Shaping Egypt’s Future: Planning Minister Discusses Economic Strategy with Specialized Council

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, met with the Specialized Council for Economic Development. The Council operates under the Presidency. Dr. Hussein Issa, the Council’s General Coordinator, extended the invitation for the meeting.

Dr. Youssef Boutros Ghali, former Minister of Finance, attended the meeting. Dr. Hany Kadry Dimian, also a former Minister of Finance, was present. Eng. Ashraf Sabry, Founder, CEO, and Managing Director of Fawry, participated. Eng. Mohamed El Sewedy, Head of the Federation of Egyptian Industries, joined the discussion. Karim Awad, CEO of EFG Holding, also attended. Counselor Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Supervisor of the General Secretariat of Specialized Councils, was among the attendees. Several other council members were present.

The Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation expressed her pleasure at the meeting. She highlighted the Specialized Council for Economic Development’s esteemed economic figures and extensive experience. She affirmed a commitment to cooperation with the Council. This collaboration aims to integrate and coordinate efforts. The goal is to advance comprehensive economic development. It also seeks to sustain Egypt’s economic reform trajectory.

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat presented the “National Narrative for Economic Development.” This framework represents the state’s philosophy for economic management. It establishes clear foundations for inclusive growth. This growth prioritizes stability, production, private sector empowerment, and social justice. The framework draws authority from Unified Public Finance Law No. 6 of 2022. It also relies on State General Planning Law No. 18 of 2022.

The Minister discussed the preparation phases of the narrative. Various ministries and relevant entities participated in its development. A community dialogue also occurred since its launch last September. This dialogue involved structured discussions through working groups for each chapter. It also included interactive community engagement. Experts and academics shared their opinions, observations, and contributions. Multiple articles and writings also covered the narrative.

She also noted progress in implementing the National Structural Reform Program. The government successfully executed several measures. These actions contributed to enhancing macroeconomic stability. They improved the business environment and investment climate. They further propelled the transition towards a green economy.

The Minister addressed the Socio-Economic Development Plan. She also discussed the Medium-Term Budget Framework for 2026/2027 – 2029/2030. The Ministry is currently preparing this plan. It coordinates closely with the Ministry of Finance. This preparation follows the Programs and Performance methodology. This approach strengthens monitoring and performance evaluation systems. It ensures periodic review of national, sectoral, and spatial policies and objectives. It also reinforces the commitment of all units to provide necessary information and data. This data enables effective monitoring and evaluation of various programs, projects, and activities.

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat affirmed the Programs and Performance methodology increases the effectiveness of implemented development plans. It also enhances the targets set. This methodology ensures efficient public spending. It links allocated appropriations directly to results. She noted the development plan and medium-term budget framework align with the State General Planning Law of 2022. This law aims to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning process. The new law establishes an integrated relationship between urban plans and socio-economic development plans.

The Minister also discussed the evolving growth model of the Egyptian economy. It has shown continuous improvement since July 2024. Growth reached 5.3% in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. Expectations project growth to exceed 5% by year-end. She detailed the government’s integrated efforts. These efforts aim to transition the economy towards higher-productivity sectors.

For more details on Egypt’s economic reforms and development plans, visit the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development’s official website.