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Monday, 27 Jan 2025

What We’re Tracking Today
Legislation Watch
Marketing
Last Night’s Talk Shows
Also On Our Radar
Planet Finance
Blackboard
Calendar

MPs greenlight simplified SME tax regime, late payment amnesty, dispute settlement speed up draft laws

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Today at a glance

1

LEGISLATION WATCH

MPs greenlight laws to simplify SME tax regime, give late payment amnesty, speed up dispute settlement.
2

MARKETING

Egyptian businesses’ spending on outdoor advertising in 2024 up 53% y-o-y.
3

WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TODAY

French shipping giant CMA CGM to continue Suez Canal diversions.
4

LAST NIGHT’S TALK SHOWS

Trump’s call to “clear out” Gaza sparks anger and condemnation on the airwaves.
5

ALSO ON OUR RADAR

Bonyan taps Baker Tilly to determine share fair value ahead of IPO.
6

PLANET FINANCE

Hedge fund assets rose to USD 4.5 tn in 2024 amid greater inflows.
7

BLACKBOARD

What is Egypt doing to push more international unis to set up shop at home?

Monday, 27 Jan 2025

What We’re Tracking Today
Legislation Watch
Marketing
Last Night’s Talk Shows
Also On Our Radar
Planet Finance
Blackboard
Calendar
1

WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TODAY

French shipping giant CMA CGM to continue Suez Canal diversions

Good morning, friends. There’s plenty of news about Egypt today, but not much of it is about business. Putting Egypt in the focus of the world’s press was Trump’s most recent alarm bell-ringing off-the-cuff remark, which saw him call for the ethnic cleansing and displacement of mns of Palestinians to “clear out” the enclave into Egypt and Jordan, sparking condemnation and concern in the region.

In less depressing and more business-orientated news that we’ve got in the issue today, the House greenlit bills shaking up and hopefully improving the way we tax businesses,insights into the outdoor advertising industry in 2024, and real estate investment firm Bonyan taking important steps towards its upcoming IPO.

CORRECTION- We incorrectly referred to Hassan Allam Properties as the real estate arm of Hassan Allam Holding in a story published in yesterday’s issue of EnterpriseAM Egypt. Hassan Allam Properties is a sister company of Hassan Allam Holding and has a separate legal entity and shareholding structure. The story has since been amended on our website.

PSA-

WEATHER- The sun is taking a break in Cairo today, with overcast skies, a high of 20°C, and a low of 12°C, according to our favorite weather app.

Alexandria is also in store for an overcast day, with a high of 21°C, a low of 11°C, and intermittent light showers.

It’s also another foggy start to the day for most parts of the country, so for all you leaving outside Upper Egypt and South Sinai, stay safe on the roads this morning, the Egyptian Meteorological Authority warned.

** DID YOU KNOW that we now cover Saudi Arabia and the UAE?

** Were you forwarded this email? Tap or click here to get your own copy delivered every weekday before 7am Cairo time — without charge.

ICYMI- Missed this week’s Inside Industry? In our weekly vertical exploring all things industry and manufacturing, we looked at where Egypt’s efforts to green its industrial sector stand. Check out the story here.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

French shipping line CMA CGM will continue to avoid the Suez Canal and use the Cape of Good Hope passage despite the ceasefire in Gaza, the company said on its website. The shipping giant sees the Gaza ceasefire as “a positive but fragile sign for the global shipping and logistics industry.” The Suez Canal Authority last week said it was expecting to receive a fleet of vessels from CMA CGM on Thursday, but that was a “single ad hoc call” as a representative of the French company told The Loadstar.

We dove into what the ceasefire in Gaza means for Suez Canal traffic in a story published last week.

HAPPENING THIS WEEK-

It’s interest rate week: The US Federal Reserve is set to meet for the first time this year for its two-day meeting tomorrow, with the GCC’s central banks awaiting its move before mirroring it (remember, most GCC currencies are pegged to the USD). The Fed is widely expected to keep interest rates steady, despite calls from US President Donald Trump to drop interest rates “immediately.”

CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

The newly-formed Export Development Committee will meet for the first time next week to discuss its work scope and strategy, committee member Ayman Ashry told Al Borsa. The advisory group, formed with private sector participation, aims to improve communication between policymakers and private sector players to achieve the target of reaching USD 145 bn in exports a year by 2030.

Check out our full calendar on the web for a comprehensive listing of upcoming news events, national holidays and news triggers.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD-

US President Donald Trump continues to make headlines with a fresh set of tariffs slapped on Colombia and calls for Gazans to settle in Egypt and Jordan to make way for a “clean-out” of Gaza.

Trump slapped a 25% tariff on all imports from Colombia — set to be raised to 50% in a week — along with a travel ban on Colombian government officials and financial sanctions after Colombia sent back two US military aircraft carrying deported migrants from the country. The deportation came as part of Trump’s sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration, which included a broad ban on asylum, since taking office. Colombia responded with its own 25% tariff on US imports. (Reuters | Bloomberg | WSJ | BBC)

In separate news, Trump called for Palestinians displaced from Gaza to be resettled in Jordan and Egypt either temporarily or permanently. Trump noted to reporters following a call with Jordan’s King Abdullah Saturday that he wanted both Jordan and Egypt to take in more displaced Palestinians, saying in reference to Gaza that “we should just clear out the whole thing.” The idea was rejected by Egypt, Jordan, the Palestinian authority, and many other nations and international bodies, which was followed by Trump officials later suggesting that Gazans would receive guarantees that they would eventually be allowed to return in a bid to downplay the original remarks. We’ve got more on this story in our Last Night’s Talk Show section below.

While over in Lebanon, Israeli forces opened fire on a group of protestors demanding their withdrawal in line with the agreed 60-day deadline as part of the ceasefire, killing at least 22 and injuring 124 people, AP reports. The White House later issued a statement that the deadline for Israeli troops’ withdrawal has been extended to 18 February, after Israel said it is waiting for the Lebanese army to deploy to all areas of South Lebanon to ensure that Hezbollah does not reestablish its presence there, despite statements from the army that it cannot deploy there unless Israeli troops withdraw.

*** It’s Blackboard day: We have our weekly look at the business of education in Egypt, from pre-K through the highest reaches of higher ed.

In today’s issue: We look at what Egypt is doing to push more international universities to set up shop in the country.

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Somabay: A Community Committed to Education and a Sustainable Future

Somabay is dedicated to building a vibrant community with education at its heart through GEMS International School Somabay (GISS). As Egypt’s first GEMS school, GISS offers top-tier education via the International Early Years Curriculum (IPC) and an American diploma aligned with AERO standards. Part of the Egypt Education Platform (EEP), GISS reflects Somabay’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and holistic development. Enroll for 2025/2026 at https://gis-somabay.com/

2

LEGISLATION WATCH

MPs greenlight draft laws to simplify SME tax regime, give late payment amnesty, speed up dispute settlement

MPs gave their final approval yesterday to three tax-focused draft laws aimed at expanding tax breaks for SMEs, simplifying tax procedures, and settling disputes.

The House approved a new tax system for SMEs that proposed that businesses with an annual turnover of up to EGP 20 mn will pay a tax rate — ranging from 0.4-1.5% depending on much they are making — that covers income tax, value-added tax, duty tax, and others.

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

Lawmakers also raised the turnover threshold for tax breaks from the proposed EGP 15mn to EGP 20 mn to better account for inflation and the depreciation of the pound. The stated purpose of the draft bill is to support the SME sector, while also expanding the tax base and integrating the informal economy.

Incentives for businesses that fall under the income bracket include being exempt from the development fee tax, stamp tax, company registration fees, land registration fees and tax, and fees from inking credit facility and mortgage contracts for five years. These companies will also be able to sell fixed assets and not have to pay tax on any of the capital gains, along with paying out with dividends from the profits of the company without having to pass on any to the tax man.

MPs also approved giving a second chance to those that missed previous payments, with the draft legislation enabling taxpayers who failed to submit their tax reports between 2020 and 2023 to file them within a specific time frame without facing any penalties. Under the current system, failing to submit tax returns can lead to a EGP 1 mn fine.

A bill to hopefully speed up settling the mountain of tax disputes was also passed, with the aim of expediting the Egyptian Tax Authority’s settling of tax disputes as part of a longer-term move to a digital system.

Déjà vu? We first heard about the proposals in October when Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchuk announced a long list of tax facilities during a presser.

ALSO- The Economic Committee approved a framework agreement with the African Development Bank to phase out LIBOR as a reference interest rate and adopt SOFR in loan agreements between Egypt and the bank.

Sound smart: The London Interbank Offered Rate and the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, known more commonly by their acronyms LIBOR and SOFR are two interest rate benchmarks. The important difference between the two is how they calculate their rates, with LIBOR basing its rate on the estimates given from banks about the interest rates they pay to borrow from each other, while SOFR bases its rates on actual transactions in the USD Treasury repurchase market where investors borrow money for the night using Treasury bonds as collateral. With LIBOR suffering from a lack of transparency and SOFR viewed as a more reliable and data-based alternative, SOFR is slowly replacing LIBOR as the new global standard for loans and other financial services.

AND- Further discussion and votes on the Criminal Procedures Law was pushed to today because of the lengthy session focussed on the tax-related proposals. MPs are expected today to debate and vote on articles 172-209 of the draft law.

CORRECTION- The story was amended on 29 January, 2025.  An older version of this story incorrectly said that the new simplified tax system for SMEs proposed that businesses with an annual turnover of up to EGP 15 mn will pay a simple flat tax. 

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3

MARKETING

Egyptian businesses’ spending on outdoor advertising in 2024 up 53% y-o-y

Another record year for outdoor ad spending: Egyptian businesses spent EGP 6.3 bn on out-of-home (OOH) advertising in 2024, a 53% jump from EGP 4.2 bn in 2023, according to a statement (pdf) from outdoor ad aggregator AdMazad.

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

The number of OOH advertisers rose 23% y-o-y to 1.7k, while the number of billboards increased 26.6% y-o-y to 40.9k. Real estate advertisers were the top spenders for the third consecutive year, accounting for 60% of OOH ads in 2024. Digital OOH inventory doubled, enabling more dynamic campaigns.

FMCGs held onto the runner-up spot: Advertisers of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) — affordable, essential products that are in high-demand (think household essentials) — came in second for the second year in a row, with a 9% market share. It was followed by the hospitality and financial services sectors (4% each), and the telecom sector (3%).

The biggest spenders: Local real estate giant Talaat Moustafa Group made up the lion’s share of the real estate sector’s spending, Edita and L’Oreal were the biggest spenders in the FMCG sector, and Telecom Egypt spent the most on OOH ads among the country’s telecom players.

Advertisers were getting more value for their money, AdMazad’s data suggests. Total impressions on outdoor billboards — a metric used to refer to the number of times an advertisement is viewed — were up 8.8% y-o-y in 2024, reaching 154.2 bn.

The metric has become of vital importance: The fast growth of OOH advertising in the country led to “increased visual congestion, making it harder for brands to stand out on the streets,” said Mountain View Marketing Director Rania El Kest, adding that “access to reliable data and insights is crucial for navigating this evolving landscape.” AdMazad Founding Partner and Managing Director Assem Memon said that “by providing accurate and actionable data, we are empowering the industry to evolve and reach its full potential.”

The methodology: The figures were based on audits of some 50.3k billboards across Greater Cairo, Alexandria, and other key cities.

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4

LAST NIGHT’S TALK SHOWS

Trump’s call to “clear out” Gaza sparks anger and condemnation on the airwaves

Donald Trump’s proposal to “just clear out” Gaza led the conversation on last night’s talk shows, with the dangerous and worrying suggestion sparking passionate and often angry responses from the nation’s talking heads.

Much of the world’s press had also led their coverage throughout the day with the newly elected president’s comments, which emerged early yesterday and quickly led to condemnation from Egypt, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, and others. Trump’s comments to reporters saw him propose that the masses of displaced Palestinians be pushed into Egypt and Jordan.

Egypt strongly rejected the proposal in a statement by the Foreign Ministry that reiterated it “continued support for the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land and their commitment to their legitimate rights to their homeland.”

The nation’s talking heads responded in a less restrained manner, with Lamees El Hadidi telling her viewers on Kelma Akhira that the US president “doesn’t care about international law, homeland, right and wrong, or the concept of ethnic cleansing and displacement. The host continued that “what Trump wants is Israel’s security and to eliminate the headache of the Palestinian issue” (watch, runtime: 8:44).

Ahmed Moussa was even more vocal in his opposition, declaring that “If necessary, we will defend our land” during his primetime slot on Ala Mas’ouleety (watch, runtime: 1:04:05). Moussa argued that the plan to relocate Palestinians to Sinai dates back decades and that “Egypt will never give up Sinai or allow it to become an alternative homeland for Palestinians.” Stressing Egypt’s independence and willingness to exercise its sovereignty, Moussa added that “neither Trump nor anyone else can impose their wishes on us.”

Some stressed that the country is united its opposition to the proposal, including Amr Adib who said on his show El Hekaya (watch, runtime: 8:07, 17:19) that There is both public and official rejection of the relocation plan.”

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

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5

ALSO ON OUR RADAR

Bonyan taps Baker Tilly as independent financial advisor to determine share fair value ahead of IPO. PLUS: BP + Metallurgical Industries Holding + Egyptian Anode Blocks Company, AMOC

IPO WATCH-

Bonyan taps financial advisor ahead of planned IPO: Real estate investment firm Bonyan appointed Baker Tilly as its independent financial advisor to determine the fair value of its shares ahead of its planned IPO, Hapi Journal reports. Last week, Bonyan secured approval from the EGX’s listing committee to list its shares on the EGX ahead of the Compass subsidiary gearing up for its EGX debut in the first half of 2025.

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

MANUFACTURING-

BP and Metallurgical Industries Holding to revive the Egyptian Anode Blocks Company: Global oil and gas giant BP and the state-owned Metallurgical Industries Holding inked a five-year agreement to restart production the Egyptian Anode Blocks Company after a two-year production hiatus, according to a cabinet statement. The agreement will see BP invest USD 20 mn into maintenance and upping annual production capacity to 250k tons of calcined petroleum coke, bringing in USD 24.3 mn a year by our math.

The factory in Ain Sokhna will also help reduce the country’s import bill, with the manufacturing input being of great importance for many industries, particularly aluminum, Public Business Sector Minister Mohamed Shimy.

AVIATION-

The Finance Ministry is providing EGP 20 bn to Egypt Air Holding Company to help expand the state-owned airline's fleet and reduce its debts, Asharq Business reported, citing unnamed government officials. The national flag carrier received the funds last month, one of the sources told the news outlet. The airline is planning to expand its fleet to 125 aircraft over the next five years, up from 65 now, while also using the funds to try to reduce its debts.

EgyptAir has been on a shopping spree recently: The airline is currently waiting to receive the first batch of 18 Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft, which the company purchased in 2023 on lease and are scheduled for delivery this year or the next. EgyptAir also purchased and is awaiting the delivery of ten Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft.

EARNINGS-

AMOC sees revenues rise and net income fell in 1H FY 2024-25: Alexandria Mineral Oils Company (AMOC) saw its net income dip 3% y-o-y during the first half of the fiscal year 2024-2025 to record EGP 641.6 mn, according to the company’s latest financials (pdf). Revenues during the period rose 28% y-o-y to reach EGP 18.2 bn.

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6

PLANET FINANCE

Hedge fund assets rose to USD 4.5 tn in 2024 amid greater inflows

Hedge funds’ assets under management (AUM) hit USD 4.5 tn in 2024, rising 9.8% y-o-y, Reuters reports citing HFR. This USD 401.4 bn increase — the highest since 2021 — was largely driven by robust performance across various strategies, despite a challenging investment environment.

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

More money in: Hedge funds attracted USD 10.47 bn in net inflows in 2024, marking the first annual positive net flow since 2021, although 4Q saw USD 12.6 bn in outflows. AUM have grown by 56% since 2015, with the increase coming mostly on the back of fund performance rather than new inflows as the industry struggled to lure in new money from investors. Meanwhile, outflows exceeded inflows by USD 166.8 bn over the past decade.

How were the returns? Funds delivered a 9.83% average return in 2024, with positive outcomes across equity, macro, event-driven, and relative value strategies, according to data from the HFRI Fund Weighted Composite index, cited by Reuters. However, the average return dwarves that of the S&P 500 during the same period, standing at 23.3%.

Investors are more interested now: A Bank of America survey of 256 firms managing over USD 1 tn in hedge fund assets showed that half of investors plan to increase allocations this year, up 2% from early 2024, while 37% will not make changes, Reuters reported separately. Investors withdrawing completely from hedge funds dropped to 7% in 2024, compared to 12% in 2023, with dissatisfaction mainly tied to underperformance (73%) and concerns over changes to investment strategies or portfolio simplification.

Looking ahead: “Total global hedge fund industry capital rose to a fifth consecutive quarterly record as managers, institutions, and investors positioned for sweeping policy changes which are likely to have significant and far-reaching implications for US and global financial market structure, regulation and capital,” HFR President Kenneth J. Heinz told Reuters.

MARKETS THIS MORNING-

Asian markets were mostly in the green this morning after China published its PMI data. Hang Seng (Hong Kong) rose 0.8%, and Shanghai Composite rose 0.3%, while Japan’s Nikkei declined 0.6%. Meanwhile, Wall Street futures declined as investors anticipate earnings week.

EGX30

30,035

+0.1% (YTD: +1.0%)

USD (CBE)

Buy 50.19

Sell 50.32

USD (CIB)

Buy 50.21

Sell 50.31

Interest rates (CBE)

27.25% deposit

28.25% lending

Tadawul

12,386

+0.3% (YTD: +2.9%)

ADX

9564

+0.2% (YTD: +1.5%)

DFM

5226

-0.4% (YTD: +1.3%)

S&P 500

6101

-0.3% (YTD: +3.7%)

FTSE 100

8502

-0.7% (YTD: +4.0%)

Euro Stoxx 50

5219

+0.04% (YTD: +6.6%)

Brent crude

USD 78.50

+0.3%

Natural gas (Nymex)

USD 4.03

+2.1%

Gold

USD 2,806.60

+0.5%

BTC

USD 104,415.50

-0.7% (YTD: +11.7%)

THE CLOSING BELL-

The EGX30 rose 0.1% at yesterday’s close on turnover of EGP 3.5 bn (7.7% below the 90-day average). Egyptian investors were the sole net buyers. The index is up 1.0% YTD.

In the green: AMOC (+7.4%), Elsewedy Electric (+2.9%), and Juhayna (+2.6%).

In the red: B Investments (-3.2%), Palm Hills Developments (-2.6%), and Eastern Company (-2.1%).

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Our weekly deep dive into education in Egypt, from K-12 to post-secondary.

Published every Monday in EnterpriseAM.

Read Blackboard
7

BLACKBOARD

What is Egypt doing to push more international unis to set up shop at home?

Gov’t wants more international unis to set up shop here: The government is ramping up efforts to push prestigious international universities to set up branches in the new capital, in line with directives to diversify Egypt's higher education landscape.

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

Why it matters: Internationalizing education not only boosts foreign investment in the sector, but also raises academic standards and positions Egypt as a hub for educational tourism, one government source told EnterpriseAM. Offering foreign education locally allows students to access the same high-quality academic standards abroad without leaving the country, the source added.

Remember: The Higher Education Ministry plans to expand collaboration with top international institutions, fostering cross-border education and positioning Egypt as a regional hub for transnational higher education.

Incoming and outgoing: The Madbouly government is also pushing for opening branches of Egyptian universities abroad through partnerships with the private sector, as part of the wider education internationalization plan.

As things stand: Egypt currently hosts nine international university branches, with plans to add more in the coming years, according to Higher Education Minister Ayman Ashour. These branches have attracted international students from neighboring countries, leveraging Egypt’s unique position as an attractive education hub in the region.

What are the nine international university branches Egypt hosts?

  • The Global Foundation hosts the UK’s University of Hertfordshire;
  • European Universities in Egypt hosts the UK’s University of London and University of Central Lancashire;
  • The Knowledge Hub (TKH) is home to the UK’s Coventry University and Portugal’s Nova University.
  • Modern Group University Foundation hosts the Russian Kazan Federal University and St Petersburg University.

That’s not all: Egypt's educational institutions have diverse international partnerships — there’s the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology, a branch of ESLSCA, the German International University, and a branch of Beirut Arab University.

Want to dive deeper? We dive into what do foreign universities see in the Egyptian market and what challenges are they facing in a Blackboard published last year.

A changing mindset: Shifting from a local to a global outlook is now a key goal for Egypt’s higher education sector, the minister said, adding that expanding foreign university branches is integral to making Egypt a global competitor in the higher education sphere.

The past decade has seen significant progress: The ministry has achieved various milestones in education internationalization over the past ten years, supporting the completion of international university branches in the new capital, Ashour said. Throughout the past year, the Higher Education Ministry intensified efforts to attract more globally-ranked universities across various specializations.

The government wants to see 200k international students enrolled in Egyptian universities in 2030, a move which will help it reach its goal of attracting USD 2 bn in education tourism revenues by then.

A new regulatory framework is in the works: The ministry has also secured cabinet approval for legislation governing international university branches, helping students obtain degrees from parent universities while facilitating the expansion of major foreign university branches in the new capital.

Efforts to bring more international universities to Egypt: Ashour has met withrepresentatives from several prestigious institutions, including the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, Portugal's University of Aveiro, the UK's University of Essex, University of Aberdeen, University of Central Lancashire, and the University of Exeter exploring possibilities for establishing branches in Egypt, developing joint academic programs, and exchanging expertise to enhance Egypt's education, academic, and research ecosystem.

To sweeten the pot: The Higher Education Ministry last May announced its plan to implement a foundation year system as an optional program to qualify high school graduates or those with a degree equivalent to a high school diploma for enrollment in various faculties and academic programs at private and national universities. The move could push more international universities to set up shop in Egypt.

READ MORE- We dove into the ins and outs of the new system in a Blackboard published last year.

We can already see the impact international unis have had on their grads: The presence of international universities in Egypt is enhancing graduates' competitiveness thanks to their access to modern knowledge and contemporary education systems, according to ministry spokesperson Adel Abdel Ghaffar.

Incentives for investors: The Higher Education Ministry is working on measures that make higher education investments more attractive — providing the necessary infrastructure and offering attractive incentives.

The expansion continues: The ministry aims to continue its efforts to establish new universities, particularly branches of prestigious foreign institutions, to increase capacity and provide education that meets international standards. This expansion agenda focuses on ensuring fair geographical distribution of educational institutions across the country, universities being equipped with modern infrastructure, and the offering of diverse academic programs that align with labor market needs.

Your top education stories for the week:

  • EDT&Partners and Egyptian startup Eyouth partnered on a USD 6 mn digital skills development program targeting the digital skills gap among youth in Africa and the Middle East. (Statement, pdf)
  • SIC to up stake in CIRA: Social Impact Capital (SIC) will increase its stake in CIRA Education to 88.7% in a EGP 3.4 bn transaction.
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CALENDAR

JANUARY

23 January- 5 February (Thursday-Wednesday): Cairo International Book Fair, Egypt International Exhibitions Center, Cairo

28 January (Tuesday): Nigeria to inaugurate the USD 5 bn Africa Energy Bank in Abuja

28-29 January (Tuesday-Wednesday): US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting.

29 January - 8 February (Wednesday-Saturday): Business Ya Shabab exhibition, Cairo Stadium

Health Ministry finalizes partnership with Gustave Roussy to operate Dar El Salam Hospital.

Building permit applications in Egypt's new cities will go online

Accor Group to open Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile, the world’s largest Sofitel.

Egyptian National Railways to launch tender for Tanta-Mansoura-Damietta railway line upgrades

Food products will require food safety and validity certificates from the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA)

Bavarian delegation visit to Egypt

FEBRUARY

BP to bring the second well of its Raven natural gas project online, with additional production capacity expected.

Orascom Pyramids Entertainment to bring total investments in the Pyramids Plateau to EGP 1.5 bn.

Subscription period for Your Home in Egypt initiative opens.

2 February: Energy Day Conference, Cairo, Egypt.

17 February: (Monday): Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides will visit Egypt to sign agreements to transport Cypriot gas to Egypt to be liquefied and exported.

17-19 February (Monday-Wednesday): EGYPES Technical Conference, Egypt International Exhibition Center, Cairo, Egypt.

18-19 February (Saturday-Sunday): German-Egyptian Joint Economic Committee meetings, Cairo, Egypt

20 February (Thursday): Monetary Policy Committee's first meeting.

MARCH

Arla Foods’ deadline for Domty acquisition offer

Operation of phase one of the Amotope wind farm

Alwaad Investment to inaugurate a new cold beverage plant with an annual production capacity of 14.5 mn units.

Al Ahly Sabbour to finalize preparations for its EGX listing, offering 20-25% of its shares, with an advisor to be tapped in early 2025.

March-April 2025: The government plans to start collecting taxes on capital gains from EGX transactions.

APRIL

Government begins talks with EU on the second tranche of the of the EUR 5 bn concessional loans package

Saxony Delegation visit to Egypt.

Egypt to launch trial operations of the first phase of its USD 1.8 bn Egypt-Saudi electricity interconnection project, ahead of schedule

Tahya Misr 1 container terminal to begin operations, adding 3.5 mn container capacity to the port.

7-9 April (Monday-Wednesday): Narrative PR Summit launches 9th edition, Red Sea

7-10 April (Monday-Thursday): EFG Hermes One on One conference, Dubai, UAE

17 April (Thursday): Monetary Policy Committee’s second meeting.

28-30 April (Monday-Wednesday): FDC Regional Digital Industry Summit will launch cybersecurity index.

MAY

22 May (Thursday): Monetary Policy Committee’s third meeting.

Egyptian Exporters Association (Expolink) exhibition, Italy

French rolling stock manufacturer Alstom will submit technical and financial bids for Cairo Metro Line 6

JUNE

June 2025: MPs approveextension of tax dispute resolution window until 30 June 2025, with potential for further extension

June 2025: Nissan and Honda finalise talks about possible merger to create the world’s third largest automobile company by sales.

June 2025: Coficab to complete its USD 88 mn automotive cable and electrical factory in Tenth of Ramadan City

JULY

10 July 2025 (Thursday): Monetary Policy Committee’s fourth meeting.

15-16 July 2025 (Tuesday-Wednesday): Egypt Mining Forum.

July 2025: The first operational trail of Egypt-KSA electricity interconnection line.

July 2025: Etihad Airways to launch twice-weekly flights to Alamein

July 2025: Israel to begin increasing gas exports to Egypt from Chevron’s offshore Tamar field

AUGUST

28 August 2025 (Thursday): Monetary Policy Committee’s fifth meeting.

August 2025: Tourism Development Authority to waive late payment penalties for land purchases if full installments are paid

SEPTEMBER

September 2025: Egypt Education Platform (EEP) to launch two new schools in Alexandria and Somabay

September 2025: Egypt Otsuka’s nutritional products factory in Tenth of Ramadan to begin operations, with exports to Gulf countries expected by January 2026

OCTOBER

2 October 2025 (Thursday): Monetary Policy Committee’s sixth meeting.

NOVEMBER

20 November 2025 (Thursday): Monetary Policy Committee’s seventh meeting.

DECEMBER

25 December 2025 (Thursday): Monetary Policy Committee’s eighth meeting.

December 2025: Taqa Arabia and Voltalia to complete studies for repowering the 545-MW Zafarana wind farm with 1.1 GW of wind and 2.1 GW of solar power

EVENTS WITH NO SET DATE

Early 2025: ADQ to break ground on the development of Ras El Hekma

Early 2025: Al Ismaelia to begin working on two new hotels and hotel apartments in Downtown Cairo.

Early 2025: The Communications Ministry will unveil the second edition of its national AI strategy in early 2025

Early 2025: The Suez Canal Authority to launch an IPO for the Canal Company for Mooring and Lights (CCML) on the EGX.

Early 2025: Orange Egypt to launch 5G services, with EGP 10 bn planned for network upgrades.

Early 2025: BP to begin drilling at the King Mariout Offshore concession.

Early 2025: Jinbei Royal Egypt to begin local assembly of 3k Jinbei vehicles, including the country’s first electric cargo van and microbus

1Q 2025: The Egyptian-Italian business forum

1Q 2025: Investment Minister Hassan El Khatib to visit Italy

1Q 2025: Eipico’s biopharma plant to begin operations

1Q 2025: Finance Ministry to launch public consultations on its tax policy document

1Q 2025: Egypt to sign trade agreements with Bahrain and UAE to slash customs clearance times

1Q 2025: Government to launch EUR 271 mn green industry program to cut emissions

1Q 2025: Egypt-Azerbaijan joint committee to meet to bolster trade and investment ties

1Q 2025: Turkish Automotive Manufacturers Association and Turkish Contractors Association to visit Egypt following an invitation from the Investment Minister

1Q 2025: One of four companies, including Abu Qir Fertilizers, Mopco, Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company, and a Saudi-affiliated firm, to be selected for the USD 450 mn redevelopment of Delta Fertilizers

1Q 2025: GV Auto to begin local production of FAW Group’s cheapest EV model.

1Q 2025: Alkan Auto to launch BAIC subsidiary Arcfox’s EVs to the market.

1Q 2025: Dynamic Distribution to launch a new competitively-priced Fiat model in Egypt.

1Q 2025: BP to drill two USD 160 mn exploratory gas wells in the West Delta.

1Q 2025: Port Said for Engineering Works to begin construction on a USD 80 mn aluminum foil factory in the SCZone, targeting initial production of 60k tons annually.

1Q 2025: Pearl Polyurethane Systems to start production at its EGP 100 mn polyurethane factory in the Sokhna Industrial Zone.

1Q 2025: Sumitomo Electric to officially open its EUR 22 mn cable factory in Tenth of Ramadan, with production set to begin next month.

1Q 2025: Construction of the USD 600 mn natural gas treatment plant in the Western Desert’s Meleiha concession to wrap up, followed by a pilot run.

1Q 2025: El Araby Group and Sharp to break ground on a USD 50 mn fridge and freezer manufacturing plant in the Quweisna zone.

1Q 2025: Hangzhou Henneway Travel Goods to begin production at its USD 50 mn factory in the West Qantara Industrial Zone

1Q 2025: BP to drill two USD 160 mn exploratory gas wells in the West Delta

Mid-2025: EGX launches sustainability index.

2Q 2025: Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) to introduce derivatives on the EGX

2Q 2025: Safaga Terminal 2 to start operations

2Q 2025: Hassan Allam to build infrastructure for AD Ports' Noatum terminal at Safaga

2Q 2025: Hassan Allam to build infrastructure for AD Ports' Noatum terminal at Safaga

2Q 2025: EgyptSat Auto to start production at its EV factory in Tenth of Ramadan City

1H 2025: EGX launches a sharia-compliant sustainability index.

1H 2025: Digital Financial Identity Company will launch an electronic bank account opening service

1H 2025: The Egyptian-US Investment Forum.

1H 2025: The Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority will relaunch a global tender for gold exploration through Shalateen Mineral Resources company.

1H 2025: Internal Trade Development Authority (ITDA) to establishfour logistics zones with EGP 18-20 bn investments

1H 2025: Internal Trade Development Authority (ITDA) to establishfour logistics zones with EGP 18-20 bn investments

1H 2025: Natco to launch Chinese firm Neta Auto’s EV models.

1H 2025: OCI Global to complete the sale of its entire methanol business to Methanex for USD 2.05 bn.

1H 2025: Egypt and the UAE to begin construction of a USD 3 bn petroleum logistics zone at Al Hamra Port

1H 2025: HoldiPharma to list 25-30% stakes in Misr Pharma and Chemical Industries Development (CID) on the EGX

1H 2025: Korra Energi to list up to 20% stake on the EGX

1H 2025: Smart Villages Development and Management Company plans to list 30-35% of its shares on the EGX

1H 2025: Halliburton to bring three gas wells online as part of the Burullus project.

1H 2025: Chevron to begin gas production from the offshore Nargis gas field, initially producing 600 mn cf.

1H 2025: Nile Recycling to launch USD 20 mn PET recycling facility in Ain Sokhna, targeting an annual capacity of 22k tons and reducing carbon emissions by 40k tons

3Q 2025: AMEA Power to bring 500 MW Amunet wind farm online in Ras Ghareb

4Q 2025: Abou Ghaly Motors to introduce the Subaru Solterra to the market

4Q 2025: Two new projects in food manufacturing and home textiles to begin operations in the Qantara West Industrial Zone

2H 2025: National Printing Company to make its EGX debut after delayed IPO plans

2H 2025: Tabarak Holding to list 30% of its shares on the EGX

2H 2025: Turkish apparel company Denim Rise to open a garment manufacturing facility

2H 2024: Hi-Tech Apparel to break ground on a USD 20 mn sportswear factory in the SCZone

2H 2025: Eni to drill two new wells in the Zohr field with USD 160 mn in investments

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

Mid-2025: SN Automotive to launch three locally assembled models — one electric and two gasoline-powered — in Egypt

Mid-2025: Suez’s USD 1.8 bn coal and diesel production complex, developed by Enppi and Petrojet, to be completed

Mid-2025: Wataneya and Safi to debut on the EGX

End of 2025: The Egypt Digital Industrial Platform will expand to include additional services for manufacturers, including the issuance of licenses, building permits, and industrial records

End of 2025: An unnamed Chinese company and the state-owned Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) to begin production at a USD 360 mn tire factory in the SCZone.

End of 2025: A consortium including Redcon Properties and Al Baraka Bank to launch a local real estate investment fund with over EGP 1 bn in initial investments

Late 2025: Baron Hotels to open a new hotel in Sharm El Sheikh and debut its first international property in Zanzibar with 150 luxury suites

2025: The InterAcademy Partnership assembly

2025: Nile Basin States Summit, Cairo, Egypt

2025: Release of the government’s Startup Charter document

2025: Nafeza to integrate air cargo into its digital customs platform, further streamlining trade logistics

2025: Africa50 completes 42.9% stake acquisition in Raya Data Centers for USD 15 mn to fund construction of a USD 35 mn Tier III data center.

2025: MM Group for Industry and International Trade is set to launch 16 new Tata vehicle models locally.

2025: China to issue USD 411 bn in special treasury bonds

2025: El Attal Holding to list 30-35% of its shares on the EGX

2025: The Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD) to launch its EGX debut, offering 5-10% of its shares.**

2025: Basata Holding for Financial Investments to offer 25% stake on the EGX as part of a plan to double its capital to EGP 1.4 bn.**

2025: Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi to open early in the year, alongside debuts of Tapestry Collection and Curio Collection by Hilton.

2025: Palm Hills and Marriott to launch The Ritz-Carlton Residences in West Cairo, featuring 150 branded units across 45 acres

2025: Jaz Hotel Group to set up two new hotels in North Coast, two in Hurghada, and two in Marsa Alam

2025: Sunrise Resorts & Cruises to add 4k hotel rooms to its hotels capacity.

2025: Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company (ECHEM) to complete studies and kick off production of Egypt’s first sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs).

2025: Polaris Parks to begin development of the industrial park in New October City

2025: EgyptAlum to launch a USD 100 mn foil production line with a 50k-ton annual capacity

2025: Honor to begin operations at its proposed smartphone manufacturing facility in Egypt, with an initial investment of USD 10 mn

2025: Indorama and Phosphate Misr to begin implementation of the USD 400-500 mn phosphate fertilizers plant in Ain Sokhna

FY 2025-26: Egypt to issue its first EGP-denominated sovereign sukuk to finance public investments outside the general budget

FY 2025-26: The government to begin introducing cash-based subsidies on a trial basis in select areas of the country

2025-2027: EUR 4 bn in concessional loans to follow as part of a EUR 7.4 bn package

2026

Baron Hotels to launch two hotels in Egypt with 950 rooms, followed by another with 750 rooms.

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

2027

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

EVENTS WITH NO SET DATE

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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