Egypt… The Smart Player in the Major Balances

While public debates focus on loans and inflation, Egypt quietly moves to reshape the rules of the international economic game. It does not treat the IMF loan as a lifeline, but as a "seal of trust," skillfully using its tools to enhance regional influence.

The Loan: A Seal of Trust, Not a Savior

Egypt’s IMF loan is not just money—it is a mark of confidence that opens doors for investment. According to the IMF’s 2024 Foreign Direct Investment report, FDI inflows to Egypt exceeded $46 billion by the end of 2024, placing it among the top investment destinations in Africa.

SCZone: Directed Investment Magnet

The Suez Canal Economic Zone attracted $1.85 billion through 89 projects in the second half of 2023.

Between July 2022 and March 2025, it secured $8.3 billion via 272 projects, creating over 40,000 jobs.

These figures confirm SCZone as a real magnet for investors, including those seeking alternatives to Western sanctions.

Quiet Defiance

Despite timely repayments, Egypt practices calculated flexibility:

Full currency float was not implemented in March 2024.

Partnerships were preferred over direct privatization.

Debt swap deals were made with Germany, Italy, and Japan to support local projects.

Shift of Interests from Turkey

After Turkey’s earthquake, part of Gulf capital moved to Egypt, especially in:

New Cairo

Administrative Capital

Al-Alamein

Ain Sokhna

Egypt’s relative stability made it the preferred destination for long-term real estate investment.

Military Manufacturing

Through partnerships with South Korea, France, UAE, and Pakistan, Egypt began producing:

Drones

Armored vehicles

Ammunition

Although not fully reflected in official statistics, these industries provide hard currency and strengthen industrial independence.

Breaking Dollar Monopoly

Egypt started adopting:

The Ruble for settling wheat and fuel imports

Currency swaps with China (18 billion yuan)

Deals with African countries in local currencies

An innovative step toward financial and regional independence.

Tourism and the Grand Egyptian Museum

Egypt welcomed 15.7 million tourists in 2024, generating $14.1 billion in revenue.

The Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to officially open by late 2025.

Tourism and services now serve as major drivers of foreign currency and employment.

Future Vision

If trends continue:

SCZone factories coming online in 12–24 months

Increased adoption of local currencies

Larger swap deals

Tourism recovery

Egypt will transition toward a production-based, independent economy rather than one dependent on loans.

Conclusion

Today, Egypt is not just following the game—it has become the smart player managing its interests with intelligence and caution.

“No permanent enemy… no binding tutelage… only interests managed with wisdom.”

Sources

IMF, Balance of Payments Statistics 2024

Xinhua, “SCZone attracts $1.85 bln in 6 months,” Dec 2023

Ecofin Agency, “SCZone draws $8.3 bn investment over three years,” Apr 2025

IMF/EU Commission Docs, Loan Program 2022–2024

Wikipedia, Economy of Egypt, Tourism & Currency Data

Silent Egypt Observer Independent Analysis from Egypt