Egypt, World Bank push funding, reforms to drive national growth

Egypt is seeking fresh funding and faster reforms as it works to steady its economy and restore growth, deepening ties with the World Bank at a sensitive time for Africa’s third-largest economy. 

The talks in Cairo come as governments across emerging markets contend with higher borrowing costs, tighter global liquidity and pressure to protect vulnerable households.

For Egypt, officials say, stronger coordination with multilateral lenders is key to maintaining stability while keeping development plans on track. 

At the center of the discussions was how to make public spending work harder.

Policymakers are reviewing investment priorities, tightening fiscal management and expanding social protection — steps they argue are necessary to reassure investors and deliver visible gains for citizens. 

Authorities say the next phase of reform will focus on job creation, better targeting of state resources and clearer social returns from public projects, while continuing broader structural changes.

Focus on fiscal discipline and investment 

Planning Minister Ahmed Rostom met with a World Bank delegation led by Country Director Stéphane Guimbert to align support with Egypt’s annual plan and a three-year medium-term framework. 

According to officials, the meeting centered on improving public expenditure efficiency, strengthening domestic resource mobilization and reinforcing fiscal oversight.

Rostom said closer coordination with international financial institutions would help Egypt advance reforms and make better use of development financing. 

He added that the updated strategy places citizens “at the heart of the development process,” with an emphasis on projects that generate employment and deliver tangible social benefits.

Social protection and health reform 

Part of that effort includes bolstering Egypt’s social safety net, notably the Takaful and Karama cash transfer program, which supports low-income families.

The government also plans to accelerate later phases of the presidential “Decent Life” rural initiative aimed at improving housing, utilities and public services in underserved areas. 

Guimbert said the World Bank would continue providing technical assistance, including public expenditure reviews and support for Egypt’s medium-term fiscal framework.

Cooperation will also cover health financing reform, with analytical backing for the country’s comprehensive health insurance system, as well as support for economic clusters intended to spur private-sector activity and create jobs. 

Officials say the broader goal is to balance fiscal restraint with targeted social investment, laying the groundwork for steadier, more inclusive growth.