Al-Mashat & AFD: New Economic Narrative for North Africa
Egypt Deepens Economic Ties with France, Unveils New Advancement Framework
Egypt and France are strengthening their economic partnership, with a focus on bolstering key sectors and attracting investment. On an unspecified date, the Egyptian Minister of Planning, Economic Development and international Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, met with Cécile d’Couprie, Regional Director for North Africa at the French Development Agency (AFD), to discuss expanded future cooperation.
Long-Standing Partnership & EU Strategic Alignment
The relationship between Egypt and France has been instrumental in driving economic growth and development across multiple sectors, according to Minister Al-Mashat. This collaboration is further reinforced by the broader Egypt-European Union strategic partnership, which has provided significant support to transport, health, energy, and education initiatives.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s scheduled visit to Egypt in April 2025 underscores the depth of this strategic alliance and signals a renewed commitment to collaboration,especially in the energy and transport sectors. This visit builds on existing French investment in Egypt, which totaled over €2 billion as of 2023, according to the french Development Agency.
“Egypt’s Narrative” Framework for Sustainable Growth
Egypt recently launched “Egypt’s Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth,Jobs & Resilience,” a comprehensive framework designed to integrate the government’s work program with the country’s Vision 2030. This initiative aims to establish a robust economic model built on macroeconomic stability, increased productivity, and enhanced integration into global markets.
A key component of this strategy is creating a more attractive investment climate. The government is actively working to remove barriers for investors and empower the private sector to lead development efforts. This includes a strong emphasis on expanding public-private partnerships, particularly in areas that promote sustainable growth and the green transition.
The focus on public-private partnerships is crucial for mobilizing the capital needed to achieve Egypt’s ambitious development goals, and aligns with international best practices for sustainable economic growth, as outlined by the World Bank.