Cairo International Book Fair 2026 hosted Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, in a seminar organized by the NAWA Foundation, discussing “Egypt’s Narrative for Comprehensive Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs and Resilience.”
The seminar, moderated by Abdel Moneim Said, brought together economists, university professors, and visitors to review the country’s integrated development framework.
Al-Mashat highlighted that the Narrative was developed to integrate Egypt Vision 2030 with the Government Program, responding to global economic changes since 2020. It establishes an integrated planning framework, defines national, regional, and sectoral strategies, and sets measurable performance targets for ministries and government entities.
The Narrative also links development outcomes to financial performance through a programs-and-performance approach, promoting accountability and sustainable growth.
Key pillars include spatial justice, regional development, and leveraging the competitive advantages of each governorate. Al-Mashat emphasized President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s directives to expand development corridors, increase productivity, and focus on governorates, citing Upper Egypt’s textile industry growth and new clusters in Sinai.
Public investment governance has opened space for private sector growth, with private investments now accounting for 65% of total investments and a target of over 70% by 2030.
The Minister also discussed policies enhancing private sector empowerment, competitive neutrality, and business environment reforms under the National Structural Reforms Program.
Egypt’s Narrative prioritizes 28 industries with comparative advantages, supporting export growth and integration into global supply chains, with the Suez Canal Economic Zone playing a key role in attracting diversified investments in technology, industry, and energy.
Al-Mashat emphasized the importance of managing future economic expectations, improving transparency, and enabling citizens and businesses to make informed decisions.
International cooperation and partnerships remain a cornerstone of the Narrative, with 58 joint committees supporting trade, investment, and supply chains, alongside a dedicated chapter on economic diplomacy and African relations.
Concluding the seminar, Al-Mashat reiterated that the Narrative’s theme, “Driving Economic Change… Enhancing Quality of Life”, places human development and quality of life at the forefront, with programs targeting all age groups as a foundation for sustainable economic growth and competitiveness. She noted that the second edition will expand on national security, service sectors, and ongoing initiatives such as the fifteenth Economic Census.
