Author: Thea Zayek

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…

Egypt’s transformation over the past decade has created a new generation of infrastructure expertise, according to Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding, who says the country is now entering a phase where it can export those capabilities across the region. In this exclusive interview, he explains how infrastructure, private sector empowerment, and long-term investment are shaping Egypt’s next chapter. Not only domestically, but also as a regional development leader. “The government has been proactive,” he says, pointing to direct dialogue between policymakers and the private sector as one of the key drivers behind Egypt’s economic momentum. For him, collaboration…

Egypt is undergoing a decisive phase of economic and digital transformation, according to Mirna Arif, General Manager of Microsoft Egypt. In this interview, she highlights how macroeconomic reforms, rapid tech-sector expansion, and a young, highly connected population are converging to position Egypt as one of the region’s most dynamic digital economies. “We’ve definitely seen an upward trajectory… these are all steps in the right direction,” she says, pointing to recent government reforms, IMF support, EU grants, and sustained foreign direct investment as key drivers of renewed confidence. Economic Reform and Renewed Investor Confidence Arif emphasizes that Egypt’s recent economic direction…

Egypt is rapidly emerging as one of the most dynamic FinTech and digital payments markets in the Middle East and Africa, according to Malak El Baba, Country Manager of Visa Egypt, who highlights the country’s youthful population, strong innovation ecosystem, and accelerating financial inclusion efforts. In this exclusive interview, El Baba discusses Egypt’s FinTech growth, SME empowerment, digital transformation, regulatory progress, and the country’s rising position as a regional hub for payments innovation. Egypt’s Rapid FinTech Expansion El Baba describes Egypt as one of the fastest-growing FinTech ecosystems in the region, driven by creativity, youth innovation, and increasing digital adoption.…

Egypt continues to strengthen its position as a strategic economic and geopolitical hub linking Africa, Asia, and Europe, according to H.E. Álvaro Iranzo, the ambassador of Spain to Egypt, who highlights the country’s long-standing historical significance, economic scale, and ongoing reform trajectory. In this exclusive interview, the Ambassador discusses Egypt’s macroeconomic transformation, structural reforms, international financial support, infrastructure development, and the growing presence of Spanish companies in the Egyptian market. Egypt’s Unique Geopolitical and Historical Position Ambassador Iranzo describes Egypt as one of the world’s most strategically located countries, benefiting from its position at the crossroads of three continents. “Egypt…

For internationally acclaimed soprano Fatma Said, music is inseparable from identity, history, and cultural memory. Deeply influenced by Egypt’s golden artistic era, Said believes Egyptian music, cinema, poetry, and storytelling continue to shape her artistic expression, even while performing classical European opera on the world’s biggest stages. In this exclusive interview, she reflects on Egypt’s rich musical legacy, the influence of legendary artists such as and, the evolution of contemporary Egyptian music, and the role culture and education play in shaping artistic identity. Egypt’s Cultural Influence on Her Artistic Journey For Said, Egyptian culture was never simply an influence; it…

Compliance is no longer simply a regulatory obligation. It has become a strategic business enabler, according to Dr. Ranjana Gujadhur, Chief Compliance Officer of Credentia International, who believes the future of financial services lies in balancing robust regulation with innovation, digitalization, and tailored risk-based solutions. In this exclusive interview, Gujadhur discusses the evolution of compliance, Mauritius’ role as a reputable international financial center, the rise of AI-driven compliance systems, and the growing importance of customized regulatory frameworks in an increasingly digital global economy. Rethinking the Role of Compliance For Gujadhur, one of the biggest shifts taking place within financial services…

Mauritius is entering a new phase of economic transformation built around resilience, strategic reform, and long-term planning, according to Hon. Jyoti Jeetun, the Minister of Financial Services & Economic Planning, who believes the country is positioning itself to evolve from a middle-income economy into a high-income nation by 2050. In this exclusive interview, Minister Jeetun discusses Mauritius’ economic outlook, the growing importance of financial services, regulatory reform, FinTech innovation, sustainable finance, and the government’s long-term strategy for inclusive national development. Economic Resilience in a Challenging Global Environment Despite significant domestic and international pressures, Jeetun says Mauritius continues to demonstrate economic…

Mauritius has established itself as one of the world’s most trusted gateways for cross-border investment into emerging markets. Faraz Rojid, CEO of Mauritius Finance (MF), believes the island’s success has been driven not only by strong economic fundamentals but also by decades of forward-looking policymaking, legal certainty, and investor-focused reforms. In this exclusive interview, Rojid outlines how Mauritius transformed itself into a globally respected international financial center through legal modernization, institutional stability, and a strong commitment to international best practices. Building the Foundations of a Financial Centre For Rojid, the origins of Mauritius’ success date back to the 1990s, when…

Mauritius continues to strengthen its role as a trusted international financial center connecting Africa, Asia, and global markets, according to Hajrah Sakauloo, CEO of HSBC Bank Mauritius, who believes the island’s stability, openness, and evolving financial ecosystem position it for long-term growth. In this exclusive interview, Sakauloo discusses the importance of global connectivity, digital transformation, cross-border banking, and Mauritius’ growing relevance as a gateway for international investment into Africa and emerging markets. HSBC’s Global Network and Competitive Strength For Sakauloo, HSBC’s greatest advantage lies in its international connectivity and longstanding experience facilitating financial flows across global markets. “Global connectivity is…