Egypt is set to launch a unified digital business platform, a significant move aimed at fully digitising government and investment services. The initiative, announced by Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib, is part of a new phase of institutional development designed to dramatically improve the country’s investment climate and build trust with the private sector.
A Single Gateway for Business
The new platform will serve as a comprehensive, single system integrating all core business operations. This includes company incorporation, licensing, payments, and fulfilling financial and customs obligations.
According to Minister El-Khatib, the primary goal is to significantly reduce the number of procedures and the time required to complete them. By centralising these services, the government aims to enhance transparency, improve efficiency, and ultimately strengthen confidence between the state and investors.
Bolstering Economic Stability
The announcement comes on the back of strong progress in Egypt’s economic stabilisation efforts. Minister El-Khatib highlighted several key indicators, noting that inflation had declined to approximately 11.6% by June 2025.
Foreign currency reserves have risen to $50 billion, and the country’s net foreign assets have successfully shifted from a deficit to a surplus exceeding $10 billion. On the fiscal front, improved tax collection efficiency and an expanded tax base have led to a 35% increase in tax revenues without imposing new burdens on investors.
Streamlining Trade and Customs
The government has also implemented substantial reforms in its trade policies to foster greater openness to global markets. Customs reforms have already reduced clearance times and costs by 65%, with a target of reaching a 90% reduction. This will bring the average clearance time down to just two days.
Furthermore, the removal of several non-tariff barriers has resulted in savings of over $1.5 billion for the Egyptian economy this year alone. El-Khatib emphasised Egypt’s competitive advantages, including low production costs, a skilled workforce, and advanced infrastructure, as key pillars for achieving sustainable growth.
Expanding Africa Trade Corridors
In addition to domestic reforms, Egypt is actively working to deepen its trade integration with Africa. Assistant Minister Mohamed El-Gouski detailed the strategy, which leverages frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and COMESA.
Efforts include developing maritime and land connectivity, strengthening the presence of Egyptian banks across the continent, utilising export rebate programmes, and organising trade missions to support Egyptian companies expanding into African markets.
About the Unified Digital Business Platform
The Unified Digital Business Platform is a strategic government initiative by Egypt’s Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade. It is designed to create a single, integrated digital system for all investment and business-related procedures. The platform will manage company incorporation, licensing, payments, and financial and customs obligations to simplify operations for local and foreign investors, enhance transparency, and reduce bureaucratic timelines.
Source: meatechwatch
