Egypt’s House of Representatives has approved a significant cabinet reshuffle proposed by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, aimed at strengthening the country’s economic management amid ongoing financial challenges.

The recent government shake-up introduces 13 new ministers, including key appointments in housing, higher education, planning, investment, and foreign trade. A new position, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, has also been created to coordinate the country’s economic strategy, according to local media reports.

Key Economic Appointments

The reshuffle highlights a focus on economic expertise:

• Ahmed Rostom, a senior economist from the World Bank, has been appointed Minister of Planning.

• Mohamed Farid Saleh, chairperson of the Financial Regulatory Authority, will lead the Ministry of Investment.

Additionally, the State Ministry of Information, which was dissolved in 2021, has been reinstated. Diaa Rashwan, chairman of the State Information Service, has been named the new minister.

Inclusion of Women in Cabinet

The reshuffle also emphasizes gender representation:

• Randa al-Menshawi is appointed Minister of Housing.

• Gihane Zaki becomes the Minister of Culture.

Despite the broad reshuffle, key portfolios such as foreign affairs and defense remain unchanged.

Economic Challenges Driving the Reshuffle

Egypt’s economy has faced multiple pressures in recent years, including:

• Years of austerity measures under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) program initiated in 2016.

• The COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted economic activity.

• The impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.

• Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping routes, which have reduced Suez Canal revenues, a vital source of foreign currency, forcing cargo traffic to reroute around Africa.

Next Steps

Local media report that Egypt’s new cabinet is expected to be officially sworn in on Wednesday, marking a fresh start for the government’s economic agenda.

This cabinet reshuffle is seen as President Sisi’s strategic move to stabilize Egypt’s economy, boost foreign investment, and enhance governance across key economic sectors.