• H.E. Rania A. Al-Mashat: The opening of Standard Bank’s representative office in Egypt strengthens Africa-wide economic integration and unlocks new opportunities for trade and investment.

• The expansion of global banking institutions in Egypt broadens channels of finance and investment for both local and international private-sector partners.

• The government continues to build a competitive business environment to attract further foreign investment.

• Ongoing economic and structural reforms are driving tangible improvements in Egypt’s macroeconomic indicators.

• Private investment as a share of total investment has risen significantly, exceeding 50% in the last fiscal year.

H.E. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, participated in the inauguration ceremony held by Standard Bank of South Africa to celebrate the opening of its first representative office in Egypt. The event took place in the Pyramids area with the attendance of senior executives and officials from the bank.

In her remarks, H.E. the Minister emphasized that Standard Bank’s decision to establish a representative office in Egypt reflects the growing confidence of regional and global private-sector players in the Egyptian economy. She noted that the bank’s extensive network across Africa and internationally will open new channels of cooperation between Egyptian businesses and their counterparts around the world, supporting greater investment flows, enhanced trade, and stronger commercial partnerships.

H.E. Al-Mashat added that meeting today against the backdrop of the Pyramids—an enduring symbol of a civilization stretching back more than 7,000 years—serves as a reminder of Egypt’s ability to renew and transform. She noted that the continued evolution of the Egyptian economy is a testament to the effectiveness of recent economic and structural reforms, which have strengthened the financial sector and enabled the Central Bank of Egypt to keep pace with global developments.

The Minister highlighted that the opening of Standard Bank’s office supports broader African economic integration and enhances trade and investment prospects between Egypt and the countries of the continent, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa. She stressed that Egypt’s strategic geographic location, at the crossroads of Africa and the Arab world, positions it as a natural gateway for deepening intra-African commerce—especially in light of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

H.E. Al-Mashat reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing structural and economic reforms—under Egypt’s Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs & Resilience—which have strengthened macroeconomic stability and improved the business and investment climate. These efforts, she said, are reflected in rising inflows of foreign direct investment and the growing presence of international banks in Egypt, offering the private sector broader access to global financial markets.

She added that Egypt welcomes international investors and works to facilitate their entry through partnerships with strong financial institutions, fostering more investment, job creation, and enhanced economic resilience. The Minister noted that recent reforms have contributed to a marked increase in private investment, which exceeded 50% of total investment during the last fiscal year.

H.E. the Minister also underscored that empowering the private sector remains a central pillar of Egypt’s efforts to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The government is working to create a more competitive and attractive business environment that enables the private sector to play a leading role in driving development, expanding production capacity, and creating jobs. She stressed that public–private partnerships are essential for optimizing resources and maximizing economic returns, thereby strengthening Egypt’s capacity for resilience and openness.

In the same context, H.E. Al-Mashat noted that Egypt’s economic indicators continue to improve as a direct result of the country’s economic and structural reform agenda. She commended the pivotal role played by Egypt’s banking sector in supporting national development efforts, acknowledging its position as a cornerstone of economic stability. She explained that the strength and resilience of the financial system reflect rising confidence in the Egyptian economy and its ability to navigate global challenges. Ongoing reforms in fiscal and monetary policy are enhancing Egypt’s competitiveness and ability to secure sustainable financing for national projects and private-sector growth.

H.E. Al-Mashat emphasized that expanding economic cooperation and boosting trade and investment ties with African countries remain key priorities for Egypt, in line with its commitment to regional integration and the continental development agenda. She stated that the presence of major financial institutions such as Standard Bank in the Egyptian market is a strong indicator of trust in the national economy and represents a significant addition to Egypt–Africa cooperation—particularly given the bank’s extensive network and longstanding expertise in financing trade and investment across the continent.

It is worth noting that Standard Bank of South Africa is one of the largest banks on the African continent, with a presence in more than 20 countries, and global hubs in Dubai, New York, Beijing, and London.