The Egyptian government is evaluating proposals to transfer the ownership of several public sector holding companies and their subsidiaries in an effort to maximise economic returns and reduce public debt.
The initiative falls under the second edition of Egypt’s State Ownership Policy Document (2026-2030), which aims to restructure state-owned enterprises, improve the efficiency of asset management, and empower the private sector as a key partner in economic development.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly stated that the government is proceeding with its exit plan to increase private sector participation across various economic activities. He noted that restructuring state-owned enterprises ensures professional management, governance, and transparency.
This approach “maximises the benefit from assets, and achieves the best economic return that can be utilised in reducing public debt,” Madbouly said.
The Prime Minister added that the state is continuing to implement economic and institutional reforms to improve the business environment, attract local and foreign investments, and simplify procedures for investors, whilst continuously monitoring the performance indicators and reform plans of state-owned firms.
Officials reviewed the consolidated financial indicators of the holding companies alongside detailed data on their unutilised assets, Cabinet Spokesman Mohamed El-Homosany said.
The government intends to maximise the use of land attached to these companies for economic activity and will study the preparation of specific, ready-to-offer investment opportunities, El-Homosany explained. This process will rely on an accurate inventory of unutilised assets through databases maintained by competent authorities to determine their optimal use.
The cabinet confirmed that the transfer or redistribution of public business sector companies is part of an integrated strategy designed to improve public asset management. The government stressed that the move will not affect ongoing operations, current development projects, or production efficiency, ensuring business continues normally.
The proposals were discussed by Madbouly alongside Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Hussein Issa, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid Saleh, Assistant to the Prime Minister and CEO of the State-Owned Enterprises Unit Hashem El-Sayed, and Assistant Minister of Investment Saeed Arafa. Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk and Deputy Minister Yasser Sobhi participated in the discussions via videoconference.
