Egypt: Bold moves

Egypt has made the adjustment investors were waiting for. The US dollar (USD)–Egyptian pound (EGP) exchange rate has been devalued by 38%, and the government has agreed to an increase in its loan program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to US$8 billion.¹ It also recently agreed to make a long-term investment with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which will pay US$35 billion for property development rights on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast.² We adopt a neutral stance toward Egyptian equities for now.

This influx of capital presents a landmark opportunity to revitalize an economy grappling with inflation, instability and the effects of regional conflicts. The currency devaluation, UAE’s injection of funds and the IMF’s support have the potential to rejuvenate Egypt’s economy. Pivotal projects, like the Ras al-Hikma on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, are not just about boosting tourism but also a way to initiate critical fiscal and monetary reforms.

Interest rates up, currency down

On March 6, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) hiked interest rates by 600 basis points, surpassing market expectations. This bold decision pushed the discount rate to 27.75% and is targeted at lowering inflation, which stood at 29.8% in January 2024. Simultaneously, the foreign exchange market saw substantial adjustments, with the USD–EGP devalued to 50.09, translating to a 38% decline. These changes have introduced greater flexibility in the foreign exchange market, effectively unifying the official and parallel exchange rates. It also signals a key strategic pivot toward orthodox economic policies.

A 38% Devaluation

The 38% adjustment in the EGP’s official rate may initially push inflation higher, notably in regulated sectors like energy, pharmaceuticals and public services. However, much of the economy has pre-emptively adapted to these changes, with an estimated 50%–60% already operating at parallel exchange rates since April 2023.³ This adaptation is expected to limit the inflationary impact. There is potential for exchange-rate appreciation resulting from foreign inflows and transfers by Egyptians working abroad as well as from foreign investors, thus creating a disinflationary environment after the initial price adjustment.

IMF support

The IMF’s decision to increase its loan program to US$8 billion, given a return to orthodox economic policies and the challenges posed by regional conflicts, is a significant vote of confidence. Coupled with a possible additional US$1–$1.2 billion from the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility, and a potential US$12 billion in soft loans from the European Union and World Bank,⁴ international support for Egypt is robust.

The IMF’s policy support has six pillars that focus on:⁵

• Transitioning toward a credible flexible exchange-rate regime
• Implementing tighter monetary policy to reduce inflation and reverse dollarization
• Pursuing fiscal consolidation to maintain debt sustainability
• Slowing down infrastructure spending
• Ensuring sufficient social spending for vulnerable groups
• Implementing reforms in state ownership policies to foster private sector growth
   

Committing to structural reforms as part of the IMF program, especially efforts toward revitalizing the interbank foreign exchange market, is predicted to stabilize USD–EGP expectations and assist in adjusting the exchange rate to a more stable range with a potential appreciation in the coming months. The gradual resolution of foreign exchange backlogs is likely to further facilitate this adjustment.

Social measures and economic reforms

To alleviate the potential social burden of these economic adjustments, the government and the IMF have agreed on a comprehensive EGP180 billion social package, alongside a 50% hike in the minimum wage. These measures are designed not only to cushion the immediate impact on Egyptians but also to lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth and stability.

Giga projects

Egyptian authorities are considering plans to develop the Ras Gamila area near Sharm el-Sheikh,⁶ which is increasingly attractive given its proximity to Saudi Arabia’s NEOM giga project. The project may unlock an investment of US$15–$20 billion. Discussions are at an early stage, and the investment is yet to be confirmed. Nevertheless, given the devaluation of USD–EGP, one of the obstacles to the project has been removed.

Similarly, negotiations with China about the construction of the largest industrial export zone on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast is underway.⁷ Such a venture could boost trade and economic growth in Egypt. While discussions on this project are also at an early stage, the project is potentially more significant than the development of Ras Gamila as it has the potential for sustained job creation in manufacturing and trade services.

Market outlook

The Egyptian equity market, as represented by the EGX 30 index, has risen by 68% in local currency terms and is essentially flat in US dollar terms since September 2023.⁸ In light of the local equity market moves, we adopt a neutral stance. International investors with exposure to Egyptian equities may use the current liquidity surge to reduce exposure to equities, putting short-term downward pressure on the market.