Monday, 25 May 2026
Egyptian PM defends infrastructure spending as key to attracting billions in investments
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly strongly defended the government’s massive infrastructure investments, stating they were essential for Egypt’s economic recovery and for attracting foreign and private-sector capital.
Speaking during the signing ceremony of a major Egyptian-Qatari investment partnership for the “Samala and Alam El-Roum” project on Egypt’s North-Western Coast in Matrouh Governorate, Madbouly addressed criticism circulating on social media.
“I followed some opinions asking: Why doesn’t the government implement this project itself instead of leaving it to investors? This actually made me laugh,” the Prime Minister said. “Just five years ago, the state was fiercely attacked for spending on ‘unprofitable’ investments in the New Administrative Capital and New Alamein City. There was an entire camp accusing the government of borrowing just to execute these projects. Yet today, the same voices—or new ones—are saying: The state should build everything itself!”
Dr. Madbouly stressed that Egypt went through an exceptional period of global and local economic turbulence, during which the private sector hesitated to take risks.
“Had it not been for the unprecedented spending on infrastructure across all sectors, we would never have succeeded in attracting investments in industry, tourism, telecommunications, IT, agriculture, logistics, and every other field,” he declared.
The Prime Minister explained that the state’s bold move to lead with flagship projects and world-class infrastructure was the only way to restore investor confidence and open the Egyptian economy.
“What the government achieved paved the way for partnerships like today’s celebration,” Dr. Madbouly added. “We hope the coming phase will witness many more projects that benefit our beloved Egypt.”
He concluded by renewing Egypt’s gratitude to the State of Qatar for its continued support and confidence in Egypt’s investment climate.
The Egyptian-Qatari deal marks another milestone in the growing economic ties between Cairo and Doha, with the North Coast megaproject expected to create thousands of jobs and boost tourism on the Mediterranean.