Cairo: Egypt's economy grew 5.1% in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, exceeding forecasts by major international financial institutions, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rostom said on Wednesday September 9, 2026. Rostom announced the figure during meetings with executives from major regional and international banks on the sidelines of the AIM Investment Summit in Dubai. The talks focused on increasing financing for Egypt's private sector and attracting investment to productive industries.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the minister met executives from Standard Chartered, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, and First Abu Dhabi Bank to discuss financing and investment opportunities in Egypt. Rostom stated that the government is continuing economic reforms aimed at improving the business environment and increasing the competitiveness of the Egyptian market. He also discussed a new Infrastructure Financing Guarantee Mechanism intended to reduce financing risks and encourage banks and private companies to invest in public-private partnership projects.

Additionally, the talks reviewed plans by Egyptian electronic payments company Sahl to register at the Dubai International Financial Centre and explore partnerships with UAE banks in payment and money transfer services. Bank executives expressed interest in increasing financing for Egypt's private sector. The two sides agreed to organize investment events connecting investors with financial institutions and opportunities in Egypt's productive sectors.