Egypt has taken a significant step toward involving the private sector in airport management, with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announcing the country’s first agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. The agreement, aimed at enhancing airport services and capacity, will see the IFC advise on the process, providing technical guidance to expand private sector participation.
Madbouly clarified that Egypt is not selling its assets but is looking to have them managed by top global companies to improve the country’s tourism sector. The deal also builds on Egypt’s ongoing collaboration with the IFC, which has previously provided advice on state asset sales and public-private partnerships.
Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny outlined plans to create a strategic roadmap to identify airport projects for private sector involvement. Planning Minister Rania Al-Mashat highlighted the growing role of private investment in Egypt’s economy, noting that 63% of total investment is from the private sector. Egypt has also seen record levels of tourism in 2024, further driving the need for improved airport infrastructure.
The upcoming Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to boost passenger traffic, presenting new opportunities for private sector participation in airport operations. IFC’s Sergio Pimenta emphasized that the partnership will attract global investors, enhancing Egypt’s position as a major global hub for travel and trade.
Additionally, talks with Abu Dhabi Airports are underway, with discussions focusing on investment opportunities and ways to improve service quality and competitiveness at Egyptian airports. The collaboration aims to expand airport infrastructure and improve operational efficiency to accommodate increasing passenger traffic.