Egypt's Cabinet Approves Key Economic Measures

Egypt's cabinet approved executive regulations for state land disposal on Wednesday. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly chaired the session. The cabinet also expanded the National AI Council's mandate to include quantum computing and emerging technologies. These decisions came during the weekly cabinet meeting at the government headquarters in Cairo.

New State Land Disposal Regulations

The executive regulations implement Law 168 of 2025. This law governs procedures for disposing of state-owned land. The regulations establish clear processes for land transactions. They specify documentation requirements and approval workflows. Government agencies must follow standardized valuation methods. The Ministry of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities will oversee implementation. Local governors will handle regional land allocations.

Expanded AI Council Mandate

The National AI Council now covers quantum computing and emerging technologies. This expansion broadens the council's original artificial intelligence focus. The council will develop national strategies for these advanced fields. It will coordinate research initiatives across Egyptian universities. The council will also establish partnerships with international technology firms. Prime Minister Madbouly emphasized the strategic importance of this move.

Why It Matters

These decisions impact Egypt's economic development directly. The land regulations could unlock billions in state assets. Egypt holds approximately 95% of its territory as state-owned desert land. The World Bank estimates Egypt's public land value at $250 billion. Clear disposal rules should attract more private investment. The AI council expansion addresses technological competitiveness. Egypt aims to position itself as a regional tech hub. Neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE invest heavily in AI.

Implementation Timeline and Costs

The land regulations take effect immediately. Government agencies have 60 days to align their procedures. The Ministry of Finance allocated 50 million Egyptian pounds ($1.6 million) for implementation. This covers training programs and system upgrades. The AI council will present its expanded strategy within 90 days. The government budgeted 200 million Egyptian pounds ($6.5 million) for initial quantum computing research. These funds come from Egypt's 2024-2025 fiscal year budget.

What Businesses Should Watch

Real estate developers should monitor land disposal announcements. The Egyptian government plans to release parcels in new urban communities. These include the New Administrative Capital and New Alamein City. Technology companies should engage with the expanded AI council. The council will issue requests for proposals for quantum research partnerships. Watch for permit requirements under the new land regulations. Businesses need environmental impact assessments from the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency. They also need approval from the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones.

Market Context

Egypt faces economic challenges including high inflation and currency pressure. The government seeks to boost foreign investment through asset monetization. State land sales could generate revenue for infrastructure projects. The technology sector expansion aligns with Egypt's Vision 2030 goals. Egypt's information technology exports reached $4.9 billion in 2023 according to the Ministry of Communications. The country aims to double this figure by 2030.

Regulatory Framework Details

The land disposal regulations establish three transaction categories. Direct sales apply to strategic projects approved by the cabinet. Auctions will handle commercial and residential developments. Long-term leases cover agricultural and industrial uses. All transactions require approval from the Central Auditing Organization. The Egyptian Survey Authority must verify land boundaries before any disposal. The Prime Minister's office will maintain a public registry of disposed land.

Technology Sector Implications

The AI council expansion includes quantum computing infrastructure planning. Egypt plans to establish its first quantum research center at Zewail City of Science and Technology. The council will coordinate with technology companies like IBM and Google. These firms already operate AI research programs in Egypt. The council will also work with Egyptian startups such as Swvl and MaxAB. These companies use AI for transportation and retail logistics.

Next Steps

The cabinet directed ministries to begin immediate implementation. The Ministry of Housing will publish detailed procedural manuals within 30 days. The National AI Council will convene its first expanded meeting next month. The government plans to announce specific land parcels for disposal in the coming quarter. These measures represent part of Egypt's broader economic reform agenda. The government aims to improve the business environment and attract technology investment.