Ahmed Rostom has been appointed Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, succeeding Rania Al-Mashat, as part of a new cabinet formation announced on Tuesday by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hesham Badawy.
International and Financial Expertise
Rostom joins the cabinet following an extensive career in international finance, most notably with the World Bank. He served as a financial sector expert for global finance and markets from January 2014 to July 2015. Prior to that, he was the financial sector expert for the East Asia and Pacific region between September 2012 and January 2014.
In the domestic financial sector, Rostom worked in credit risk management at the Egyptian Gulf Bank. He also held key regulatory and policy roles, including:
- Central Bank of Egypt:Head of the international cooperation unit at the Anti-Money Laundering Unit in 2004.
- Ministry of Investment:Head of the financial sector policy unit and the financial services policy unit between 2004 and 2009.
Education and Academic Background
Rostom holds a strong academic foundation in economics and policy analysis:
- University of York, UK:Master’s degree in Economics and Social Policy Analysis.
- Cairo University:Master’s degree and Bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Economics and Political Science.
Economic Focus and Policy Interests
Rostom is noted for his focus on economic policy consistency and the diversification of funding sources. His professional contributions have extended to several African nations, particularly in the fields of:
- Infrastructure:Energy, transport, and ports.
- Economic Indicators:Exchange rates, interest rates, and fiscal policy.
- Sustainability:The development of the green economy.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Rostom is known for his interest in Egyptian civilisation and his frequent analysis of contemporary economic developments via social media and academic circles.
