RIYADH: Egypt is considering offering incentives for large-scale offerings on its stock exchange in an attempt to encourage companies to list in the county, the government’s finance minister revealed.

During a ministerial meeting, Ahmed Kouchouk said this will help deepen the market and boost its activity, demonstrating the government’s commitment to broadening ownership and drawing in more local and international investment, according to a statement. 

The move comes as Egypt seeks to boost its economic attractiveness, a goal helped by US-based credit rating agency Fitch affirming the country’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating at “B” with a stable outlook in April.

“The minister added that work is also underway, in coordination with the Financial Regulatory Authority, to support the state’s plans to expand private sector participation by intensifying promotion and attracting new offerings from private and government companies. This will contribute to increasing liquidity and diversifying the investor base,” said a statement setting out the stock exchange plan. 

During the meeting, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly reaffirmed the government’s strong backing for initiatives to advance Egypt’s capital market, highlighting its crucial role in driving economic growth, boosting investment, and strengthening private sector involvement in the economy.

Mohamed Farid, chairman of the Financial Regulatory Authority, highlighted the ongoing close collaboration between his organization and the Egyptian Exchange to maintain market stability and enhance its role in financing businesses, as well as offering diverse investment options, ultimately benefiting the national economy.

Farid went on to note that this will also propel the activation and development of new financial and investment mechanisms and products that enhance efficiency and competitiveness altogether. 

Egyptian Exchange Chairman Islam Azzam said the bourse will move in the coming period along two parallel paths, including deepening the market and expanding its tools by introducing new financial products such as derivatives, and activating the market maker mechanism, which will provide greater opportunities for investors and enhance market efficiency and competitiveness.

Azzam also said trading will continue to be fully driven by supply and demand dynamics, highlighting that the administration is committed to ongoing dialogue with market stakeholders to develop more effective policies that enhance the Exchange’s competitiveness and appeal. 

Egypt’s economy is showing resilience despite global headwinds, with foreign investment and policy reforms helping offset volatile markets, Standard Chartered said in its latest outlook.

In its Global Focus – Economic Outlook H2-2025 report, the bank cited growing confidence in the Egyptian pound, underpinned by strong foreign exchange inflows from portfolio investments and official sector support. 

Egypt’s economic resilience comes at a critical time, as global markets face heightened volatility due to geopolitical tensions, fluctuating commodity prices, and the imposition of tariffs.

The country’s ability to attract foreign investment reflects growing confidence in its reform agenda, while its strategic location as a regional trade hub, coupled with large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Suez Canal Economic Zone, further enhances its appeal to investors.