- EBRD invested almost €1.5 billion in Egypt in 2024
- 98 per cent of investments were in the private sector
- Bank invested over €2.4 billion in 50 new projects in the SEMED region in 2024
Egypt was the primary recipient of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) 2024 investment in the southern and eastern Mediterranean (SEMED) region, with new commitments to 26 projects totalling almost €1.5 billion, of which 98 per cent were in the private sector and 50 per cent in green financing.
The Bank’s cumulative investments in Egypt since the start of its operations in 2012 reached €13.8 billion.
The Bank invested US$ 100 million in the inaugural US$ 500 million sustainability bond issued by Arab African International Bank (AAIB), paving the way for more such issuances and setting a benchmark for others. Seventy-five per cent of the bond’s proceeds will be allocated to green financing to increase industrial energy-efficiency and support small-scale renewable energy projects and green buildings, while 25 per cent will be allocated to promoting social goals, through inclusive financing and support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
Under Egypt’s Nexus of Water, Food and Energy (NWFE), the Bank arranged a syndicated loan worth US$ 275 million to Suez Wind for the construction and operation of one of the largest wind farms in Africa. The wind farm in the Gulf of Suez region will have an installed capacity of 1.1 GW and will provide clean, renewable power at a lower cost than conventional generation methods.
The EBRD also continued to promote the digital transition in Egypt through an equity investment in Paymob as part of a US$ 22 million financing round. The investment comes under the Bank’s Venture Capital Investment Programme, which supports early- and growth-stage technology companies.
To foster a more inclusive economy in Egypt, around 60 per cent of the Bank’s 2024 investments incorporated a focus on women’s economic empowerment. More than one-third of projects supported initiatives that explicitly address inequality while strengthening workforce capacity.
Under the EBRD’s Advice for Small Businesses, supported by the European Union (EU), more than 700 small Egyptian enterprises received advisory services and training last year.
In 2024, the Bank made more than €2.4 billion of new investments in 50 projects across the SEMED region, 85 per cent of them in the private sector.
The region also continued to benefit from strong donor support, including from the EU, the EBRD SEMED Multi-Donor Account,* the Green Climate Fund, the Global Concessional Financing Facility and other donors.
*Comprising Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Taipei China and the United Kingdom.