
Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund IMF, stated on Wednesday that the Fund is not currently considering an increase to Egypt鈥檚 program, noting the Egyptian government's strong management of economic policies. The IMF has revised its outlook for Egypt鈥檚 economic growth, lowering it by 0.5 percentage points to 4.2 percent for the current fiscal year, down from 4.7 percent. The projection for the next fiscal year was also reduced by 0.6 percentage points to 4.8 percent, while the forecast for the average inflation rate for the current fiscal year was raised to 13.2 percent from 12.4 percent. Georgieva indicated that at least 12 countries, including several in Sub-Saharan Africa, are expected to seek new borrowing arrangements due to rising energy costs and supply chain disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East. She cautioned against broad, untargeted measures like widespread energy subsidies, warning they could prolong high prices. Separately, the IMF lowered its growth forecast for emerging and developing economies in 2026 to 3.9 percent from 4.2 percent, citing higher energy and food prices and geopolitical uncertainty. IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack confirmed the Fund's commitment to supporting Egypt and assessing regional developments. IMF staff are collaborating with Egyptian authorities to complete the seventh program review by summer. The IMF has scheduled June and September for the final two reviews of Egypt鈥檚 program, wh
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Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam announced that Egypt is collaborating with partners to develop initiatives for the sustainable management of green water, the application of artificial intelligence in hydrological forecasting, and the integration of water issues into the three Rio Conventions. He also emphasized efforts to enhance cooperation on non-conventional water resources and transboundary water management. These initiatives, along with others from interactive dialogues, aim to build a legacy for the 2026 UN Water Conference and strengthen international cooperation in the water sector. Sewilam made these remarks during his address at the ministerial preparatory meeting for the 2026 UN Water Conference, co-organized by the UAE and Senegal. He is also co-chair of the third interactive dialogue "Water for the Planet" alongside Japan, and highlighted the inclusive and transparent preparatory process for the conference.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly recently inspected agricultural and livestock projects in Giza and Beheira, highlighting Egypt's commitment to increasing domestic food production and encouraging private investment. Madbouly stated that the agricultural sector is undergoing a significant transformation as part of a state strategy to boost crop and livestock output, meet local demand, and increase exports. He emphasized that agriculture is crucial for sustainable economic development, with food security and rural development being top strategic priorities. The government aims to accelerate livestock production to ensure sufficient supplies of meat and dairy, reduce the gap between production and consumption, stabilize market prices, and decrease reliance on imports. Madbouly noted that the inspection tour included privately owned projects, underscoring the government's support for investors and its view of the private sector as a key partner in economic growth. Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk detailed a comprehensive strategy to improve livestock farm productivity and economic returns, which involves upgrading existing facilities and establishing new centers with modern technologies for breeding and genetic improvement. The goal is to create a sustainable national production base to maintain stable prices for red meat and dairy products, improve livestock breeds, and modernize milk collection centers, with expanded participation from private companies a

Russia's Ministry of Industry and Trade has informed the Egyptian government of the selection of an industrial developer for the Russian Industrial Zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone SCZone. Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty stated that this selection will accelerate the zone's activation, attract Russian investment, and facilitate the start of operations. This development follows discussions held with Russian officials and company representatives during Abdelatty's visit to Moscow in April 2026. Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov acknowledged Egypt's efforts in establishing and operationalizing the zone, citing legislative reforms and investment incentives. Alikhanov reaffirmed Russia's commitment to the project and to enhancing bilateral trade and investment cooperation.