Invest in Egypt (2024)

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Invest in Egypt (2)

Foreign Direct Investment

Egypt saw foreign direct investment inflows fall 12.5% in 2021 (USD 5.1) but remained the second-largest recipient of FDI in Africa after South Africa, according to UNCTAD's 2022 World Investment Report. In the same year, FDI stocks reached USD 137.5 billion, around 34.1% of GDP. The value of greenfield projects more than tripled to USD 5.6 billion, but remained far below the USD 13.7 billion recorded before the pandemic. A 2022 report by the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) highlights that during fiscal year 2021-2022, FDI inflows rose by 71.4% year-on-year to hit about USD 8.9 billion. Efforts to boost FDI diversification include the agreement to reactivate the USD 16 billion Saudi-Egyptian investment fund, which lists tourism, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, digital technologies, financial services, education and food as priority sectors. The Sovereign Fund of Egypt (TSFE) is seeking to attract FDI into a range of economic and social development projects through public-private-partnerships. Among the areas covered are solar-powered desalination plants, digitalization of the education system, transport (electric trains), finance, as well as the restructuration of state assets in the petroleum and water sector (SWF). Nevertheless, FDI in the country is still largely directed to natural resources. This pattern has been reinforced by the discovery of the Zohr offshore gas field in the Eastern Mediterranean region (in 2022, 42 oil wells and 11 gas wells discoveries were announced). The UK is by far the largest investor in Egypt, followed by Belgium, the USA and the UAE. FDI is concentrated in the oil and gas industry (around three-quarters of total investments), followed by financial services, manufacturing, real estate and construction.

The dynamic growth of the Egyptian economy, its strategic geographical position, low labour costs, skilled workforce, unique tourist potential, substantial energy reserves, large domestic market and the success of the reforms undertaken by the authorities (including many privatisations) contributed to drive up FDIs. Egypt recently adopted an Investment Law that includes performance requirements for certain investment incentives, including labour-intensive projects and geographical location. The government has also set up special economic zones with business-friendly regulations: more liberal, more efficient administration, tax incentives, facilitation of registration and customs procedures, better infrastructure, etc. However, outside these areas, it is difficult to register a new company, and instability in the country is hindering business developments in Egypt. The country ranks 89th out of 132 economies in the 2022 Global Innovation Index.

Foreign Direct Investment201920202021
FDI Inward Flow (million USD)9,0105,8525,122
FDI Stock (million USD)126,639132,477137,543
Number of Greenfield Investments*1405265
Value of Greenfield Investments (million USD)13,7151,6295,574

Source: UNCTAD- Latest available data.

Note: * Greenfield Investments are a form of Foreign Direct Investment where a parent company starts a new venture in a foreign country by constructing new operational facilities from the ground up.

Country Comparison For the Protection of InvestorsEgyptMiddle East & North AfricaUnited StatesGermany
Index of Transaction Transparency*8.06.47.05.0
Index of Manager’s Responsibility**3.04.89.05.0
Index of Shareholders’ Power***3.04.79.05.0

Source: Doing Business - Latest available data.

Note: *The Greater the Index, the More Transparent the Conditions of Transactions. **The Greater the Index, the More the Manager is Personally Responsible. *** The Greater the Index, the Easier it Will Be For Shareholders to Take Legal Action.

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Invest in Egypt (3)

Invest in Egypt (4)

What to consider if you invest in Egypt

Strong Points

Advantages for FDI in Egypt:

  • Strategic geographic location
  • Low-cost and relatively qualified labour force
  • Growing population (more than 100 million inhabitants) that makes Egypt a strategic market in the region
  • High tourism potential
  • Important energy resources, notably natural gas
  • Public works policy, which offers many investment opportunities to foreign companies
  • A sufficiently diversified economy (energy, tourism, Suez Canal revenues, industrial base, etc.)
  • Government policy that aims at improving the business climate
Weak Points

Disadvantages for FDI in Egypt:

  • Political situation that remains tense and arouses uncertainty for foreign investors
  • Degraded regional security situation
  • Fragile banking sector
  • High poverty rate and persistent unemployment
  • Infrastructure that remains insufficient
  • Omnipresent public sector and excessive bureaucracy
  • Shortage of skilled labour
  • Cumbersome customs procedures and non-tariff trade barriers
Government Measures to Motivate or Restrict FDI

Since September 2004, the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) has established an economic program to attract foreign investors, together with an average reduction of 35% customs duties and tariff simplification. Furthermore, Egypt enjoys the support of the FMI to put into place economic reforms (new VAT rate, reduction of subsidies on fuel and electricity, etc.). It shows the government's willingness to improve the business climate, which remains complex. Thus, after the Revolution, Egypt put into place restrictions on capital transfer. Investors are claiming that the approval of transfers may take several weeks.

Several "megaprojects" may attract foreign investors in the coming years. Siemens already developed the largest gas power generation plant in the world, Egypt also plans to develop a large logistic and industrial platform around the Suez Canal, a new administrative capital city and large agrarian and mining projects.

In most sectors, foreigners benefit from the same treatment as nationals. A joint venture is needed to operate in certain sectors, namely hydrocarbons and real estate. The Law on Imports and Exports was amended to allow enterprises to be 51% Egyptian-owned to import (before, the enterprises had to be 100% Egyptian owned).

The country implemented a number of regulatory reforms, namely a new investment law in 2017; a new companies law and a bankruptcy law in 2018; and a new customs law in 2020 (if the establishment is under the provisions of the new investment law, it will benefit from a 2% unified custom tax over all imported machinery, equipment, and devices required for the set-up of the company).
More information on governmental measures to attract FDI in Egypt is available on the website of the
General Authority for Investment, which developed a special desk for investors.

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Invest in Egypt (5)

Invest in Egypt (6)

Investment Opportunities

The Key Sectors of the National Economy
Agriculture and food-processing industry, tourism, gas industry, telecommunications and media.
High Potential Sectors
Education (more than 50 million students, at all level of education), franchises, health industry, renewable energy, security services.
Privatization Programmes
Nearly 150 companies are yet to be privatised, among which approximately fifty are in the textile sector as well as ten airports. The latest privatisation program was announced in 2018, involving 23 enterprises (including up to 30% of the shares of Banque du Caire). However, the program has suffered delays due to adverse market conditions, the Covid-19 pandemic and increased global volatility. In January 2022, the government announced the acceleration of the program, aiming at provatising one company every month or every two months.
Tenders, Projects and Public Procurement
Globaltenders, Tenders & Projects from Egypt
Tenders Info, Tenders in Egypt
DgMarket, Tenders Worldwide

Sectors Where Investment Opportunities Are Fewer

Monopolistic Sectors
The government retains a monopoly in many service industries as well as in banking (although a program for the privatization of 30% of the shares of Banque du Caire had been announced), insurance, tobacco and entertainment,. It also remains dominant in the textile, steel and aluminium industries.

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Invest in Egypt (2024)

FAQs

Invest in Egypt? ›

Now is a great time to invest in Egypt. Sound reforms, public initiatives, and an educated and healthy labor force as well as plenty of natural resources have helped Egypt become a prime destination for global companies and investments.

Is Egypt a good place to invest? ›

Now is a great time to invest in Egypt. Sound reforms, public initiatives, and an educated and healthy labor force as well as plenty of natural resources have helped Egypt become a prime destination for global companies and investments.

What is the best investment in Egypt? ›

One of Egypt's most vibrant economic sectors is the oil and gas one. This industry in Egypt is expected a CAGR of about 8% between 2019 and 2027. Hence, it's a great area of investment as well.

How to buy stock in Egypt? ›

Follow this six step guide to learn how to buy shares online in Egypt for the first time.
  1. Find a Egyptian broker. ...
  2. Create an account. ...
  3. Verify the broker account. ...
  4. Deposit money into your trading account. ...
  5. Search for a stock and place your trade. ...
  6. Monitor your investment.
Apr 25, 2023

Who is the biggest investor in Egypt? ›

The UK is by far the largest investor in Egypt, followed by Belgium, the USA and the UAE. FDI is concentrated in the oil and gas industry (around three-quarters of total investments), followed by financial services, manufacturing, real estate and construction.

Why not to invest in Egypt? ›

Investing in Egypt includes significant risks, such as political instability in the region and a lack of diversity in the economy.

Is $100 a lot of money in Egypt? ›

At the current exchange rate, $100 US dollars is equivalent to approximately 1,755. 50 Egyptian pounds. This rate can be subject to change, however, and therefore the amount may vary.

Where do wealthy Egyptians live? ›

Without a doubt, Zamalek is considered to be the best area to stay in Cairo according to any tourist. It is home to the expats and wealthy and has a prestigious reputation. Location: Zamalek has a very central location, it is considered an Island in the heart of Cairo's Nile River, between downtown Cairo and Giza.

What net worth is considered rich in Egypt? ›

If your family's average spending is LE60. 7 thousand per annum, slightly more than LE5,000 per month, then you belong to richest 10 per cent of Egyptian families.

What brings Egypt the most money? ›

Egypt's economy relies mainly on agriculture, media, petroleum imports, natural gas, and tourism.

Why Egypt is the best country to invest? ›

Egypt has many advantages as an investment destination: geo-strategic location, land availability, solar and wind power capacity, skilled human capital, as well as a big domestic market. It can easily serve as a manufacturing hub for Africa and the MENA region. These are the tangible assets.

Is Robinhood available in Egypt? ›

Can I access my account while I travel overseas? You can access your Robinhood account in almost all countries, with the exception of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea region of Ukraine.

What is the return on investment in Egypt? ›

Stock market return, percent

The latest value from 2021 is -2.3 percent.

What stocks to buy in Egypt? ›

Most Active Stocks
  • Qalaa Holdings. 2.750. | Egypt. +0.010 +0.36%
  • Ibnsina Pharma. 2.650. | Egypt. +0.110 +4.33%
  • Orascom Invest. 0.247. | Egypt. -0.003 -1.20%
  • Palm Hills Develop. 2.100. | Egypt. 0.000 0.00%
  • Madinet Nasr for Housing and Development. 3.72. | Egypt. +0.02 +0.54%

What is the most valuable company in Egypt? ›

The List
RankCompanyIndustry
1Commercial International Bank (CIB)Banking & Finance
2QNB ALAHLIBanking & Finance
3Telecom EgyptTelecoms
4Elsewedy ElectricIndustry
6 more rows
Dec 19, 2022

Who is the richest investor in USA? ›

Warren Edward Buffett (/ˈbʌfɪt/ BUF-it; born August 30, 1930) is an American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. He is currently the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway.

Should I carry cash in Egypt? ›

It's always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks. American and Canadian dollars, pounds sterling, and euros are all easily exchanged in Egypt, and Cairo International Airport has a number of 24-hour banks that give the same rates as in town.

Why were the Egyptians so rich? ›

Egypt is a land rich in gold, and ancient miners employing traditional methods were thorough in their exploitation of economically feasible sources. In addition to the resources of the Eastern Desert, Egypt had access to the riches of Nubia, which is reflected in its ancient name, nbw (the Egyptian word for gold).

Why did Egypt become so wealthy? ›

Egypt became wealthy through farming and trade. Its power was built up by strong governments, led by PHARAOHS and staffed by well-trained scribes (officials). The nation was defended by huge armies.

Can you use American money in Egypt? ›

US dollars are widely accepted in major tourist establishments, hotels, and souvenir shops. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travelers cheques which may be brought into the country. However, passengers entering Egypt with Egyptian currency exceeding 1000 USD must declare this on arrival.

How much US dollars can I bring in Egypt? ›

A maximum of E£5,000 can be brought into or taken out of Egypt. You must declare any amount of currency equivalent to US$10,000 or more. Traveller's cheques and foreign currency are easily exchanged in hotels and banks.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Egypt? ›

Unlike many countries where you spend almost one quarter of your monthly income on bills, Egypt is far affordable. If you want to live in a well furnished studio of about 480 ft2, one would only need to spend about EGP 3,867 ($217) in an expensive area on average and EGP 1,651 ($92) in a regular area.

Where do Americans live in Egypt? ›

Expats in Egypt mainly settle in the major cities. Cairo is the favored destination, with ideal neighborhoods including Maadi, Downtown Cairo, Zamalek, Dokki and New Cairo. Employers often place a housing allowance in contracts, assisting in setting up their employees.

Where do 90% of Egyptians live? ›

About 90% of Egypt's population lives along the Nile River, with the waterway providing nearly all Egyptians with drinking water.

What is Upper Class in Egypt? ›

The upper class consisted of the royal family, rich landowners, government officials, important priests and army officers, and doctors. The middle class was made up chiefly of merchants, manufacturers, and artisans.

How many Egyptians are millionaires? ›

With 37,800 people worth about $1 million, South Africa has the highest number of dollar millionaires on the continent, ahead of Egypt (16,100), Nigeria (9,800), Kenya (7,700), and Morocco (5,800). In terms of billionaires, Egypt ranks first with 8 individuals worth $1 billion or more.

How much does the upper class make in Egypt? ›

This year, most middle class to upper class citizens can expect to make EGP 4,000 to 7,000 (US$ 235 – 411) as a monthly income, mostly in the private sector. Government employees can still average EGP 2,000 to 9,000 (US$ 117 – 529) depending on position.

How many millionaires does Egypt have? ›

Countries by number and percentage of millionaires
Country or subnational areaNumber of millionairesShare of global millionaires (%)
Egypt87,0000.1
South Africa *86,0000.1
Thailand *82,0000.1
Greece *81,0000.1
44 more rows

Why do people move to Egypt? ›

A recent poll conducted by Expat Forum on behalf of Barclays Wealth International found out that Employment (42.31%) is main reason for those of you choosing Egypt as your expat destination.

What is the average income in Egypt? ›

Salary range

The average salary in Egypt ranges from 2,330 EGP per month (USD 77) to 41,100 EGP (USD 1,355) per month — with 2,330 EGP being the lowest average salary and 41,100 EGP being the maximum salary (actual maximum salary is higher).

What does Egypt sell the most? ›

Its most important exports include petroleum and petroleum products, followed by raw cotton, cotton yarn, and textiles. Raw materials, mineral and chemical products, and capital goods are also exported. Among agricultural exports are rice, onions, garlic, and citrus fruit.

Is Egypt richer than USA? ›

United States has a GDP per capita of $60,200 as of 2020, while in Egypt, the GDP per capita is $12,000 as of 2020. In United States, 3.9% of adults are unemployed as of 2018. In Egypt, that number is 7.9% as of 2019. In United States, 15.1% live below the poverty line as of 2010.

Is it safe to do business in Egypt? ›

Egypt ranked 114 out of 190 economies in the final World Bank's Ease of Doing Business report, published in 2019, rising 14 places from two years previously. Egypt's rank in the World Economic Forum's latest Global Competitiveness Report was 93 out of 140, up from 100 two years earlier.

Is Egypt safe for business? ›

The government has stepped up security measures, which have improved personal safety and ensured that Egypt's crime rate is now relatively low. This welcome development has greatly improved Egypt's international profile as a safe and appealing destination for both business travellers and tourists.

Can I trade in US stock market from Egypt? ›

There is no citizenship requirement for owning stocks of American companies. While U.S. investment securities are regulated by U.S. law, there are no specific provisions that forbid individuals who are not citizens of the U.S. from participating in the U.S. stock market.

Can you buy American stocks in Egypt? ›

Buying shares from American companies is not restricted to US citizens, so you may buy US Stocks from Egypt. However, you must check how investing in them will affect your local tax position.

Is it legal to trade stocks in Egypt? ›

And the answer is yes. According to Law No 88/2003, holding and trading foreign currencies is legal in Egypt, and all forex transactions are regulated by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE).

How much debt is Egypt in dollars? ›

Egypt External Debt reached 162.9 USD bn in Dec 2022, compared with 155.0 USD bn in the previous quarter. Egypt External Debt: USD mn data is updated quarterly, available from Jun 1997 to Dec 2022. The data reached an all-time high of 162.9 USD bn in Dec 2022 and a record low of 26.1 USD bn in Mar 2001.

Is there a tax return in Egypt? ›

Individuals are required to submit an annual tax return to the tax authorities. The submission deadline for an individual is on or before 31 March following the end of the fiscal year to which the return relates. Tax on employment income is withheld at source on a monthly basis.

Which country has highest return on investment? ›

Switzerland. Switzerland is one of the best countries to invest in. It has one of the lowest federal corporate tax rates in the world, at 8.5%, allowing businesses to save a significant amount of money on their profits.

What are the top American companies in Egypt? ›

American firms are active in most economic sectors in Egypt, primarily in oil and gas exploration and production (E&P), with Apache Corporation, Chevron Corporation, ExxonMobil, Halliburton and IPR Energy Group operating in the market.

What sectors are booming in Egypt? ›

ICT industry is known to be the fastest growing sector in Egypt. The sector hit new heights, recording a growth rate of about 16.3%, outpacing all the state's economic sectors during the fiscal year 2021/2022.

What products are in high demand from Egypt? ›

Hottest Products to Import From Egypt in 2023
  • Cotton (forecast to rise by 7% 2023-2024)
  • Jewelry (up 46% to $1.529 billion in 2022, compared to 2021)
  • Plastics (US$2.61 Billion during 2022)
  • Fruits (US$539.86 Million during 2022,)
  • Ceramics (US$329.96 Million in 2022, a massive 112% increase from 2021)
May 3, 2023

What is the fastest growing industry in Egypt? ›

Egypt's information and communication technology (ICT) sector is the fastest growing sector in the country's economy, reaching 16.7 percent growth in FY2021/2022 compared to 16.1 percent during the previous fiscal year, according to Minister of ICT Amr Talaat.

What is the leading stock in Egypt? ›

Egyptian stocks that've increased the most in price
SymbolChange % 1DPrice
IBCT D12.99%1.400 EGP
CCAP D7.08%2.570 EGP
ICMI D7.05%1.199 EGP
ICID D6.74%7.130 EGP
31 more rows

What is the biggest market in Egypt? ›

Originally built on the site of an old mausoleum, local and foreign merchants have been trading at Khan el-Khalili souk since the 14th century. It is Egypt's most famous market.

What stocks are rich people buying? ›

Here are nine of the current stocks the wealthiest people in the world are buying.
  • Alphabet (GOOG)
  • Amazon (AMZN)
  • Colgate-Palmolive (CL)
  • Constellation Energy (CEG)
  • Dollar General (DG)
  • Meta Platforms (META)
  • Microsoft (MSFT)
  • PayPal Holdings (PYPL)
Nov 16, 2022

What stocks is Warren Buffett buying? ›

Paramount Global (PARA) and Louisiana Pacific (LPX) were new positions in Berkshire's portfolio last year. Buffett first bought Paramount PARA +0.1% in the first quarter of 2022 and Louisiana Pacific in the third quarter of 2022. He's owned Apple since 2016.

Who do billionaires invest with? ›

Private equity and hedge funds sit adjacent to securities and trading markets. While they aren't the same thing, these two types of investment tools are popular among billionaires. They appeal to people of high net worth who can afford large investments and higher risk.

Why is Egypt an attractive location for foreign investment? ›

Being in the center of the world, Egypt is at the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa. It is considered as a nearshore location to Europe. Egypt is also in an Eastern European Time (EET) zone. Egypt offers seamless business continuity with the US and Asia (Follow-the-Sun approach).

Is Egypt doing well economically? ›

Outlook. The recent surge in economic activity has set Egypt on track to achieve growth of 5.5% in FY2021/22. However, base effects and the demand overshoot are expected to start tapering off and economic activity will be adversely affected by the repercussions of the war in Ukraine.

Is Egypt economy good or bad? ›

The country benefits from political stability; its proximity to Europe, and increased exports. It also enjoys a strong currency. From an investor perspective, Egypt is stable and well-supported by external stakeholders.

Does Egypt tax foreign income? ›

Egypt taxes residents' worldwide income at progressive rates ranging from 0% to 25%. (All amounts are given in EGP.) in the table below, you can see current Egyptian income tax rates. Non-residents are taxed at the same progressive rates as residents.

Why is the US interested in Egypt? ›

Egypt is a valued U.S. partner in counterterrorism, anti-trafficking, and regional security operations, which advance both U.S. and Egyptian security. The decades-long defense partnership is a pillar for regional stability.

What is the main source of wealth in Egypt? ›

Egypt's economy relies mainly on agriculture, media, petroleum imports, natural gas, and tourism.

What is the average income per person in Egypt? ›

Data are in current U.S. dollars. Egypt gdp per capita for 2021 was $3,699, a 8.83% increase from 2020.

How many dollars is Egypt in debt? ›

External Debt in Egypt averaged 49746.33 USD Million from 1997 until 2022, reaching an all time high of 157801.00 USD Million in the first quarter of 2022 and a record low of 26132.50 USD Million in the first quarter of 2001.

Is Egypt good country to live in? ›

Is Egypt Good Place To Live? You may be wondering “is Egypt a good place to live?”. My answer is yes, it definitely is! If you value a rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and a lower cost of living, then living in Egypt could be perfect for you.

What are the major problems in Egypt? ›

Contents
  • Water resources.
  • Pollution. 2.1 Air Pollution. 2.2 Noise pollution.
  • Monuments. 3.1 Pollution damage. 3.2 Encroachment of water. 3.3 Development.
  • Urbanization. 4.1 Traffic. 4.2 A New Capital City. 4.3 Green Spaces.
  • Legislative power over land and water.

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