The country’s Vision 2030 is driving stronger-than-expected growth, boosting expansion through 2025 and beyond. Strategic investments and reforms, infrastructure mega-projects, and sustainability are shaping it as a global trade and innovation hub.
Egypt’s economic outlook is on an upward trajectory, with a projected gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 4.7% for 2025-2026, surpassing the IMF’s forecast of 4.1%. This growth is driven by bold economic reforms that attract investment across key industries and infrastructure.
Landmark projects and international partnerships are positioning the nation as a central player in Africa’s development. With a population of 115 million, 60% under 30, Egypt is capitalizing on its skilled workforce, prime location, and resources, while aiming for a 15% increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) for 2024-2025.
“Each and every action and policy reform is also linked to the 2030 agenda. We have a coherent way of spending, making sure that each pound is able to attract private investments,” states Rania Al Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning & International Cooperation.
As Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding highlights: “We have people willing to work, capable of working. We have a government that is genuinely and truly pushing the private sector forward, helping them to deliver results, helping them to grow, helping them to invest”.
Loading...
This focus on enhancing the business climate is reflected in Egypt’s increasing appeal, with its FDI steadily rising in recent years.
Infrastructure and Construction: The Backbone of Egypt’s Future
The construction sector, growing yearly at 7.4%, is central for Egypt’s transformation. Vision 2030 has driven several ambitious projects, including New Alamein City, a high-speed rail, critical seaport infrastructure, and the over 700 km² New Administrative Capital. The latter already hosts several government ministries and the nearly 400-meter-tall Iconic Tower.
Hassan El Khatib, Minister of Investment & Foreign Trade, remarks: “After ten years of a major infrastructure-led economy, Egypt has invested close to $550 billion in highly needed infrastructure. We’re talking about 7,000 km of roads in new cities, public transport, and many, many projects.”
Real Estate: A Thriving Market with a Bold Vision
Real estate is bustling and is projected to grow by an impressive $30 billion by 2028.
“Egypt’s real estate market is thriving, driven by a growing population, urbanization, and demand for quality housing and lifestyle-focused developments,” describes Omar Hisham Talaat, Chief Business Development Officer at TMG Holding.
Rising incomes and global investment are calling for residential, commercial, and leisure projects, particularly around Greater Cairo, with the North Coast and Red Sea emerging rapidly.
Haitham AbdelAzim, CEO of Ora Developers Egypt elaborates: “I think most of the international investors are going to invest in the North Coast, either from Morocco, Saudi Arabia, or Qatar. All of them are interested in this area”.
The emphasis on smart, sustainable communities and mixed-use spaces is a major driver. As Omar El Tayebi, CEO of The Land Developers, highlights: “In Egypt Vision 2030, the goal is to increase the housing footprint from 7% on Egyptian land all the way up to 14%. We see growth across 27 governorates with new cities”.
Energy: Self-Sufficiency and Sustainability Focus
Egypt has the sixth-largest oil reserves in Africa and is already self-sufficient in traditional power generation, while boasting a world-class oil refining infrastructure that processes 38 million tons annually.
“We have over 57 partners working in upstream production and exploration, with all the major global companies operating in Egypt,” indicates Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.
“Egypt has been dedicating a lot of resources to Africa and will continue to do so. There’s always a strategy from the leadership that Africa is our core market,” adds Ahmed Ramadan, CEO of PGESCO.
Entering a new era in energy, Egypt is set to expand its renewable capacity to 45,000 megawatts from projects under construction in upcoming years. The country is prioritizing wind, solar, and green hydrogen, aiming for 42% of its power from renewables by 2030.
Mohamed Mansour, CEO of Infinity Group, points out that “the amount of land that we can use for renewable energy projects would satisfy our local demand, plus a lot of demand from outside of Egypt”.
Large-scale works, such as the 1,600 MW Benban Solar Park—the largest in Africa—are strengthening Egypt’s energy transition leadership, while local companies are also driving major wind and solar projects throughout Africa.
Industrial Growth: Boosting Global Competitiveness
The Egyptian industrial fabric is undergoing major expansion, targeting to triple exports over the next five years. Industries such as textiles, chemicals, machinery, and food products are conquering markets across Europe, Africa, and the MENA region.
Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Finance, notes that recent reforms are directed at boosting competitiveness. “We are taking measures, especially for young firms, for entrepreneurs and professionals, introducing simple integrated tax systems with a lot of incentives, but also building trust,” he elaborates.
Yasmine Khamis, CEO of Oriental Weavers Carpets, emphasizes the strategic significance of the country’s world-acclaimed textile industry: “The sector in Egypt is very important historically and strategically. It’s a relatively labor-intensive industry, which is perfect for Egypt geographically and for its labor force”.
Tourism: From Ancient Wonders to Modern Escapes
In 2024, Egypt attracted 15.7 million tourists, breaking its own record for the second consecutive year. The coral-garnished Red Sea, Sharm El Sheikh, Sahl Hasheesh, and Hurghada are becoming global hotspots where splendid coastal resorts blend top-class leisure, entertainment and retail.
“The flights have increased, from the U.K., from different Eastern countries, and from European countries. That means the demand is here,” says Jacques Peter, CEO of Savoy Group Sharm El Sheikh.
Egypt is also diversifying its tourism offerings to meet growing demands. As Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism & Antiquities, notes, “our target is to double the number of rooms we have today by 2031, in order to be able to attract 30 million tourists”.
The country’s new crown jewel is the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), set for official opening in July 2025. A modern architectural marvel, it bridges ancient heritage with contemporary art and events.
Merette Elsayed, CEO of Legacy, the managing company, explains: “The GEM is much more than a museum. It will be a hub for all cultural activities, from music and arts to design, connecting the past with the future”.
Growing Global Presence
As the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt President, Tarek Tawfik concludes, “We have a very diversified industrial base, agriculture economy, mining, oil and gas economy, from tourism to logistics… The whole spectrum of industrial activities are present.”
Egypt is set for continued growth, ready to dwarf its own records, while blending rich heritage with modern development to solidify its position as a leading global player.
Loading...