt issue, the Finance Ministry raised the UPA’s allocations to EGP 100 bn, enabling the repayment plan, according to Abdo.

REMEMBER- Abdo told us earlier this week that medical supplies firms have been calling on the Madbouly government to help settle their dues owed by the UPA. This came shortly after government sources told us that the Finance Ministry had been mulling over a plan to pay off the UPA’s debt over a three-year period.

What the UPA owes: Around 50-60% of the debt stems from treatments offered at no cost at Health Ministry facilities, with the rest tied to treatment programs run by the universal ins. system and university hospitals — each entity will settle its debt from its own allocations.

Turning a fresh page: Stait pledged to ensure the UPA pays suppliers within 90 days of delivery moving forward, supported by an electronic system that lets companies upload delivery documents online for faster processing and approval.

Tags:

debt pharma

Diplomacy

Egypt, Jordan sign 10 cooperation agreements

Egypt and Jordan signed 10 agreements yesterday at the close of the Egyptian-Jordanian Joint Higher Committee meetings, co-chaired by Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly and his Jordanian counterpart Jafar Hassan. The agreements cover cooperation in areas like investment and freezones, consumer protection, public procurement, scientific research, local governance, and more.

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)

DATA POINT- Trade between Egypt and Jordan topped USD 1 bn in 2024, up 33% y-o-y — the two sides agreed to double annual trade to USD 2 bn, a government official told Asharq Business.

Egypt and Jordan agreed to implement joint projects worth USD 500 mn across various sectors, the official said, adding that the projects cover sectors including gas, electricity, infrastructure, transport, ICT, tourism, and housing. Both sides agreed to remove barriers to trade and transport and activate MoUs in health, industrial zones, SMEs, and water management.

Electricity interconnection and infrastructure cooperation: The PMs reaffirmed their commitment to boosting electricity interconnection capacity — a link that could benefit multiple regional partners. Jordan also expressed interest in tapping Egyptian expertise in building an administrative capital, as part of wider infrastructure cooperation.

Coordinating on Gaza: Madbouly and Hassan pledged to work with Qatar and the US to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and host an early recovery and reconstruction conference.

A broader cooperation agenda: The talks also touched on the Egypt-Jordan-Iraq trilateral framework, with calls to accelerate joint projects.

EGYPT, UGANDA SIGN WATER COOPERATION AGREEMENT-

Egypt and Uganda signed a USD 6 mn five-year agreement to provide integrated water resources management in Uganda, and committed to cooperate on the Angolola Dam project between Uganda and Kenya through Egypt’s USD 100 mn Nile Basin infrastructure investment mechanism, according to an Ittihadiya statement. The two sides also signed agreements on agricultural and food cooperation, investment, mutual visa exemptions for holders of official passports, and diplomatic cooperation to support the creation of a Ugandan diplomatic institute.

AND- President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni inaugurated the Egyptian-Ugandan Business Forum, calling for the creation of a joint business council, greater exchanges between business delegations, and expanded cooperation in sectors including agriculture, pharma, building materials, and electrical appliances, according to a separate statement.

PLUS- Egypt is in talks with Qatar and the US to secure a 60-day truce in Gaza, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said yesterday. The proposed truce would include the release of some hostages and Palestinian detainees, and allow unrestricted humanitarian and medical aid into Gaza. A senior Hamas delegation is expected in Cairo today for talks with Egyptian officials.

This comes shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Gaza residents should be allowed to leave the territory if they wish, urging countries that want to help Palestinians to “open [their] doors,” Haaretz reports. His comments come as Israel is reportedly in talks with South Sudan to potentially resettle Palestinians who choose to leave Gaza.

Tags:

DIPLOMACY Egypt-Jordan relations Jordan Middle East politics Moustafa Madbouly

EARNINGS WATCH

Madinet Masr, Rameda,TMG, Al Baraka Bank report earnings

Several EGX-listed companies released their 2Q and 1H 2025 earnings yesterday, including Madinet Masr, Rameda, Talaat Moustafa Group, and Al Baraka Bank Egypt.

MADINET MASR’S NET INCOME JUMPS IN 2Q-

Real estate developer Madinet Masr saw its net income rise 76.2% y-o-y in 2Q 2025 to EGP 488.4 mn, the company said in its latest earnings release (pdf). Revenue climbed 59.1% y-o-y to EGP 2.2 bn during the quarter, driven by demand for newly launched projects.

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)

The bigger picture: In the first half of 2025, the developer’s net income normalized to EGP 1.3 bn, down 11.9% y-o-y. Meanwhile, revenue recorded EGP 4.8 bn during the six-month period, up 7.0% y-o-y.

Sales momentum holds: Gross contracted sales hit EGP 10 bn in 2Q 2025, up 65.0% y-o-y, bringing the 1H total to a record EGP 21.3 bn, up 1.1% y-o-y. The firm’s Sarai project accounted for the largest portion of the quarter’s sales, making up 58.1%, Taj City accounted for 9.8%, and other projects accounted for 29.5%. Unit deliveries rose 105.7% y-o-y in 2Q to 288, while 1H deliveries were up 86.1% y-o-y at 521 units.

What they said: “Throughout this period, we sustained our growth trajectory and scored significant growth across key financials by capitalizing on our key advantages: pioneering product innovations, strategic geographic and portfolio expansions, and an unwavering commitment to creating lasting value for our customers and stakeholders,” said CEO Abdallah Sallam.

Looking ahead: Madinet Masr plans to maintain its growth momentum in the second half of the year by expanding its development portfolio, rolling out new product offerings, and sustaining financial resilience. Management expects recently launched subsidiaries and regional ventures to support diversification, boost customer engagement, and strengthen its position in the market.

RAMEDA’S NET INCOME RISE 57% IN 2Q-

Local pharma player Rameda posted a 57% y-o-y increase in net income to EGP 99 mn in 2Q 2025, according to the company’s latest earnings release (pdf). Revenue rose 71% y-o-y to EGP 963 mn, driven by a 73% jump in private sales and a 130% increase in toll manufacturing, while tenders revenues rose 47% y-o-y on profitable awards.

As for 1H 2025, the company’s net income rose 50% y-o-y to EGP 185 mn, while its revenue increased 79% to EGP 1.83 bn. “Solid revenue growth from private sales was driven by volume growth of 65% y-o-y to 24 mn units, the full impact of repricing across key products, and normalization of production post-FX shortages,” the earnings release read.

What they said: “The first half of 2025 was defined by meaningful progress on our strategic priorities,” said CEO Amr Morsy, pointing to new launches in diabetes, cardiovascular, CNS, and gastrointestinal therapies, and the acquisition of two CNS and pain management products. CFO Mahmoud Fayek said the acquisitions should start contributing from 3Q and that cost discipline will help Rameda meet full-year profitability targets.

TMG SEES INCOME, REVENUES INCREASE IN 1H-

Real estate giant Talaat Moustafa Group saw its net income rise 69% y-o-y in 1H 2025 to EGP 8.1 bn, according to the company’s latest earnings release (pdf). Revenues for the period rose 43% y-o-y to EGP 24.4 bn.

Hospitality was the main driver of revenue growth, with the segment drawing EGP 7.2 bn in total revenues during the period, marking a 39% y-o-y increase. Revenues from recurring income activities and service-related operations — think malls, sporting clubs, utilities, contracting, and other services — rose 68% y-o-y to record EGP 4.6 bn.

The group’s real estate sales were up 59% y-o-y, reaching EGP 211 bn during the first half of the year, despite the lack of any new launches during the period. This increase was underpinned by the group’s South Med project’s sales and reservations reaching approximately EGP 106 bn during 1H 2025, bringing total accumulated sales to EGP 384 bn.

AL BARAKA BANK EGYPT POSTS STRONG 1H PERFORMANCE-

Al Baraka Bank Egypt reported a 46.7% y-o-y jump in net income after tax in 1H 2025, recording EGP 2.0 bn, driven by a 42.5% rise in pre-tax income to EGP 2.8 bn and a 32.4% increase in operating revenue to EGP 4.32 bn, the lender said in a statement (pdf). The bank saw net interest income climb 27.5% y-o-y to EGP 3.6 bn. Total assets grew 6.6% y-o-y to EGP 136.2 bn, and customer deposits were up 7.7% at EGP 114.8 bn.

Tags:

Al Baraka Bank earnings earnings watch Madinet Masr Rameda Pharma Talaat Moustafa Group

Moves

Ayman Soliman joins HSBC Egypt’s board

Ayman Soliman (LinkedIn) has joined HSBC Egypt’s board of directors and Chairman Nasser Alshaali and CEO Todd Wilcox shared posts welcoming him to the team on LinkedIn. Soliman brings over two decades of experience in management and leadership roles, most notably serving as the CEO of the Sovereign Fund of Egypt for a five-year period. He sits on the boards of Tamimi Group and Suez Canal Economic Zone

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)

Tags:

Ayman Soliman HSBC moves

Also on our Radar

Breadfast closes USD 10 mn round

STARTUPS-

Breadfast secures USD 10 mn: Local grocery and bakery delivery startup Breadfast has secured USD 10 mn in a Series B2 round, which saw participation from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Novastar Ventures, according to a press release. This latest round pushes the company’s valuation to around USD 400 mn.

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)

Where’s the money going? Breadfast will use the fresh capital to expand its fulfillment network across the nation and step into new markets. Part of the funding will support the growth of its fintech arm, Breadfast Pay, which offers savings, withdrawals, and branded payment cards.

BANKING-

HSBC Egypt has launched treasury APIs — Application Programming Interface — allowing companies to integrate directly with its treasury and payments systems for real-time access to its cash management services, according to a company statement (pdf).

What they said: “This marks a key milestone in advancing our digitization agenda in Egypt in line with HSBC’s broader commitment to delivering innovative digital solutions that support clients’ resilience and competitiveness. By giving businesses real time visibility and control over their cash, HSBC Treasury APIs help our clients unlock faster and smarter financial decisions and open new possibilities for growth,” Deputy Chairman and CEO Todd Wilcox said.

MANUFACTURING-

Elsewedy Industrial Development will develop an integrated, sustainable industrial and logistics zone in Safaga under an MoU signed with the General Authority for the Golden Triangle Economic Zone, according to a statement. The zone will target several industries, including mining, engineering, manufacturing, chemicals, and food, with the goal of attracting local and foreign investment, creating jobs, and increasing Upper Egypt’s industrial output.

And another one: Elsewedy Industrial Development secured a 350-feddan plot in New Borg El Arab to establish a comprehensive industrial zone under the industrial developer system, according to a statement. Industrial land plots within the new zone will range between 2.5k-5k sqm and are set to host engineering, chemicals, textiles, food, and storage projects.

REAL ESTATE-

The New Urban Communities Authority will invest EGP 120 bn in New October City over the coming three years, Asharq Business reports, citing an unnamed official. Around EGP 50 bn will be allocated to utility projects and EGP 70 bn to housing, with half of the spending directed to an 8.5k-feddan expansion area.

DEBT WATCH-

Minapharm to secure EUR 26 mn from Triquera: EGX-listed pharma player Minapharm’s board signed off on a EUR 26 mn, interest-free loan from majority shareholder Triquera, according to an EGX disclosure (pdf). The loan comes with no obligations for the company and may be converted into new shares at par value, subject to a capital increase.

REMEMBER- Africa-focused private equity firm Admaius Capital Partners last month bought a minority stake in Triquera — which owns a 79.59% stake in Minapharm — through a capital increase in Triquera.

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ALSO ON OUR RADAR banking Breadfast debt HSBC Manufacturing Minapharm New Urban Communities Authority real estate startups

PLANET FINANCE

Asia’s super wealthy look to physical gold trade amid global economic uncertainty

The boom in gold prices isn’t just pushing the wealthy to bolster their gold ETFs and mining stocks, it’s also sparking a revival of the physical gold trade. The world’s rich, especially in Asia, are now actively participating in the physical gold trade themselves, “financing, shipping and flipping bullion like traders,” Bloomberg reports.

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)

Firms and even families that had previously had no physical and direct contact with gold are now sourcing bullion themselves — often from little regulated markets in Africa — transporting it back to Asia and refining it, before selling it on with higher prices.

Closer to home, the very wealthy in the UAE are lending gold to local jewelers, enabling them to add on extra returns for the appreciating assets, the outlets cites two precious metals traders as saying. Discounted bars in Dubai are also being brought to be sold for higher prices in Asia to meet high demand — and with it high prices.

Worldwide, wealthy investors have increased their exposure to gold in 2025 by some 120%, according to HSBC’s Affluent Investor Snapshot 2025 report (pdf). The move towards gold notched the largest shift of investors’ mean asset allocations surveyed by the lender, followed by a move towards alternative assets by 100%. According to the survey, gold now makes up 11% of wealthy investors’ assets on average.

And for wealthy investors who don’t yet own gold, many of them want to. Half of the investors surveyed by the HSBC said they plan to add gold to their portfolios in the next 12 months, which is double the current level. Of these, 41% are looking to own physical gold, while 28% plan to own digital gold.

The uptick in appetite for gold isn’t surprising, given the precious metal has increased in value some 41.0% in the last 12 months, to sell for USD 3.4k per ounce. Driving demand — and arguably pushing gold’s appeal beyond a safe haven asset to a speculative investment — is geopolitical and economic uncertainty coupled with an unpredictable USD.

In recent days, investors rushed to buy up gold, pushing the price of the precious metal to new highs after reports emerged alleging that the US would soon impose tariffs on imported bullion. But some calm returned to the market after Trump clarified on Monday in a Truth Social post that gold would not be tariffed under incoming trade changes.

MARKETS THIS MORNING-

Asian markets are in the green in early trading today, as markets continue to digest the extension of the US-China trade truce. Japan’s Nikkei is leading gains, up 1.3%, with the Hang Seng and Kospi trailing behind, looking at gains of 1.0% and 0.5%, respectively.

EGX30	36,004	+0.3% (YTD: +21.1%)
USD (CBE)	Buy 48.37	Sell 48.50
USD (CIB)	Buy 48.37	Sell 48.47
Interest rates (CBE)	24.00% deposit	25.00% lending
Tadawul	10,770	-0.2% (YTD: -10.5%)
ADX	10,296	-0.1% (YTD: +9.3%)
DFM	6,119	-0.6% (YTD: +18.6%)
S&P 500	6,446	+1.1% (YTD: +9.6%)
FTSE 100	9,148	+0.2% (YTD: +11.9%)
Euro Stoxx 50	5,336	+0.1% (YTD: +9.0%)
Brent crude	USD 66.12	-0.8%
Natural gas (Nymex)	USD 2.79	-0.6%
Gold	USD 3,403	+0.1%
BTC	USD 119,916	+0.9% (YTD: +28.1%)
S&P Egypt Sovereign Bond Index	886.30	+0.1% (YTD: +14.0%)
S&P MENA Bond & Sukuk	147.85	+0.1% (YTD: +5.7%)
VIX (Volatility Index)	14.73	-9.4% (YTD: -15.1%)

THE CLOSING BELL-

The EGX30 rose 0.3% at yesterday’s close on turnover of EGP 4.8 bn (7.4% below the 90-day average). Local investors were the sole net buyers. The index is up 21.1% YTD.

In the green: Egyptian Kuwaiti Holding-USD (+2.5%), Beltone Holding (+1.3%), and Raya Holding (+1.3%).

In the red: Qalaa Holdings (-1.6%), Rameda (-1.3%), and Palm Hills Development (-1.2%).

CORPORATE ACTIONS-

#1- Qalaa Holdings is looking to increase its issued capital by EGP 14 bn — distributed over 2.8 bn shares at EGP 5 a share — bringing its total to EGP 23.1 bn, according to an EGX disclosure (pdf) from Qalaa and a fair value study (pdf) from financial advisor Graviton. The fair value study set the fair price for Qalaa’s shares after the capital increase at EGP 4.5 apiece.

#2- SODIC to carry out post-merger capital reduction: Real estate developer SODIC will reduce its issued and paid-up capital to EGP 5.2 bn following the completion of its merger with seven subsidiaries, according to an EGX disclosure (pdf). The capital will be divided among 1.3 bn shares at a nominal value of EGP 4 each.

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Asia Financial Markets gold Hong Kong Planet Finance trade

HARDHAT

What’s in the pipeline for Egypt’s construction market?

The construction market in Egypt is booming — and poised for more growth by the end of the decade: Egypt’s construction market now has the MENA region’s third-largest pipeline of projects, with future projects worth USD 565.5 bn, according to Knight Frank’s Egypt Construction Landscape 2025 report. Egypt’s project pipeline comes behind the UAE’s USD 1.02 tn and Saudi Arabia’s USD 1.97 tn.

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)

Much of this pipeline hasn’t left the drawing board, meaning there’s a lot of growth coming our way, Knight Frank notes. Some 51% of upcoming projects are still being studied, while 39% are in the design phase. The pipeline of projects “hints at significant long-term potential,” the consultancy firm says, pointing out that there’s immediate value and potential to capitalize on in planning and pre-construction services.

It’s not just what’s in the pipeline — construction also accounts for a major share of ongoing projects in the country. Construction projects — which Knight Frank categorizes as residential, commercial, hospitality, public, institutional, and infrastructure projects — account for nearly half of the USD 120 bn-worth of projects currently under execution.

Costs are still competitive for construction players: On the highest end of the spectrum, construction costs for villas start at USD 815 / sqm peak at USD 1,310 / sqm. In comparison, “the cost for shell and core office buildings starts at USD 565 / sqm, with fitted offices costing as much as USD 1,210 / sqm to match the highest international standards,” according to Knight Frank data. Apartments have construction costs ranging between USD 720-1,270 / sqm, and twin houses can cost USD 765-1,310 / sqm to build.

And on the other side of the equation, demand is going strong: “Strong demographic demand, strategic mega-developments such as the New Administrative Capital and New Alamein, and growing interest from regional and institutional investors” have all been driving growth in the country’s real estate market in 2025.

REMEMBER- Ras El Hekma is still going to join the party: The USD 35 bn Ras El Hekma mega-project is still getting off the ground, with the UAE’s Modon — the project’s lead developer — recently launching the first offering in the western side of the triangle. One-bedroom apartments in the Wadi Yemm area are priced at an average of EGP 19.9 mn, while seven-bedroom villas are going for an average of EGP 324 mn, with payment plans of up to eight years. Al Ahly Sabbour also reported earlier this week that it reeled in north of EGP 10 bn in sales within two days of launching Youd, its new 164-feddan project in Ras El Hekma.

Residential estate remains a value driver: Prices in Egypt’s residential segment climbed 16.5% y-o-y, Knight Frank noted, with Sheikh Zayed units now averaging EGP 115k / sqm and New Cairo at EGP 98k / sqm.

Office space is also booming: New Cairo accounts for 73% of Cairo’s office supply pipeline, with prime office properties now reaching up to EGP 466k / sqm, the report notes.

The growth outlook: Egypt’s construction market is expected to hit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% from 2025-2029 to reach a value of EGP 2.01 tn (USD 41.5 bn at current FX rates), according to Research and Markets forecasts. Research and Markets expects the sector to grow 7.0% y-o-y to hit EGP 1.52 tn (USD USD 31 bn) by the end of 2025. That’s slightly more conservative than recent forecasts from GlobalData, which is penciling in a 7.6% annual growth rate for our construction sector through to 2028.

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construction Hardhat

CALENDAR

AUGUST

28 August (Thursday): Monetary Policy Committee meeting.

Mid-August: Launch of electronic platform to register Old Rent Law tenants.

Tourism Development Authority to waive late payment penalties for land purchases if full installments are paid

Late-August: Deadline for cement factories to restart production.

SEPTEMBER

8-11 September (Monday-Thursday): EFG Hermes London Conference takes place in the British capital.

9-11 September (Tuesday-Thursday): The International Exhibition for Paper, Corrugated Board, Paperboard and Tissue Paper Industries — PAPER-ME — takes place at the Egypt International Exhibition Center.

15 September (Monday): IMF to hold its combined fifth and sixth reviews of Egypt’s USD 8 bn EFF arrangement.

24-27 September (Wednesday-Saturday): Cityscape Egypt 2025, Egypt International Exhibition Center.

The Egyptian-Moroccan Business Council to send a delegation of 23 local companies to Rabat.

The Engineering Export Council of Egypt will ship a commercial delegation to Russia to ramp up exports to European markets.

Egypt Education Platform (EEP) to launch two new schools in Alexandria and Somabay.

Egypt Otsuka’s nutritional products factory in Tenth of Ramadan to begin operations, with exports to Gulf countries expected by January 2026.

OCTOBER

1 October (Wednesday): Applications for alternative housing for old rent tenants will open through an online platform or at post offices nationwide.

2 October (Thursday): Monetary Policy Committee’s sixth meeting.

7 October (Tuesday): The 2025 EnterpriseAM Egypt Forum.

12-16 October (Sunday-Thursday): Cairo Water Week, Cairo.

19-22 October (Sunday-Wednesday): Arab African Investment and International Cooperation Summit.

23-25 October (Thursday-Saturday): Stone Africa Expo, Cairo International Conference Center.

October: The third iteration of the Export Smart Exhibition and Conference.

Mid-October: Capmas to publish the findings of its 2023-2024 income and expenditure survey.

NOVEMBER

16-19 November: Cairo ICT 2025, Egypt International Exhibition Center

20 November (Thursday): Monetary Policy Committee meeting.

November: Egypt to join the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program.

DECEMBER

1-4 December: Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX), Egypt International Exhibition Center.

25 December: (Thursday): Monetary Policy Committee meeting.

EVENTS WITH NO SET DATE

Mid-2025: EGX launches sustainability index.

3Q 2025: Nasr Automotive begins locally manufacturing passenger cars.

3Q 2025: Polaris Parks to finalize contracts for two new industrial zones in the new capital and Sadat City.

Mid-2025: The Administrative Capital for Urban Developments to roll out the second phase of offering industrial plots to investors

2H 2025: Potential visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Egypt

4Q 2025: The beginning of construction works on China’s State Grid two solar projects.

4Q 2025: GB Auto starts assembling one of China’s Great Wall Motor models in 4Q 2025.

4Q 2025-1Q 2026: Kasrawy Group to launch first Avatr EV models in Egypt.

2025: The InterAcademy Partnership assembly.

2025: Nile Basin States Summit, Cairo, Egypt.

2025: Release of the government’s Startup Charter document.

Before 2025-end: The government will launch two ro-ro shipping lines with Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

2026

Early 2026: Passenger operations on the New Administrative Capital–Nasr City monorail scheduled to begin.

1Q 2026: Trial operations for the Ain Sokhna–Sixth of October section of Egypt’s first high-speed rail line scheduled to begin.

1 January: European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to fully come into effect.

15 March 2026: IMF to hold its seventh review of Egypt’s USD 8 bn EFF arrangement.

May 2026: End of extension for developers on 15% interest rates for land installment payments

15 September 2026: IMF to hold its eighth review of Egypt’s USD 8 bn EFF arrangement.

2H 2026: Operations at Deli Glass Co’s new USD 70 mn glassware factory kick off.

2027

20 January-7 February: Egypt to host the African Games.

April 2027: Tenth of Ramadan dry port and logistics hub to begin operations.

EVENTS WITH NO SET DATE

2027: Egypt to host EBRD’s annual meetings for 2027.

End of 2027: Trial operations at the Dabaa nuclear power plant expected to take place.

September 2028: First unit of the Dabaa nuclear power plant begins operations.

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