Goldman Sachs is standing outside market consensus by expecting the Central Bank of Egypt to raise interest rates, while most forecasts still point to no change. Key insights: Goldman Sachs expects the overnight deposit rate to rise by 100 basis points from 19% to 20%. Market reports also indicate Goldman is pricing cumulative tightening of…

Egypt is preparing a new international oil exploration auction in Q3 2026, as it seeks to revive domestic production, attract foreign capital and reduce pressure from energy imports. Key insights: The auction is expected to include at least 15 exploration areas, mostly in the Western and Eastern deserts. The tender is expected through Egypt Upstream…

Dragon Oil is increasing its long term commitment to Egypt’s upstream energy sector, with new investment plans aimed at lifting production, extending its Gulf of Suez presence, and supporting Egypt’s push to rebuild domestic oil output. Key insights: Market reports point to around USD 2 billion in near term investment plans, while company comments separately…

The IMF is monitoring how the Middle East conflict is feeding into energy costs, fertilizer shipments, and food security, just as Egypt seeks progress on the latest reviews of its IMF supported program. The key issue is no longer only external financing. It is how higher energy, freight, and fertilizer costs could pass through into…

Egypt’s new USD 1.5 billion financing agreement with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation comes at a critical time for the economy, as food security, energy imports, and foreign currency liquidity remain under pressure from regional conflict and higher commodity costs. Key insights: The agreement is designed to support Egypt’s food and energy security, including…

The Central Bank of Egypt’s Q1 2026 Monetary Policy Report marks a clear shift in the macro outlook. Inflation risks have moved higher, while growth forecasts have been revised lower as regional conflict feeds into energy prices, transport costs, imported inflation, and investor risk appetite. Key insights: The CBE raised its 2026 average inflation forecast…

The Egyptian pound weakened again in Tuesday trading, with bank quotes around EGP 53.15 for buying and EGP 53.25 for selling per dollar, after the currency had recovered about 1.7 percent last week. The latest move highlights that Egypt’s currency remains sensitive to external shocks. The regional war shock added pressure to existing vulnerabilities, including…

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in Nairobi comes at a critical moment for Egypt’s reform program, as regional uncertainty continues to test energy security, food security, capital flows, and exchange rate flexibility. The meeting followed the IMF Executive Board’s approval of Egypt’s fifth and sixth reviews in February 2026,…