Prime Minister Madbouly hails growing American business footprint at US–Egypt Policy Leaders Forum
American business leaders were met with warm words and open arms in Cairo this weekend. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, addressing the US–Egypt Policy Leaders Forum 2025, painted a bullish picture of Egypt’s future—and the United States’ place in it.
He made it clear: Egypt wants more from its private sector, and the Americans are already playing a big role. With over 1,800 U.S. companies operating in Egypt and $47 billion invested across two decades, the economic bond between the two countries is not just solid—it’s thriving.
A Personal Welcome—and a Strategic Message
Madbouly didn’t waste time getting to the point. Speaking at the opening session of the forum, he thanked both the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for organizing the event.
He gave special recognition to Suzanne Clark, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, and John Christmann, CEO of Apache Corporation and Chair of the U.S.–Egypt Business Council. Their presence wasn’t just ceremonial—it was symbolic of long-standing partnerships in energy, industry, and more.
“We are happy to see so many American companies thriving in Egypt,” Madbouly said.
“More than 1,800 American companies operate in Egypt, with total U.S. investments exceeding $47 billion over the past two decades.”
That’s a hefty figure—especially when Egypt’s been battling economic turbulence, currency devaluation, and inflation in recent years. But it also shows resilience.
Which Sectors Are U.S. Companies Betting On?
American investments aren’t scattered randomly. They’re strategic, sector-focused, and aligned with Egypt’s push for modernization.
Here’s where U.S. capital is concentrated:
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Energy: Oil & gas giants like Apache have long had operations in Egypt’s Western Desert.
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Industry: Manufacturing plants, industrial parks, and supply chain infrastructure.
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Information Technology: American tech firms are eyeing Egypt’s growing talent pool.
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Financial Services: Banks and fintech platforms continue to see Egypt as a gateway to Africa.
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Healthcare: U.S.-backed hospital projects and medtech companies are expanding operations.
And this isn’t just a one-way street. Egypt sees these firms as not only job creators, but as catalysts for reform, digital transformation, and export growth.
The Private Sector Is Front and Center
Madbouly’s tone carried a sense of urgency—he wants the private sector to lead the next chapter of Egypt’s growth story. And that includes giving the green light to more foreign players.
“We are pushing for a private sector–led economy,” he said. Egypt’s State Ownership Policy Document, introduced last year, was aimed precisely at this shift. It lays out where the government will step back to allow more space for private investment.
That includes divesting from some state-owned enterprises and opening doors to more PPPs (public-private partnerships).
Short sentence here. Just to break the rhythm.
Reform isn’t always smooth sailing. But this is one area where Cairo and Washington seem to see eye to eye.
A Closer Look at American Business in Egypt
The number of U.S. firms in Egypt isn’t just a headline—it tells a deeper story about market trust, consumer demand, and geopolitical strategy.
These numbers fluctuate, of course, but the trend is undeniable: American firms are embedding themselves deeply in Egypt’s commercial ecosystem.
Geopolitics, Stability, and Why This Timing Matters
This forum didn’t happen in a vacuum. Regional geopolitics is shifting fast—Red Sea security concerns, Israel–Hamas war flare-ups, Sudan’s crisis, and growing interest in the Global South all factor in.
Egypt, strategically located and politically stable (by Middle East standards), offers something investors crave: predictability.
For Washington, Cairo is a key security partner. For American businesses? It’s a launchpad into Africa, the Gulf, and the Mediterranean basin.
One sentence paragraph again. Because the stakes are high.
Madbouly’s message was clear: despite headwinds, Egypt is open for business, and the U.S. is welcome to do more.
Who Was in the Room—and Why That Matters
This wasn’t just a bureaucratic affair. The people in the room carried weight.
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Suzanne Clark leads the largest business federation in the world.
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John Christmann, beyond his corporate role, represents U.S. energy interests in Egypt.
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Executives from major corporations—finance, pharmaceuticals, logistics, tech—were present.
That presence itself sends a message: American business sees Egypt as viable. Not a side project. A core part of international strategy.
Their ongoing presence could push reforms further. It could also pressure Cairo to stabilize inflation, improve currency convertibility, and address regulatory bottlenecks.
Egypt Is Betting on Confidence—and Visibility
There’s a bit of PR to all this too. Egypt needs foreign currency. It needs investors to stay. Hosting a high-profile forum like this builds confidence, but also keeps Egypt visible on the international business radar.
Madbouly, seasoned and savvy, knows how this game works.
