Cairo: Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid Saleh stated on Sunday, July 26, 2026, that the program preparing state-owned companies for listing on the Egyptian Stock Exchange (EGX) is a strategic step to boost corporate efficiency, deepen the capital market, broaden ownership, and enable citizens to share in economic growth benefits.According to State Information Service Egypt, Saleh made these remarks during the program launch organized by the Financial Regulatory Authority, with participation from leadership at the EGX, the State-Owned Enterprises Unit, and heads of government companies. The minister emphasized that the initiative is focused on enhancing governance, disclosure, and compliance. This focus aims to meet the final listing requirements and reduce potential errors after the companies are listed.Saleh highlighted that the government's privatization efforts are progressing, with 20 state companies currently in preparation to meet the initial public offering (IPO) requirements. These efforts include finalizing procedures to offer Misr Life Insurance before the end of 2026.He further explained that expanding ownership allows citizens to invest in successful state enterprises, which in turn promotes financial inclusion and strengthens the competitiveness of Egypt's capital market.Saleh concluded by underscoring the importance of spreading financial literacy and lauded the contributions of the Financial Regulatory Authority, the Financial Services Institute, and the Egyptian Institute of Directors in supporting corporate readiness and aligning with national economic goals.