Egypt is entering a new phase of economic transformation built on stability, structural reform, and renewed competitiveness, according to Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Finance. In this exclusive interview, he outlines how monetary and fiscal reforms, alongside a stronger structural agenda, are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and investment-friendly economy.
“We have a very good opportunity to have a very strong rebound,” he says, emphasizing that Egypt is building “a very strong foundation for maximum stability” through coordinated reforms across all economic fronts.
Building Stability Through Structural Reform
Kouchouk highlights that Egypt’s current economic strategy is centered on long-term stability supported by reforms in monetary, fiscal, and structural policy frameworks. He describes a “very coherent economic team” working in coordination to strengthen macroeconomic fundamentals and support recovery over the coming years.
“With stability, reemerging competitiveness, and structural reforms, I think we are in good shape to start reaping the benefits,” he explains, framing reform as the key driver of future growth rather than short-term intervention.
He also points to Egypt’s existing infrastructure base as a strong advantage in supporting this transition, reinforcing the country’s ability to absorb investment and scale development initiatives.
Putting Citizens, Investors, and Taxpayers at the Center
A central pillar of the reform agenda is improving public service delivery and strengthening trust between the state and economic actors. Kouchouk emphasizes that the government is placing “the customer, the investor, the taxpayer at the center” of its approach.
This includes protecting rights, improving services, and ensuring greater transparency in how economic systems function. For him, effective governance is inseparable from economic performance and investor confidence.
A More Competitive and Export-Oriented Economy
Kouchouk explains that Egypt’s long-term ambition is to become a more competitive, export-driven economy with stronger integration into regional and global markets. This includes positioning the country as a hub for Africa, leveraging its geographic location, workforce, and trade agreements.
He highlights Egypt’s young population and skilled labor force as key assets in achieving this vision, alongside its established trade networks and expanding economic capabilities.
“We want to make sure that this economy becomes more competitive and more export oriented,” he says.
“The location, the capabilities of the labor force, 11:39 the young population that we have is is all there” H.E. Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Finance
Supporting the Private Sector and Outcome-Based Growth
A recurring theme in the interview is the growing role of the private sector. Kouchouk stresses that the government’s role is to enable, not replace, private enterprise by giving it the “leading role” in driving economic activity.
He also outlines a shift toward outcome-based policy support, where incentives are tied directly to measurable economic results. For example, support for green investment would be linked to clear targets such as emissions reduction or sustainable production outcomes.
This approach, he explains, ensures that public funds generate real economic impact while aligning incentives with national priorities.
Balancing Competitiveness with Fiscal Responsibility
Kouchouk emphasizes the importance of balancing economic growth with fiscal discipline. Egypt’s strategy, he notes, is not only about improving the business environment but also maintaining sound public finances.
“So what we want to do is balance between promoting economic competitiveness and better business environment and also keeping the public finances in good shape,” he says, underlining the dual objective of reform.
Egypt as an Open and Diversified Investment Destination
Looking ahead, Kouchouk presents Egypt as a country that is increasingly open to business and diversified in opportunity. With reforms underway and a clearer policy direction, he argues that Egypt is positioning itself as a major destination for both domestic and international investors.
“You will have a country here that is open for business, but also that is very diversified, that offers huge amount of opportunities,” he concludes.
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