Top 10 Trending Headlines to Check This Weekend

Updated 6/6/2025 9:00:00 AM

Arab Finance: The first week of June marked key announcements and events across Egypt’s economic landscape. Ahead of the Eid El-Adha holiday, the government rolled out the new export burdens refund program for fiscal year (FY) 2025/2026 and unveiled plans to offer stakes in 11 state-owned companies.

The 10 most viral news stories of the week are as follows:

1- El Khatib, Kouchouk outline new export burdens refund program for FY 2025/26

Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El Khatib and Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk outlined the new export burdens refund program for fiscal year (FY) 2025/2026.

2- GAFI discusses cooperation in construction sector with Saudi Arabia

The General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) received a Saudi government delegation to explore investment and partnership opportunities in the construction sector.

3- Egypt’s agricultural exports surpass 4.8M tons in 5 months

Egypt’s agricultural exports rose significantly from the beginning of this year until the end of May, exceeding 4.8 million tons, up from 4.3 million tons in the same period last year.

4- Al-Mashat reviews Egypt's economic progress with Goldman Sachs

Minister of Planning and Economic Development, and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat, held a meeting with Farouk Soussa, chief economist at Goldman Sachs, and several bank officials to review recent developments in Egypt's economy and efforts to stimulate investment and support the private sector.

5- Finance Ministry plans to offer stakes in 11 state-owned companies in FY2025/26

The Ministry of Finance announced the government’s intention to offer stakes in 11 state-owned companies during the upcoming fiscal year (FY) 2025/2026 as part of its ongoing privatization program.

6- Egypt shows early signs of economic stabilization amid global headwinds: HSBC

Simon Williams, HSBC’s chief economist for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA), and Helen Belopolsky, the bank’s global head of geopolitical risk, presented their outlook on Egypt’s economy to clients and stakeholders during a series of exclusive briefings held last week at HSBC Egypt’s Head Office.

7- Hassan Allam Construction, Metito win contract to upgrade Alexandria West Wastewater Plant

Hassan Allam Construction, a subsidiary of Hassan Allam Holding, in joint venture with Metito, has been awarded the contract to extend and upgrade the Alexandria West Wastewater Treatment Plant in West Alexandria.

8- Investment Minister discusses Apple’s expansion plans in Egypt

Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib met with Omar El-Rifai, director of government affairs at Apple for the Middle East and Pakistan, to explore investment opportunities in the Egyptian market and potential steps to strengthen the company’s local presence.

9-AMEA Power launches 500MW wind farm in Egypt

AMEA Power has successfully commissioned a 500-megawatt wind power plant in Ras Ghareb, Egypt, marking the largest operational wind farm on the African continent.

10-Egyptian startups secure $228M in funding in 5 months

Egypt’s startup ecosystem has seen significant growth in attracting venture capital and debt financing, with investments reaching $228 million from January to May 2025.