Egypt, EBRD establish €10M fund to boost private sector involvement in infrastructure
The Egyptian Ministry of Finance has entered into a €10 million agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to launch the "Egypt Account", a dedicated fund aimed at financing feasibility studies and consultancy services for public-private partnership (PPP) projects. This initiative is designed to accelerate investment in key infrastructure sectors and enhance private sector participation in national development efforts.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly emphasized that this agreement is a major step toward increasing private sector engagement, both locally and internationally, in public infrastructure and essential services. He highlighted that strengthening private sector involvement aligns with Egypt’s national development priorities, ensuring that infrastructure projects are more efficient, sustainable, and high-quality.
Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk explained that the "Egypt Account" at the EBRD will act as a crucial financial mechanism to attract and accelerate private investments in Egypt. The fund will enable the government to conduct feasibility studies and initiate project tenders simultaneously, thereby expediting the PPP process and opening multiple investment opportunities at the same time.
One of the initiative’s key benefits is its ability to significantly reduce the approval timeline for feasibility study funding from development partners, cutting the process from one year to just two months. Additionally, it will facilitate rapid engagement with both local and international consultants, ensuring that contracts are finalized within six weeks, thereby streamlining the entire PPP development cycle.
Minister Kouchouk commended the Central PPP Unit and the EBRD for their efforts in making this initiative a reality. He stressed that expanding the PPP model is vital for Egypt’s economic strategy, as it will help diversify funding sources, encourage private investment, and drive sustainable infrastructure growth.