Cairo: Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk has announced that the government is preparing a “balanced and flexible” budget for the fiscal year 2026/2027, with substantial reserves set aside to manage potential risks.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Kouchouk shared these insights during an open dialogue with intellectuals and economic experts. He emphasized the government’s openness to various perspectives, welcoming input from thinkers, experts, and citizens to refine the budgetary plans. The minister assured that the budget is constructed on clear assumptions and priorities, with alternative scenarios in place to ensure efficient public financial management.

Kouchouk highlighted that the budget aims to stimulate economic growth, enhance services for citizens and investors, and seize investment opportunities, particularly in the renewable energy sector. The government is committed to rationalizing expenditures while increasing allocations for specific entities to maintain flexibility in handling exceptional circumstances.

The minister stressed the importance of securing basic needs for citizens and ensuring available production inputs for investors. Fiscal policy priorities are designed to focus on both economic stability and citizen welfare. Plans are in place to attract 100,000 new voluntary taxpayers, strengthen business partnerships, and enhance public debt indicators for improved fiscal performance.

The new budget will see significant increases in key sectors, with healthcare funding rising by 30% and education by 20%, aimed at improving service quality. Initiatives to boost tourism, manufacturing, and exports are also set to continue, driving economic growth.

Kouchouk revealed efforts to broaden the tax base and promote private sector involvement, which are expected to reduce budget deficits and public debt levels. This approach aims to achieve a primary surplus, lower debt servicing costs, and enable increased spending on human development and social protection. A second package of tax facilitation measures is also being implemented, receiving positive feedback from the business community.

In an effort to streamline real estate transactions, plans are underway to launch a mobile application for easy notification and payment of taxes. Additionally, individuals will be exempted from real estate transaction taxes when selling properties to first-degree relatives.