Egypt is expanding its plan to sell stakes in state-owned companies as the government works to attract more private investment and strengthen its capital markets. The country plans to list up to four government-owned companies on the Egyptian Exchange within the next 12 months.
The move is part of Egypt’s wider economic reform program supported by an $8 billion agreement with the International Monetary Fund. It also follows the government’s State Ownership Policy, which aims to increase private sector participation and reduce direct state involvement in commercial activities.
Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Hassan El Khatib said the government expects several public offerings to reach the market over the coming year. These offerings will include both state-owned companies and private sector businesses.
One of the planned deals involves selling a 20% stake in Misr Life Insurance. The transaction is expected to raise around 14 billion Egyptian pounds, equal to about $277 million. Officials believe such listings can bring fresh capital into companies while giving investors more opportunities in Egypt’s economy.
The government also wants to make it easier for businesses to operate, raise funds, and complete mergers and acquisitions. Officials say improving access to capital is a key part of boosting economic growth and attracting foreign investors.
Egypt has already started moving forward with its privatization plans. In October 2024, the government listed shares of United Bank, becoming the first state-owned bank to enter the stock market in several years.
Following that move, the Egyptian Exchange approved temporary listings for six more state-owned companies. These included businesses such as Sinai Manganese Company and El Nasr Housing and Development. Officials are also preparing around 10 state-owned petroleum companies and firms in other important sectors for possible future listings.
The privatization push follows major economic changes introduced in 2024. Egypt adopted a flexible exchange-rate system and allowed the Egyptian pound to move freely based on market conditions. The change ended the long-running gap between official and unofficial foreign exchange rates.
The economic reforms have helped improve some financial indicators. The International Monetary Fund reported that inflation declined from a peak of 38% in September 2023 to lower double-digit levels. Egypt’s net international reserves also increased to around $53 billion, strengthening the country’s ability to manage external financial pressures.
Egypt remains one of the most state-controlled economies in the Middle East and Africa. Government-owned companies play a major role across industries including banking, energy, manufacturing, transportation, and telecommunications.
According to the IMF, state-owned enterprises hold assets equal to about half of Egypt’s gross domestic product. The government directly owns or controls more than 300 commercial companies across different sectors.
The State Ownership Policy was introduced in 2023 as part of efforts to create a larger role for private businesses. The policy aims to clarify which sectors the government will continue to control and where private investors can take a larger role.
Further legal changes have supported the privatization process. A new framework introduced through Law No. 170 of 2025 created additional rules for managing the sale of state assets and improving transparency during divestment.
Economic analysts say successful listings could help Egypt attract international investors, increase market activity, and improve company performance through greater private sector involvement. However, the government will need to maintain investor confidence by ensuring clear rules and efficient processes.
Egypt’s growing IPO pipeline reflects a major shift in its economic strategy. By opening more state-owned companies to private investment, Cairo hopes to create new funding opportunities, strengthen the stock market, and build a more competitive business environment.
