Egyptian military agency takes over wheat imports from long standing civilian agency

Egypt, one of the world’s largest wheat importers, has moved control of strategic food imports from the General Authority for Supply Commodities (GASC) to a military-affiliated agency, Mostakbal Misr for Sustainable Development, according to a letter seen by Reuters.

GASC, a long-standing arm of the Ministry of Supply, has overseen wheat purchases to provide subsidized bread which is a staple for 70 million Egyptians. The new agency, linked to the Egyptian Air Forces, will handle all imports, combining direct purchases with international tenders—a move aimed at efficiency but causing unease among global traders.

Under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, military-linked firms have expanded significantly, raising concerns among foreign investors. The Egyptian government defends these companies as addressing market gaps.

The Supply Ministry assured that Mostakbal Misr has the financial capacity to meet commitments. This shift has sparked speculation about potential market impacts, with some traders awaiting clarity on future processes.