Two-day Cairo meeting to focus on investment, economic reforms and sustainable growth as Egypt seeks to strengthen its position as a regional trade and energy hub.
By Bunmi Yekini
he World Economic Forum (WEF) will bring together senior Egyptian government officials and global business leaders in Cairo next week to discuss investment opportunities, economic reforms and the country’s long-term growth prospects.
The Country Strategy Meeting, scheduled for November 16-17, will be held in collaboration with the Egyptian government under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the WEF said in a statement on Monday.
The meeting comes as Egypt seeks to strengthen its position as a strategic link between Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean, leveraging its geographic location, domestic market and expanding industrial base to attract investment.
The WEF said Egypt’s economy was expected to grow by more than 4% annually through 2031, supported by reforms aimed at encouraging private-sector investment, boosting exports and developing human capital.
“Egypt has all the foundations needed to unlock vast economic potential: a large domestic market, a strategic geographic position and a growing industrial base,” said Alois Zwinggi, the forum’s president and chief executive.
He said the meeting would provide an opportunity for government and business leaders to explore ways to improve competitiveness, create economic opportunities and support sustainable growth.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said the economy had recorded growth of 5.3% in the first half of the 2025/26 fiscal year, alongside easing inflation, stronger foreign exchange reserves and renewed private investment.
He said economic reforms had strengthened the country’s resilience and improved its investment climate despite regional instability.
The meeting would help connect international investors with opportunities in infrastructure, energy, transport and logistics, Abdelatty said.
The programme will include a special dialogue with El-Sisi, giving global chief executives and business leaders an opportunity to discuss Egypt’s strategic priorities and economic outlook directly with the president.
Senior cabinet members are also expected to participate in discussions on macroeconomic stability, investment reforms and opportunities across key sectors.
Odile Renaud-Basso, president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, said Egypt was an important market for the bank and highlighted the role of private investment in supporting economic growth.
She said the bank would continue working with Egypt to attract investment in renewable energy, electricity infrastructure and sustainable development, while supporting private-sector growth and job creation.
“Egypt is a key market for the EBRD and a strong example of what can be achieved when ambitious reform is matched by private-sector investment,” she said.
African Rainbow Minerals founder and chairman Patrice Motsepe described Egypt as one of Africa’s largest economies, citing its skilled workforce and investment opportunities.
The meeting is expected to provide a platform for discussions on how closer government-business cooperation can help Egypt navigate changes in the global economy and translate its economic potential into sustainable investment and growth.