The Egyptian pound dropped again against the dollar on the black market on 21 July 2016, extending its recent decline despite central bank efforts to close the gap between demand and supply in the dollar-starved economy. Egypt, which relies heavily on imports, is facing a shortage in foreign currency inflows after a 2011 uprising drove tourists and foreign investors away, causing the country’s reserves to tumble to $16.56 billion from $36 billion. A black market for dollars has sucked up liquidity from the banking system while the central bank kept the pound artificially strong and rationed dollars through weekly auctions, putting a strain on foreign reserves.
(Photo by Fayed El-Geziry
/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid affirmed on Sunday, May 17, 2026, the state’s commitment to enhancing the investment environment and improving the business climate. He highlighted that this strategy aims to attract more local and foreign investments, support private sector growth, and boost its competitiveness and expansion capacity.

Farid stressed that Egypt possesses competitive advantages qualifying it to become a regional hub for investment and trade.

These remarks came during his meeting with officials of Development Partners International and Egypt Ventures to discuss opportunities for expansion and injecting new investments into the Egyptian market. The meeting was held in the presence of officials from the Ministry of Investment and the Sovereign Fund of Egypt.

The minister stated that the government is keen to improve the business environment and simplify procedures for investors. He noted that strengthening co-financing mechanisms represents a vital step toward increasing investment volumes, reducing risks, and efficiently funding a larger number of companies and investment opportunities.

He added that the state aims to support the expansion of existing companies and attract new investments that contribute to achieving sustainable economic development, in addition to maximizing the benefits of current investments and restructuring them to enhance operational efficiency and growth potential.

The meeting reviewed DPI’s expansion plans in Egypt and discussed mechanisms to overcome procedural obstacles and develop regulatory as well as legislative frameworks according to international standards.

Talks also covered means of transforming Egypt into a regional hub for investment funds supporting startups, drawing on successful international models.

Farid stressed the ministry’s keenness to strengthen coordination with relevant bodies, particularly the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, to facilitate procedures and accelerate investment operations.