Monday, 25 May 2026
Source: Egyptian Presidency
Egypt expands commodity stockpiles, modernizes food security measures
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi convened a high-level meeting today with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and several cabinet members, focusing on Egypt's food security, strategic commodity reserves, and ongoing economic reforms.
According to a statement from the Presidential Spokesperson, the meeting underscored that Egypt maintains a stable and reassuring level of strategic reserves of essential goods, particularly wheat, sugar, cooking oil, meat, and poultry. Recent contracts ensure the purchase of 3.4 million tons of wheat, 192,000 tons of crude oil, 4,000 tons of frozen poultry, and 6,000 tons of frozen meat. The state is committed to diversifying its sources of imported wheat to avoid supply disruptions and support stable food access.
President El-Sisi emphasized the importance of comprehensive coordination among all relevant state institutions to strengthen Egypt’s food security policies. The meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to maximize the cultivated land—especially in the New Delta region—for key crops and to boost self-sufficiency. Other topics included oversight of bakeries, mills, and market operations as well as updates on the government’s “one-day marketplaces,” which launched with 200 markets in November 2024 and will expand further in May 2025.
Discussions also covered new partnerships with the private sector and initiatives to attract international investment in the retail and commercial sectors. Notably, plans are underway for the establishment of unified government-run retail chains, launched in cooperation with private partners under the “carry on” brand, as well as improvements in the management and targeting of state subsidies.
The meeting reviewed the development of Egypt’s commodities exchange, which aims to stabilize market prices, protect both producers and consumers, and create a transparent, unified platform for the import and export of key goods. Preparations are now underway to regulate the exchange through new legislation, drawing inspiration from international models.
Other agenda items included national agricultural policies, digital transformation in farming, and a focus on balanced fertilizer reforms to protect farmers and safeguard food security. President El-Sisi also called for the improvement of local livestock breeds to increase the production of red meat and dairy, and for continuing efforts to modernize Egypt’s agricultural sector through mechanization and land improvements.
This integrated approach, President El-Sisi insisted, is vital for maintaining the wellbeing of Egyptians while fostering sustainable growth and resilience in Egypt’s food systems.