Cairo: The European Investment Bank, through its development arm EIB Global, has pledged $80 million to the RMBV North Africa Fund III as part of a wider regional strategy aimed at boosting private sector development and sustainability across North Africa, with Egypt at its core.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the agreement was signed in Cairo at a ceremony attended by Egypt's Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat, EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti, and RMBV Managing Partner Ahmed Badreldin.
RMBV North Africa Fund III is structured to provide both capital and hands-on strategic support to local companies operating in high-growth sectors such as consumer goods and services, healthcare, and education. Through backing scalable enterprises, the fund seeks to unlock new growth avenues in Egypt while encouraging regional expansion and stronger economic linkages with Europe.
Managed by RMBV, a regional investment firm with a solid track record, the fund aims to stimulate innovation, improve competitiveness, and deepen trade and industrial cooperation between Egyptian and European businesses. Its approach extends beyond financing to include enhancing corporate governance, accelerating digital transformation, and raising environmental standards across portfolio companies.
Gelsomina Vigliotti noted that Egypt represents a key strategic partner for the European Union, emphasizing that private equity is instrumental in empowering the private sector and building balanced, mutually beneficial partnerships between European and Egyptian firms.
Rania Al-Mashat described the investment as a significant step in strengthening the strategic partnership between Egypt and the EIB, highlighting that it signals increased confidence in Egypt's economy and supports the government's vision of positioning the private sector as a central engine of development and regional integration.
Ahmed Badreldin welcomed the EIB as an anchor investor, stating that the commitment reinforces the fund's strategy and will help drive job creation, support high-quality local businesses, and strengthen value chains, while expanding cooperation with European suppliers, technology providers, and service companies.
The initiative is aligned with the European Union's Global Gateway and Team Europe frameworks, which promote sustainable investment, innovation, and inclusive growth. It also contributes to regional stability by supporting private sector expansion in areas that enhance economic resilience and create quality employment. In line with EIB Global's inclusive investment strategy, at least 30% of the fund's portfolio will be allocated to advancing gender equality, including support for women-led enterprises, gender-responsive business practices, and inclusive employment opportunities across its target sectors.