Ahmed Rostom, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, met with Oliver Bognon, Chief Executive Officer of the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF), an affiliate of the African Development Bank (AfDB), to discuss strengthening institutional co operation and advancing economic development under Egypt’s strategic partnership with the Bank.
The meeting reviewed a proposal to establish a specialised financing mechanism that would combine domestic and international resources, with participation from development banks and financial institutions. The mechanism is designed to provide investment guarantees, expand access to long-term financing for infrastructure projects, and draw on global best practices. The initiative reflects the Ministry’s drive to empower the private sector to play a larger role in supporting national development. Attendees included representatives from the ALSF, the Central Bank of Egypt, and senior ministry officials.
Discussions also touched on expanding public-private partnership (PPP) models in co ordination with the Ministry of Finance, developing innovative financing tools to ease pressure on the state budget, and strengthening collaboration in renewable energy and infrastructure sectors.
Rostom highlighted Egypt’s resilience in navigating successive global crises—from the COVID 19 pandemic to ongoing geopolitical tensions—underscoring the economy’s flexibility and stability under proactive reform policies. These measures have diversified income sources, reinforced macroeconomic stability, and encouraged private sector participation to generate sustainable employment. He stressed that government priorities include projects that directly improve citizens’ quality of life, alongside expanding renewable energy initiatives to enhance energy security.
The Minister also pointed to the presidential initiative Decent Life, which upgrades services and infrastructure for millions in rural areas, focusing on human capital investment and SME support to reduce poverty and achieve balanced development.
For their part, ALSF representatives outlined their advisory role in providing legal and technical support to African countries. They praised Egypt’s strong economic ties with the Bank and reaffirmed AfDB’s commitment to financing infrastructure, encouraging private investment, and supporting the continent’s transition to a green and climate resilient economy.
Both sides agreed to continue joint co ordination and hold further technical meetings to refine the proposed financing mechanism and translate it into actionable programmes that advance Egypt’s and Africa’s development goals.
