Following a decade of economic reforms, Egypt is entering a new phase of growth. This month, government and business leaders will meet to discuss what comes next as the World Economic Forum hosts a Country Strategy Meeting on Egypt.
On 16-17 November, the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with the Government of Egypt and under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, will host a Country Strategy Meeting on Egypt. Bringing together global and regional business leaders and senior government representatives, the meeting will serve as a platform for collaboration to advance the country’s growth, competitiveness and resilience.
The meeting comes as global trade, investment and geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve and Egypt’s role as a strategic regional gateway grows in importance.
A new phase of growth
Following a decade of economic reforms to enhance resilience, diversification and productivity, Egypt is entering a new phase of growth, advancing an ambitious reform programme focused on a private-sector-led, export-oriented and human-capital-driven growth model.
Backed by a growing industrial base, a large domestic market and a young population, Egypt’s economy is projected to grow up to 4.8% annually through 2031. The country is tipped to become a $10.4 trillion economy by 2075, which would place it among the world’s top 10 markets.
Its strategic location, democratic strength and bold reforms in services, transport, energy and more are making it an increasingly resilient and competitive economy, providing opportunities for investment and long-term growth.
A strategic gateway
Connecting the Mediterranean and the Red Seas, Egypt has long served as a vital link in international commerce.
The Suez Canal – through which about 12%-15% of world trade passes – and the country’s ports connect markets across Europe, Asia and Africa, placing it at the crossroads of major global trade routes and regional value chains.
The country is using this role as a strategic hub to strengthen its pivotal position in global trade and logistics, including developing a series of international logistics corridors that connect Mediterranean and Red Sea ports with inland dry ports, industrial hubs and mining areas.
Meanwhile, Egypt secures access to major global markets through a series of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements spanning Europe, the Middle East and Africa, including the Egypt-EU Association Agreement and the African Continental Free Trade Area. This network of agreements enables products manufactured in Egypt to reach 1.5 billion customers worldwide with zero or reduced tariffs.
The country’s position makes it key to international energy flows, too, and the government is working to enhance Egypt’s role as a regional energy hub by enhancing cooperation, developing cross-border energy and interconnection projects and harnessing its huge clean energy export potential.
All of this makes Egypt a key partner in shaping the region’s future.
A platform for partnership
The Country Strategy Meeting on Egypt, which will take place in the New Capital in Cairo, will foster public-private dialogue on opportunities around the country’s strategic priorities at a time when its role as a hub for investment, innovation and economic cooperation is growing.
Leaders from government and business will explore how to increase investment-led growth for Egypt, enhance competitiveness and strengthen the country’s regional and international position. Additional dialogues will focus on macroeconomic stability, investment climate reforms, and opportunities across infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, logistics, digital transformation and sustainable development.
In the coming years, Egypt’s pivotal role in trade, logistics and energy will only increase. The Country Strategy Meeting on Egypt will work to advance that role.
