Rachid Ouaissa, Algeria Political Economy Contributor at Maghreb Insider
Rachid Ouaissa
30 articlesEditor
Algeria political economy contributor
Rachid Ouaissa covers Algeria’s political economy, hydrocarbons, economic reform and institutional stability for Maghreb Insider. He examines how resource revenues, public spending and structural economic pressures influence political choices and the wider balance of power across the Maghreb.
30 latest articles by Rachid Ouaissa
Egypt pursues AIIB funding for climate resilient infrastructure projects
Egypt is intensifying talks with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to secure financing for sustainable and climate resilient infrastructure, aiming to leverage its geographic position to connect Asian capital with African development priorities.
Garnest sets aggressive growth targets for Egypt vacation rental market
Garnest, a vacation rental booking platform, is pursuing rapid expansion in Egypt with ambitions to reach 100,000 customers and 10,000 accommodation listings after an initial surge in users and properties. The company is also preparing to diversify its travel services.
Masyaf Ras Al Hekma construction accelerates as phase two launches
M squared has reached 41 percent construction completion at Masyaf Ras Al Hekma, with phase two now underway and 70 percent of units sold. The project is expanding its commercial and lifestyle offerings as it targets full delivery by 2027.
Modon Developments accelerates Green River Tower construction in New Capital
Modon Developments has committed EGP 5bn to the Green River Tower in Egypt's New Administrative Capital, with construction now over halfway complete and a push to deliver the project within eight months. The tower will offer commercial, office, and hotel space.
Egypt launches unified regulatory guide for consumer finance sector
Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority has released its first comprehensive guide for consumer finance companies, consolidating all rules on licensing, governance, customer protection and digital compliance. The move aims to tighten oversight and raise sector standards as non-bank finance expands.
Egypt launches 25000-unit rent to own housing drive for young families
Egypt's government is opening applications for 25000 new rental and rent to own housing units from 20 September, aiming to expand affordable housing access for young people and low income families in 26 cities nationwide.
Egypt launches EU partnership to overhaul technical education for industry
Egypt has joined the EU-backed AlignVET project, aiming to redesign technical and vocational education by embedding industry requirements into curricula. The initiative targets the ready-made garments and home textiles sector, with manufacturers shaping training to match real factory needs.
Egypt's Digital Generation Forces Rethink of State Education Strategy
Egypt's youth are no longer passive consumers but active creators in the digital sphere, prompting the state to overhaul its approach to education and cultural engagement. With over 98 million internet users, the stakes for digital literacy and authentic participation are higher than ever.
Xi and Al-Sisi Spotlight Civilizational Diplomacy at Grand Egyptian Museum
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi used a high-profile tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum to push for deeper cultural ties and promote the Global Civilization Initiative, signaling a strategic alignment between Cairo and Beijing.
Egypt's AOI and Industry Ministry target local manufacturing expansion
Egypt's Arab Organization for Industrialization and the Ministry of Industry are advancing plans to deepen local manufacturing and technology localisation, aiming to reduce imports, boost exports, and support Egypt's 2030 development strategy.
Egypt launches €271m digital platform to accelerate green investment
Egypt has introduced the IDEIA digital platform to streamline environmental impact assessments, aiming to reduce investment delays, enforce environmental standards, and support green industry with €271m in European and national funding.
Egypt launches $100m fund for water and dam projects in Nile Basin
Egypt has established a $100m fund to support water infrastructure and dam projects in southern Nile Basin countries, aiming to strengthen regional cooperation and address water security challenges in line with African Union development goals.
Egypt's Military Production Minister to Attend Balkan Shield 2026 in Sarajevo
Egypt's Minister of State for Military Production, Salah Gombalat, will participate in the First Balkan Shield - Defence Industry Expo and Summit 2026 in Sarajevo, aiming to deepen defence industry cooperation and showcase Egyptian military technology.
Egypt to Expand Digital Twin Technology Across Irrigation Canals
Egypt's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation will extend digital twin technology to major canals nationwide after its initial use on the Ismailia Canal, aiming to improve water allocation and management through real-time monitoring and AI tools.
Egypt Finalises Arrangements for Xi Jinping's State Visit
Egypt's government has completed preparations for Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit, aiming to deepen bilateral cooperation and mark 70 years of diplomatic relations. The visit is expected to advance joint projects and investment opportunities.
Egypt exports 172,000 tonnes of food, imports 218,000 tonnes in one week
Egypt exported 172,000 tonnes of food products and imported 218,000 tonnes between 22 and 28 August 2026, highlighting the scale of its food trade and the National Food Safety Authority's role in monitoring compliance and facilitating flows.
Egypt's FRA advances roadmap for sustainability disclosure standards
Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority has presented a draft roadmap for phased implementation of IFRS sustainability disclosure standards, aiming to align national frameworks with international norms and enhance market transparency for investors.
Egypt advances 2,250km high-speed rail network to boost daily capacity
Egypt is constructing a 2,250km high-speed electric rail network and upgrading its conventional railways, aiming to transport up to 4 million passengers daily by 2030. The project is central to Egypt's strategy for integrated, sustainable mass transit.
Egypt issues 907 livestock licences and expands National Veal Project
Egypt's Ministry of Agriculture issued 907 new operating licences for livestock, poultry, feed, and dairy projects in August, while allocating EGP 59.85m in fresh financing to the National Veal Project, supporting small breeders and expanding cattle production.
Egypt weighs solar expansion and green finance in local development
Egypt's government is considering a broader rollout of solar power and energy-efficiency technologies across agriculture, industry and services, aiming to cut energy use and emissions. Officials are also exploring green finance and community-led initiatives.
Egypt to Digitise Groundwater Well Licensing and Expand Solar Pumping
Egypt's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation will introduce a nationwide electronic licensing system for groundwater wells, aiming to improve oversight, promote modern irrigation, and accelerate the shift to solar-powered pumping amid rising water stress.
Al-Sisi Orders Sweeping Review of Real Estate and Utility Oversight
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has directed a comprehensive review of real estate contracts, electricity billing, and market controls, aiming to strengthen accountability and improve living conditions across Egypt. The measures signal a push for greater transparency and stricter enforcement.
Egypt contains oil spill after South Sinai pipeline leak
Egyptian authorities have contained a crude oil spill stretching three kilometres off Ras Badran near Abu Redis in South Sinai, after identifying and repairing a pipeline leak. Environmental monitoring and legal action are ongoing to assess damage and accountability.
Egypt Plans 'Qeema' Certificate to Tie Industrial Incentives to Performance
Egypt's Ministry of Industry is considering a new 'Qeema' Certificate system that would link government incentives for industrial firms to their performance, aiming to deepen local manufacturing and improve the effectiveness of Egypt's product preference policy.
Egypt aims to double oil and condensate output with $4bn refinery push
Egypt has unveiled a five-year strategy to double its crude oil and condensate production, backed by over $4bn in refinery investments. The plan seeks to modernise the sector, attract foreign investment, and reinforce Egypt's role as a regional energy hub.
Egypt's FRA suspends consumer finance firm after unauthorised school loans
Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority has suspended a consumer finance company, revoked its CEO's licence, and initiated criminal proceedings after the firm exploited parents' data to issue unauthorised loans for school fees, raising regulatory and consumer protection concerns.
Egypt, China advance pesticide production localisation and technology transfer
Egypt's Ministry of Agriculture and China's ICAMA are deepening cooperation to localise pesticide manufacturing, transfer technology, and build regulatory capacity, aiming to boost Egypt's self-sufficiency and support sustainable agricultural development.
MSMEDA and Startup Egypt sign deal to boost startup support
Egypt's MSMEDA has signed a memorandum of understanding with Startup Egypt to expand technical and financial support for startups, aiming to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem and improve access to resources for early-stage businesses.
Egyptian Industry Minister Reviews Key Manufacturing Sites in Damietta
Egypt's Industry Minister Khaled Hashem and Damietta Governor Hossam El-Din Fawzi toured major factories in Damietta, highlighting government efforts to deepen local manufacturing, support exports, and strengthen Egypt's industrial base in furniture, fertilizers, and textiles.
Egypt's Investment Risk Rating Hits Lowest Level Since 2014
Egypt's investment risk rating has dropped to its lowest point in a decade, according to Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk, as international investors respond positively to recent economic reforms and renewed private sector growth.
