Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has pitched his country as a strategic gateway to the Middle East and Africa for Finnish investors, urging them to explore opportunities in priority sectors such as digital transformation, clean energy, and manufacturing.
Speaking at the Egyptian-Finnish Business Forum, Madbouly stated that Egypt offers a young population and an extensive infrastructure development programme. He invited Finnish companies to utilise Egyptian labour and trade agreements, including the African Continental Free Trade Area, to establish joint manufacturing projects that provide access to a market of approximately 1.3 billion consumers.
To attract such investments, the Egyptian government has implemented structural reforms aimed at creating a flexible business environment, Madbouly explained. These measures include modernising the legislative framework for investment protection, simplifying company formation procedures, and developing advanced infrastructure.
The Prime Minister specifically highlighted the Suez Canal Economic Zone, which he said provides distinct incentives for Finnish companies looking to export to global markets.
Madbouly called on Finnish partners to support the “Digital Egypt” strategy by leveraging Finland’s expertise in 5G technologies and artificial intelligence. He also pointed to potential collaboration in clean energy and water, specifically mentioning green hydrogen, water desalination, and waste-to-energy projects, which align with Egypt’s priority for a green transition and Finland’s experience in renewable energy and the circular economy.
Further opportunities for cooperation exist in healthcare and education, Madbouly added, noting the potential to utilise the Finnish educational model and modern medical technologies to enhance Egypt’s human capital.
Stressing the government’s role, Madbouly stated that Egypt is committed to acting as a partner to investors rather than merely a regulatory body, adding that officials are keen to listen to and resolve any challenges to ensure the success and sustainability of investments.
The forum, held at the headquarters of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) in Cairo, was attended by Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Madbouly described Stubb’s visit as an important milestone in bilateral relations and expressed hope that the forum would launch new partnerships to achieve mutual prosperity.
Opening the event, Madbouly welcomed the Finnish delegation, asserting that the forum embodies deep-rooted friendship and growing economic integration between the two nations. Despite geographical differences, the two countries share ambitions and a vision based on innovation, sustainability, and mutual growth, with Finland recognised as a global leader in digital transformation, education, and green technology, the Prime Minister noted.
Egyptian officials present at the forum included Minister of Education and Technical Education Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid, and GAFI Chief Executive Mohamed El-Gawsaky. The Finnish delegation featured Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs and Employment Timo Jaatinen, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Trade Jarno Syrjälä, and Finland’s Ambassador to Egypt, Riikka Eela.
