Clarity

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THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Central Bank of Egypt cuts interest rates by 100 bps

Good morning, friends, and a very happy Friday to you all. As we write this, Cairo is experiencing the beginning of yet another heatwave. So if you’re reading this while slowly melting into your furniture, know that you’re not alone.

Between back-to-back meetings, endless notifications, and the constant mental noise of modern work life, genuine reflections has become a rare luxury. The mental fog that clouds your decision-making — they all stem from the same source: we’ve forgotten how to create space for our own thoughts. This week’s guide offers a practical antidote. No perfect solutions required.

Enterprise Weekend comes out each Friday at 9:00am CLT. We’ll be back on Sunday at 6am with EnterpriseAM. Until then: Enjoy the weekend.

LAST WEEK IN 3 MINS-

ECONOMY-

The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) cut interest rates by 100 bps in its third meeting of the year on Thursday, the bank said in a statement (pdf). The move marks the Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) second consecutive change to the policy rates since March 2024, following seven consecutive meetings where rates were held steady. It is also the bank’s second rate cut since November 2020. “The moderating trend in headline and core inflation, coupled with easing underlying dynamics, suggests an improvement in inflation expectations,” the MPC said.

CAPITAL MARKETS-

Fintech giant Valu has gotten an initial green light from the EGX’s listing committee to list its shares on the bourse. The shares will have the ticker VALU.CA and the company will have up to six months to meet listing requirements and obtain regulatory approvals before the shares start trading. Valu will list 2 bn shares with a nominal value of EGP 0.10 per share — bringing its issued capital to EGP 200 mn.

Bonyan announces intention to float: Bonyan for Development and Trade is looking to list up to 33% of its shares on the EGX. The real estate operating company is looking to pull in EGP 3 bn from its IPO including EGP 500 mn from the sale of newly-issued shares and EGP 2.5 bn from a secondary offering, whereby the sole shareholder Sky Realty Holding will rake in all of the proceeds from the sale. Shares are set to begin trading around 30 June.

ENERGY-

#1- The Madboully government could push back the electricity price hike planned for this summer, two government sources told EnterpriseAM. They explained that the decline in global oil prices, a more stable EGP-USD exchange rate, and the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation and the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company going after long-term contracts provide the grounds to push the anticipated price hike back.

#2- Turkey’s first-ever overseas deployed regasification unit will soon head to Egypt under a charter agreement between Turkish state-owned energy firm BOTAS and the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company. The Turkish floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) will help process LNG imports during the high-demand summer months under a “flexible and efficient utilization model that will contribute to the natural gas supply security of both our country and Egypt,” according to a statement from the Turkish Energy Ministry.

INVESTMENT WATCH-

Private equity firm Morpho Investments’ inaugural fund has reached a first close of USD 55 mn, almost double its initial target. The fund — dubbed Morpho Fund I — was supported by a group of local and regional “high-net-worth” family offices and institutional investors. The fund will target companies across the Middle East and Africa, with around 60% allocated to Egyptian companies.

We unpacked the details of the close with co-founders Ihab Rizk and Ayman Soliman. You can read the full story here.

M&A WATCH-

MaxAB-Wasoko acquired EFG Finance’s B2B e-marketplace Fatura after EFG Finance approved the acquisition. Following the acquisition EFG Finance will become a significant shareholder in MaxAB-Wasoko and part of its board. The acquisition strengthens MaxAB-Wasoko’s position in Egypt by adding new cities and wholesalers to its network.

AUTOMOTIVE-

#1- Automotive player Kasrawy Group and Chinese automaker Jetour will set up a USD 123mn factory to locally assemble the Jetour T1 and T2 models. The factory — to be set up in the Sixth of October Industrial Zone — will include three production lines for welding, painting, and final assembly. Most of the output will serve the local market, with a small portion earmarked for export.

#2- Chinese automobile manufacturer GAC Motor plans to invest USD 300 mn to set up a car manufacturing plant in Egypt to serve both local and export markets.

#3- Sumitomo Electric opens Tenth of Ramadan automotive wiring harness factory: Japan’s Sumitomo Electric local arm SE Wiring Systems Egypt inaugurated its EUR 22 mn automotive wiring harness factory in Tenth of Ramadan. The facility is billed as one of the largest wiring harness factories in the world.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NEXT WEEK-

A US Chamber Business Delegation will be heading our way next week to take part in the two-day US-Egypt Policy Leaders Forum kicking off next Sunday at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza. The forum will bring together big names from the cabinet — Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly, nine ministers, and the head of SC Zone — 79 executives representing 51 major US companies, and officials from the IFC, IMF, and World Bank.

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

AROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS-

The foreign press honed in on Israel’s escalating military offensive in Gaza this week, a rise in international pressure on Israel, and plans for ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Israel launched an extensive ground operation in Gaza, following days of intense airstrikes across the territory that killed hundreds. The IDF will work on dividing the territory and forcibly moving Gazans in the coming weeks, while allowing “a basic amount of food” for the starving population to prevent a hunger crisis from developing.

Israel is planning to take control of all of Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said as he announced an upcoming “unprecedented attack” on what he says are Hamas targets. The IDF ordered Palestinians in Khan Younis and two other areas to evacuate the area, with Netanyahu saying Israel is looking for a “complete victory.”

Israel’s renewed military blockade sparked global backlish: In a turn of events, the British government announced it will not move forward with discussions on free trade with Tel Aviv. The statement cited ‘egregious policies’ by PM Netanyahu, including the weeks-long blockade of aid and escalation of military offensive in the Gaza Strip, as well as the situation in the West Bank. The EU followed with an announcement that it intends to review its trade agreement with Israel, a move supported by a majority of member states due to the “catastrophic” situation in Gaza.

Two Israeli embassy staff in the US were killed in a fatal shooting in Washington on Wednesday night, and the suspect, Elias Rodriguez, was charged with their murder. He is accused of opening fire on a group of people as they left an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. Officials allege it was an antisemitic hate crime, and say he shouted “Free Palestine” as he was taken into custody. (Reuters | Wall Street Journal | Bloomberg | Guardian | New York Times)

MEANWHILE- US President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine will begin “immediate” ceasefire talks. It remains unclear who — if anyone — will mediate the talks, with Trump adding that “the conditions for [the ceasefire] will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of.”

No more international students at Harvard? Trump’s administration has reportedly halted Harvard University’s ability to enroll foreign students, with thousands of currently enrolled students at risk of losing their legal status if they do not drop out, the New York Times reports, citing a Homeland Security department letter it has seen and sources in the know. The move comes as the Trump administration takes aim at the country’s higher education sector, and following an investigation into its admission policies from the Justice Department that requested records for international students. The university said it is “fully committed” to keeping its international students and scholars on board.

It is expected that the university will launch a second legal challenge against the administration, after launching one last month following the government’s attempt to impose changes to its curriculum, admissions policies and hiring practices.

AND- Elon Musk — one of the biggest backers of the US Republican Party — signalled yesterday he will pull back from political spending and focus on Tesla. The EV maker saw a dip in sales amid a backlash to Musk’s close involvement in White House policymaking under President Trump.

☀️ THE WEATHER THIS WEEKEND-

Another hot weekend is in the cards, with temperatures peaking at 35°C on Friday and 36°C on Saturday, with respective lows of 22°C and 24°C, according to our favorite weather app.

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND-

In your strolling-down-the-farmers’-market era? You might just want to head to Arkan Plaza this weekend. From today to Sunday, 25 May, the Sheikh Zayed hotspot will be hosting the summer edition of their Farmers’ Market, brimming with fresh produce, natural skincare products, and other goodies you won’t be able to resist bringing home.

Hip Hop fans: Don’t miss the historic Project Meem concert, headlined by rap icons Marwan Pablo and Marwan Moussa sharing the stage. The concert will take place today at Cairo Festival City, and tickets are selling fast on Tazkarti.

Customize your concert: Pop-star icon Tamer Hosny will be the face of the Red Bull Jukebox today in Taj City, where audiences will be able to choose the songs that the artist will sing, the performance style, and the stage ambience through a pre-concert vote and smart wristband during the show. Rising music producer El Waili and DJ Nedz will also be taking the stage. You can grab tickets on Ticketsmarché.

Care for a tour of Dahshour? Qahraweya will be whisking curious wanderlusters off to Al Haraneyah and Dahshour tomorrow, where they will get a 12-hour experience through the Ramsis Wissa Wassef Center, the Adam Hanin Museum, and the Glass Museum. The itinerary will also include interactive workshops and a traditional Egyptian lunch. If that sounds like a day well spent, you might want to secure your spot through Qahraweya’s official Instagram.

Craving a taste of Downtown Cairo? Flavor Republic is bringing The Corner Shop back for its second 2025 edition. The limited-edition café, offering a slew of homegrown products and produce you can bring home, and their all-day café menu brims with Egyptian classics, in honor of Egyptian culinary traditions and iconic spots like Café Riche and Groppi. The Corner Shop will be up and running Downtown at the Kodak passageway on Adly Street until Saturday, 31 May.

HAPPENING NEXT WEEKEND-

In the mood for a movie marathon? Manassat Film Festival is back for its 9th edition at Downtown Cairo’s Zawya Cinema this May. Running from Thursday, 29 May to Saturday, 31 May, the festival will be spotlighting a slew of Egyptian short films, and — alongside screening the films in the running for funding — will include a masterclass on costume and character design by Reem El Adl, and a few special presentations. Tickets can be purchased in person at Zawya starting Tuesday, 27 May.

Dust off those boogie shoes of yours, because Disco Misr will be launching their new album at Sheikh Zayed’s Zed Park on Friday, 30 May. Kicking off their 9th remix album, the Egyptian “funk and disco” trio will be taking over Zed Park with their signature wild energy. Rumor has it that the day’s itinerary will also include stand-up comedy performances, live sets, and “surprise collabs.” Intrigued? Secure your tickets through Ticketsmarché.

Dalida may have once found her love in Portofino, but this May we’ll be feeling her love right here in Cairo. On Friday, 30 May and Saturday, 31 May at The Theater in 6th of October, Dalida: Bint Shoubra — a musical production honoring the iconic vocalist’s life and musical legacy — will shine the spotlight on the Shoubra-born megastar. The production will be led by Lebanese singer Mirva Kadi, with a special appearance by Egyptian singer Haidy Moussa. You can book your tickets for both days through Ticketsmarché.

When hosting a birthday bash, it’s only logical to call up the Sharmoofers. On Friday, 30 May, the Boom Room will be celebrating its first anniversary with a bang. The night will feature a special performance by viral Egyptian band Sharmoofers — and if a certain little birdie is to be believed, a few surprise performances. You can grab your tickets from Ticketsmarché.

A guide to mental clarity

When was the last time you had a clear, original thought — one that was untainted by anxiety-inducing meetings, endless notifications, or overflowing inboxes? As we transition from academia to professional life, our free time dwindles dramatically. What little remains is often consumed by personal obligations or simple recovery from exhaustion.

You might find yourself consuming hours of self-improvement content hoping it will provide purpose and structure, but struggle to implement any of it systemically. This disconnect likely stems from not intentionally setting aside time to process your personal and professional aspirations, anxieties, and perspectives. But don’t worry — we have a fix.

CREATE A FRAMEWORK FOR THINKING-

#1- WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO THINK? Let’s establish an important distinction — dedicated thinking time is fundamentally different from unproductive rumination (although there’s value in that too, at the right time and place). The goal is to create intentional space for reflection on your aspirations and challenges, which requires framework. A thoughtful structure helps you address unresolved questions lingering in your mind, or experiences you haven’t fully processed. Without this structure, reflection easily dissolves into distraction. With it, even brief sessions can generate real clarity.

#2- PINPOINT YOUR ANXIETY: Most of us carry a cloud of half-formed questions throughout our week: Am I on the right career path? Should I pursue other paths? These thoughts rarely emerge during moments of deep reflection — they intrude during commutes, between meetings, or while scrolling through social media. Because we seldom pause long enough to engage with them, they remain vague and unsettling. A thinking framework transforms this mental background noise into something you can actually work with.

#3- TURN CONFUSION INTO A PLAN: A good framework converts mental fog into actionable insight. It might be a simple set of recurring prompts: What’s been occupying most of my mental energy lately? What am I avoiding? What do I need to let go of? Alternatively, you might develop a personalized structure — perhaps checking in weekly in three key areas: work, relationships, and energy. The objective isn’t finding the perfect solution, but reducing thought ambiguity enough to see patterns in your thoughts and work with them.

#4- BE HONEST: Clarity emerges not from thinking harder but from thinking more structurally and honestly. A framework provides your thoughts a place to land rather than circling endlessly in your mind. You don’t need perfection — just consistency.

MAKE TIME TO THINK-

#1- DESIGNATE TIME TO PAUSE AND PROCESS: Whether you choose weekly, biweekly, or monthly reflection doesn’t matter — what’s crucial is committing to a specific timeframe dedicated to processing the information you’ve absorbed. Thinking time only becomes valuable when integrated into your routine, not squeezed in after everything else.

#2- INTEGRATE IT INTO YOUR LIFE: Select a time aligned with your natural patterns and actual schedule — not a pattern and schedule you aspire to have. Perhaps it’s Friday morning before the day unfolds, or a quiet Saturday evening before the week begins. Block this time with the same commitment you would give to a meeting or workout, and honor it accordingly.

WRITE IT DOWN-

#1- EMBRACE JOURNALING: Don’t roll your eyes just yet. Journaling is one of the most powerful tools for clear thinking and emotional grounding. Its effectiveness comes not from trendiness or just its therapeutic qualities, but because it decelerates your thoughts just enough to make them comprehensible.

#2- BRAIN HOUSEKEEPING: When thoughts stay on — and in — your mind, they can become overwhelming. Ideas collapse into each other, and minor concerns masquerade as major problems. Through writing — even imperfect and fragmentary — thoughts take recognizable form. They transform from vague emotional turbulence into elements you can identify and examine. Patterns emerge — recurring themes, avoidances, outgrown beliefs, and emerging interests.

#3- TAKE IT STEP BY STEP: Journaling isn’t about immediate solutions. It’s about approaching challenges closely enough that they stop operating in your subconscious background. With time, the page becomes a mirror — not through perfect writing, but through consistently confronting reality. Clarity follows naturally.

#4- LET IT GET TO WORK ON WORK: Over time, this practice reveals professional patterns — consistent energy drains, motivational sources, and areas deserving greater focus. As noted in the Financial Times ’ exploration of work journaling, this habit transforms the workweek blur into something traceable. By documenting small but significant moments, you connect the dots between time allocation, personal values, and actual career trajectory.

Mind your step — it might be your last

? Final Destination Bloodlines is not here to play, but it’s definitely here to make sport of a certain family’s deaths. The sixth installment in the uber-popular cult classic series has finally dropped in theatres worldwide, — and Egypt — and we’re pleased to say that it lives up to expectations. Directed by Adam B. Stein and Zach Lipovsky, Bloodlines was a far cry from the duo’s directorial comfort zone, but the franchise was ultimately done proud.

The visionary actually saves lives this time. When Iris Campbell (Brec Bassinger) has a premonition that the recently-built Sky View tower where her partner took her on a date was about to collapse, she does something none of the other films’ visionaries do once they have their premonition: she warns everyone, and in turn, not a single person dies. But to quote the movie, “Death doesn’t like it when you [mess] with his plans.”

By rescuing everyone, Iris doomed them all. Given that everyone on that tower was supposed to die, death slowly makes its way to them all. But given the number of people that were there, it took a few years… enough for these survivors to have families of their own — ones that weren’t supposed to exist. Decades later, Iris’ estranged granddaughter, Stefani (Kaitlyn Santa Juana) gets the very same vision Iris had on the day of the catastrophe she had successfully put an end to, and comes to the conclusion that death was imminent for her family. But by the time her family believes her, they are already a couple of members down.

Glory to the gore. Final Destination Bloodlines celebrates all that makes the franchise legendary — death manifests in the most ludicrous of ways, and the build-up to each demise is both excruciating and exhilarating. While we won’t spoil much, let's just say our anxieties towards certain equipment have definitely heightened following our screening. The film constantly references itself, at times even mocking its own premise — though that comes at the cost of its character’s lives.

The sixth installment had some pretty big shoes to fill, and it wore them with grace — and grave danger. Final Destination Bloodlines — while hallmarked by all things quintessentially Final Destination — was a fresh reintroduction to a franchise, one that we doubt will end here, seeing as this is essentially the franchise’s introduction to a whole new generation. The film itself was fast-paced, lacked any glaring plot holes, and thankfully left no questions unanswered — and on that note, do stay for the post credits scene.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch Final Destination Bloodlines at VOX Cinemas at City Center Almaza and Mall of Egypt, and Scene Cinemas at Cairo Festival City and District 5. You can find the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 2:25).

This one’s for the Millennial and Gen Z managers

? Leadership, but make it make sense. If you’ve ever found yourself managing a team, a project, or just your own burnout spiral, Amanda Litman’s When We’re in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership might be the no-nonsense, cut-the-fluff leadership manual you didn’t know you needed. It's not TED Talk inspo — it's real talk from someone who's walked the walk, campaign trails and all.

This isn’t your dad’s guide to management: Litman draws from her time at Run for Something and interviews with 100+ next-gen leaders across politics, startups, media, and nonprofit trenches to answer a pretty basic (but surprisingly hard) question: How do you lead without selling your soul — or frying your nervous system?

Spoiler: It starts with unlearning what you’ve been taught. That charisma trumps care. That grinding earns you worth. That being "in charge" means acting like you have it all figured out. Litman’s writing is clear, direct, and (thankfully) BS-free. She doesn’t pretend the journey is glamorous — in fact, she leans into the chaos, the awkwardness, and the second-guessing that comes with being a boss who actually gives a damn.

Now, onto the good stuff — the takeaways. You’ll walk away with advice that actually sticks: how to give feedback without spiraling into people-pleasing mode, how to draw real boundaries in a world that loves overwork, and why a four-day workweek isn’t a radical dream but a logistical upgrade. She even tackles the politics of workplace rest (yes, naps are political), and she does it without sounding preachy.

Perfect for your nightstand, tote bag, or Sunday panic read. This isn’t a book you read once and shelve. It’s the kind you scribble in, revisit, and lend to that one friend who just got promoted and is quietly freaking out.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can pick up When We’re in Charge on Amazon.

Care for a skewer… or three?

? Some days you just wake up and find yourself craving a good ol’ kofta skewer, and on days when that’s your sole goal, it’s best to leave it to folks who know their way around fire and coal. This week, Seekh Mashwy earned that privilege. With branches in Sheikh Zayed, New Cairo, and Dokki — and seasonal branches throughout the North Coast, this oriental destination has proven time and time again that when it comes to dishing it out, they’ve cracked the code.

A view for each occasion. If you’ve been craving a calm outing with a serene view to match, we’d definitely recommend paying the Dokki branch a visit. With both indoor and outdoor seating areas hugging the Nile, you’ll be getting much more than just a side of riverside blues with your meal. However, the New Cairo branch isn’t without its aesthetic merits either. Though a view of the Northern 90 isn’t the most enticing, we’d argue that witnessing the sun set on New Cairo as you have your post-workday dinner carries its own charm. We personally cannot speak for the Sheikh Zayed branch, but we’re certain it comes with its own signature vantage point.

When it comes to what you’re served, however, it doesn’t matter what branch you find yourself in. Seekh Mashwy is consistent when it comes to its food offerings — no matter the branch (or the weather). We paid the oriental grill quite a few visits on separate occasions at different branches, and not once did the quality falter — a feat that for many F&B players, sometimes proves difficult to achieve.

Now, for the main event — the sustenance. The menu offers what we’ve all come to expect from a restaurant of Seekh Mashwy’s nature, yet — perhaps subjectively — better. On our most recent visit, we ordered a custom grill that came decorated with kofta, shish tawook, lamb kebab, and grilled sojouk. To start, we had ordered the spicy potatoes, the rice with chicken livers and kidneys, fattoush, and garlic dip… and a few cans of soda — diet, naturally.

We tried to find faults… and failed. We were excited to embody our inner Gordon Ramseys, but were quick to discover that the fires inside our collective Hell’s Kitchen were quickly put out. The grilled meats — served on a literal coal-lit grill — proved as tender as can be, and the appetizers did not miss any marks either. Though if we were to get incredibly picky, we’d say the garlic dip could have benefited from a little less tang.

It’s not over until the oud player plays. At first, it felt like a food coma-induced hallucination, but scores of raised phones recording the scene proved otherwise. Towards the end of our meal, a lone fiddler materialized seemingly out of nowhere, playing an apt final act to our meal — one we’ll certainly be going back for.

? Per person: EGP 500-600

? Outdoor seating: Yes

? Alcohol: No

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

14-31 May (Wednesday-Saturday): The Corner Shop pop-up in Downtown Cairo.

21-31 May (Wednesday-Saturday): Disney On Ice at Cairo International Stadium.

22-23 May (Thursday-Friday): Carmen Opera at The Cairo Opera House.

22 May (Thursday): Tetrat w Zekrayat at Theatro Arkan.

23-25 May (Friday-Sunday): Arkans’ Farmers’ Market at Arkan Plaza.

23 May (Friday): PlayHaus at Cairo Business Park’s The Warehouse.

23 May (Friday): Project Meem at Cairo Festival City.

23 May (Friday): Redbull Jukebox at Taj City.

24 May (Saturday): Qahraweya’s “Wrapped in Silk” tour in Al Haraneyah and Dahshour.

25 May (Sunday): Saad El Oud at Boom Room.

25-26 May (Sunday-Monday): Carmen Opera at The Cairo Opera House.

26 May (Monday): Michael Bublé at New Administrative Capital.

27 May (Tuesday): WKND CMDY Night at CJC 610.

28 May (Wednesday): Jadalat CJC610.

29 May (Thursday): Omar Khairat at the Cairo Opera House.

30 May (Friday): Disco Misr Festival at Zed Park.

30 May (Friday): Adam Port at the New Administrative Capital’s Green River.

30 May (Friday): Sharmoofers at Boom Room.

30-31 May (Friday-Saturday): Dalida: Bint Shoubra at The Theatre.

31 May (Saturday): AUC Alumni Folklore Group at Theatro Arkan.

31 May (Saturday): The Color Run at O West.

JUNE

1 June (Sunday): Mai Farouk at the Cairo Opera House.

6 June (Friday): 50 Years of AC/DC concert.

7-8 June (Saturday-Sunday): Makadi Heights Music Festival at The Haus, Makadi Heights.

26 June (Thursday): Jeff Dunham at the New Capital’s Drama Hall.

27 June (Friday): Medhat Saleh at Cairo Opera House.

28 June (Saturday): Cairokee Empire concert at Cairo International Stadium.

JULY

4 July (Friday): Amr Diab, Monolinkand WhoMadeWho at Sol Beach Marassi.

OCTOBER

16-24 October (Thursday-Friday): Gouna Film Festival.

30 October - 22 November (Thursday-Saturday): Forever is Now at the Great Pyramids of Giza.

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Central Bank of Egypt cuts interest rates by 100 bps

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