🇪🇬EgyptNorth Africa
Egypt postpones 20 road projects to reduce fuel consumption and import costs
via Egypt Today1 min read
Egypt's Transport Minister Kamel El Wazir announced the postponement of 20 road projects, a move aimed at decreasing petroleum consumption and lowering the country's import bill. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly emphasized the government's commitment to tracking projects affected by this rationalization plan, which seeks to optimize fuel usage and enhance national energy security. El Wazir clarified that projects nearing completion or holding strategic importance will continue as planned. Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities Randa El-Menshawy confirmed her ministry's support for these measures, aligning with broader government efforts to manage spending and reduce imports amidst global economic challenges. Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi stated that his ministry is focused on securing fuel for key sectors and citizens, while implementing consumption-rationalization measures to address regional tensions and reduce import dependence. Madbouly called for a permanent inter-ministerial coordination framework to oversee the plan, ensuring that these actions reprioritize government spending without impacting essential services or long-term development.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty held a phone call with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and exchanging views on regional issues. Abdelatty affirmed Egypt's commitment to enhancing cooperation and coordination on regional and international matters, building on the political consultation mechanism signed in Cairo in June 2025. He emphasized advancing bilateral ties, particularly in economic, trade, and investment sectors. Abdelatty congratulated his Austrian counterpart on Austria's election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, expressing Egypt's desire for increased coordination during this period to support international peace and security. The ministers also discussed regional developments, with Abdelatty detailing Egypt's efforts to support the US-Iranian negotiating track and its coordination with partners to de-escalate tensions. Meinl-Reisinger commended Egypt's constructive role in reducing regional tensions and enhancing stability. Both sides agreed to continue strengthening bilateral relations and intensifying coordination on international and regional issues, stressing that diplomatic solutions are crucial for security and stability.
Must ReadEgypt has signed agreements with Al Nowais, Gotion, China Energy, and CEIG for the development of two standalone battery energy storage projects totaling 1,500 MWh. These projects include the 500 MWh Horus project in Zafarana and the 1,000 MWh Nefertiti project in Benban. The agreements also encompass the establishment of a factory with an annual production capacity of 3,000 MWh for battery energy storage systems. Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat noted that battery storage systems were introduced to Egypt's national electricity grid last year. He emphasized the necessity of storage solutions to support grid stability and ensure a sustainable power supply, particularly with the expansion of solar and wind energy. Egypt aims to increase its battery energy storage capacity to 14,320 MWh by 2028.
The inaugural FoodGuard Summit, organized by Informa Markets in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization UNIDO, officially opened in Cairo, Egypt, as part of the 14th edition of Fi Africa and Propak MENA 2026. The summit, held from June 2 to 4, 2026, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center, operates under the patronage of H.E. Eng. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt. The opening session featured strong governmental support with participation and keynote addresses from H.E. Dr. Sherif Farouk, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, and H.E. Khaled Hashem, Minister of Industry. Mr. Wouter Maloman, Chief Commercial Officer at Informa Markets, and Dr. Patrick Jean Gilabert, Representative and Head of the UNIDO Regional Office Hub in Egypt, also delivered opening remarks, emphasizing public-private sector collaboration for food security and value chain development. The event brings together decision-makers, private sector leaders, and international organization representatives to discuss food security and safety, showcasing solutions for supply chains and food processing in Africa and the Middle East. Fi Africa and Propak MENA 2026 welcomed over 8,000 visitors on its first day and is expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors and specialists. The summit's first main session addressed "Food Loss and Waste: A Strategic Imperative for Regional Food Security in Africa and the Middle East," with H.E. Khaled Hashem, Minister of Industry, an
Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has invited Japanese businesses to explore investment opportunities in renewable energy, infrastructure, water desalination, electric vehicle manufacturing, and other clean-energy-related industries. During a meeting with the Egypt-Japan Business Council in Tokyo, Abdelatty emphasized Egypt's strategy to localize industry and increase reliance on renewable energy. He highlighted promising sectors for Japanese investors and stressed the need to boost Japanese investment to reflect the strategic relationship between the two countries. The minister also mentioned financing and support tools from Japanese financial institutions to encourage investments. Abdelatty reviewed government measures to improve the investment climate and support Japanese investors, including a dedicated follow-up mechanism at the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones. He expressed Egypt's interest in establishing a Japanese industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone and called for an Egyptian-Japanese investment forum in Cairo to strengthen economic partnerships.