Egypt’s Reforms Drive 73% Rise in Private Investment, Major Budget Surplus

Egypt’s Finance Minister Ahmed Kojak said that the recent 73% surge in private investment and a primary surplus of bn reflect the tangible success of the country’s comprehensive economic reform program.

According to Cabinet’s Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC), Kojak discussed the impact of the recent upgrade of Egypt’s credit rating by Standard & Poor’s from B- to B, marking the first positive change in seven years. The move, he said, represents a “significant turning point” that signals growing international confidence in the resilience and diversity of Egypt’s economy.

“The decision reflects an objective and independent assessment by international institutions of Egypt’s economic performance,” Kojak said, noting that the improved rating will help reduce borrowing costs across both the public and private sectors, strengthen investor confidence, and encourage new capital inflows on better terms.

Kojak highlighted that the reforms implemented over the past years—ranging from closer coordination between fiscal and monetary policies to the liberalization of the exchange rate—have begun to bear fruit. 

Also, he pointed to a 4.4% GDP growth rate driven by productive sectors, rising foreign reserves, lower inflation, and a growing primary budget surplus as key indicators of stability and progress.

He added that the government remains committed to advancing a new wave of reforms, including tax and customs facilitation, expanding public-private partnerships, and launching medium-term fiscal and tax strategies designed to provide greater predictability for investors.

“The success of our reform journey does not depend solely on government action but also on the responsiveness of the business community,” Kojak emphasized. He revealed that the private sector has shown strong engagement, with over 650,000 new or updated tax filings worth more than EGP 500 bn —a sign, he said, of increasing trust and participation in the reform process.

The minister concluded by affirming that economic reform is an ongoing effort, aimed at maintaining a delicate balance between fiscal discipline and stimulating economic activity to ensure sustainable growth for all Egyptians.