Egypt Gets $228M to Fight Climate Change and Create Jobs

Egypt is getting a major financial boost that could transform how the country fights climate change while creating thousands of new jobs.

The International Finance Corporation signed five agreements worth $228 million during a sustainable finance forum in Egypt. The investment targets green energy, healthcare expansion, food security, and small business support across the country.

The largest chunk is a $150 million partnership with Banque Misr, one of Egypt's major banks. The money will fund renewable energy projects, energy-efficient buildings, and sustainable transportation. The bank committed to directing 20% of its small business lending specifically to women-owned companies.

Another $30 million is going to GlobalCorp Group to expand financing for small and medium-sized businesses. This marks Egypt's first local-currency securitization by a development bank, which helps protect businesses from currency fluctuations.

Healthcare is getting attention too. GMED Holding will receive $15 million to manufacture more medical equipment and expand training programs across Egypt and East Africa. This investment means better healthcare access for millions of people in the region.

The food sector is also benefiting. Breadfast, a logistics company, secured $13 million to strengthen food supply chains and help small businesses reach retail markets more easily. This investment aims to improve food security while supporting local entrepreneurs.

The timing matters because Egypt has made sustainable finance a centerpiece of its economic strategy. The Central Bank of Egypt introduced binding green finance regulations in 2022 and recently aligned its reporting with European climate standards.

The Ripple Effect

This investment package does more than fund individual projects. It sends a signal to other investors that Egypt is serious about building a green economy.

The IFC has now invested nearly $10 billion in Egypt since it began operations there. By using innovative financing tools like local-currency securitization, they're showing other development banks and private investors how to reduce risk while supporting emerging markets.

The focus on women-owned businesses could be particularly transformative. When women gain access to capital, studies show they reinvest in their families and communities at higher rates than men. That 20% set-aside for women entrepreneurs could create a multiplier effect across Egyptian society.

The healthcare and food security investments address immediate needs while building long-term resilience. Better medical equipment means healthier workers. Stronger food supply chains mean stable prices and reliable nutrition for families.

Egypt is positioning itself as a regional leader in climate finance, with major solar projects already operational and sovereign green bonds attracting international investors. These new agreements strengthen that position while protecting vulnerable sectors from economic pressure.

The projects are designed to create jobs in growth sectors while reducing carbon emissions, proving that economic development and environmental protection can work hand in hand.