{"id":671769,"date":"2025-09-14T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-14T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2025\/09\/14\/exclusive-govt-census-of-state-owned-firms-sets-stage-for-privatization-ipo-wave\/"},"modified":"2025-09-14T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-09-14T00:00:00","slug":"exclusive-govt-census-of-state-owned-firms-sets-stage-for-privatization-ipo-wave","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2025\/09\/14\/exclusive-govt-census-of-state-owned-firms-sets-stage-for-privatization-ipo-wave\/","title":{"rendered":"EXCLUSIVE- Gov\u2019t census of state-owned firms sets stage for privatization + IPO wave"},"content":{"rendered":"

EXCLUSIVE-<\/strong> The govern<\/strong>ment completed a census of state-owned <\/strong>companies<\/strong>, which market watchers consider to be one of the most important steps yet in the state\u2019s privatization program and a move that will shape the pipeline of IPOs<\/a> that is said to hit the EGX in the coming weeks or so.<\/p>\n

Investors like clarity and transparency (no guesswork), and that\u2019s what the government <\/strong>is trying to give <\/strong>them. <\/strong>Think of the census as more than a headcount. It\u2019s a signal to the market. The state is putting its cards on the table. And after years of mixed signals, this is exactly the kind of groundwork that can turn talk of privatization into real IPOs.<\/p>\n

A government document seen by EnterpriseAM <\/strong>shows that as of the end of August, the state owned 561 companies across 45 government entities. The census, which has not yet been made public, will anchor the updated State Ownership Policy Document and guide decisions on which companies will be offered to investors as minority stake sales and IPOs.<\/p>\n

Why it matters:<\/strong> The census comes just as the government is putting the finishing touches on a package of tax and regulatory incentives designed to boost liquidity in the EGX ahead of the next round of listings. Measures under discussion include a full tax exemption on IPO proceeds, broader exemptions for investment funds, and clearer rules on stamp duty for residents and non-residents. The package \u2014 expected to be finalized by month\u2019s end \u2014 would amend the Investment Law, the Income Tax Law, and Law 30\/2023.<\/p>\n

The IPO pipeline is building:<\/strong> Banque du Caire and military-owned Safi and Wataneya are expected to be among the first to list before the end of 1Q FY 2025-2026, likely ahead of the IMF\u2019s fifth and sixth program reviews in October. Food manufacturer Silo Foods, fuel retailer Chill Out, and the National Roads Company could follow before year-end or in 1Q 2026, depending on market conditions. All five are currently being restructured in preparation for listing.<\/p>\n

What the census shows:<\/strong><\/p>\n