Egypt’s Planning Minister rings EGX opening bell as EGYTRANS acquires NOSCO

Egypt’s Planning Minister Rania Al-Mashat rang the stock exchange opening bell Thursday to mark EGYTRANS’s acquisition of National Transport and Overseas Services Co. (NOSCO) and the National Investment Bank’s reduction of its stake from 25.5% to 18.3%. The move highlights the government’s drive to expand private investment and modernise state institutions.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the ministries of industry, investment, and supply, alongside representatives from the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) and the National Investment Bank.

Al-Mashat described the deal as more than a conventional investment transaction, framing it as the result of structural reforms that have improved Egypt’s business climate and strengthened the private sector. She noted that developments in transport, logistics, and storage since 2014 have increased sector competitiveness and contributed to GDP growth.

The minister emphasised that the move aligns with Egypt’s strategy to shift towards a growth model driven by productivity, exports, and private sector empowerment, with private investment now accounting for 66 per cent of total investment. She added that reducing the National Investment Bank’s stake is part of broader efforts to restructure the bank and enhance its role in national investments.

Al-Mashat also highlighted signs of improvement in the non-oil private sector, citing Egypt’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which rose to 51.1 in November 2025 — the highest since October 2020 — reflecting stronger demand, lower input costs, and growth in manufacturing, construction, and services.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser