Arab Finance: The Egyptian Exchange (EGX) will fully exempt the first 20 eligible companies seeking an initial listing on its small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) market from administrative service fees, provided they complete the required listing documents by September 30, as per a statement.
EGX Chairman Omar Radwan issued an executive decision setting the exemption’s conditions under the cooperation protocol between the EGX and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA).
The measure implements a decision adopted by the EGX’s board of directors on July 8, 2026. To qualify, applicants must be among the companies nominated by MSMEDA under the two entities’ existing partnership.
The exemption covers administrative fees for examining and reviewing listing applications, adding securities to the EGX’s schedules, and publishing financial statements. It remains subject to the Capital Market Law No. 95 of 1992, its executive regulations, and related decisions.
Eligible companies must also submit three-year business plans approved by their nominated adviser or a financial adviser accredited by the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA). The plans must detail their expansion, capital increase, and projected profit targets.
Radwan said the incentive, introduced in line with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly’s directives, seeks to reduce the financial burden on promising companies and encourage them to list on the EGX.
He added that listing could help participating companies implement their expansion plans, strengthen their growth and competitiveness, attract investment, and gain access to more diverse financing sources through the capital market.
The measure forms part of the EGX’s efforts to develop its SME market, expand the number of listed companies, and strengthen the capital market’s contribution to the Egyptian economy.
Alongside the fee exemption, MSMEDA will provide financing under its applicable rules to companies whose financial statements are audited by auditors registered with the FRA or the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE).
MSMEDA CEO Mostafa Hassan said the agency would continue working with the EGX to encourage more SMEs to list, promote financial literacy, and simplify listing procedures.
He added that several companies had already expressed interest in listing and were receiving support to help them meet the requirements. MSMEDA’s financing arrangements are intended to ensure that pursuing an EGX listing does not affect eligible companies’ access to funding from the agency.
The EGX’s disclosure sector will monitor beneficiary companies’ implementation of their three-year plans and assess their progress toward their stated targets. The decision also permits the exemption to be extended for additional periods based on an evaluation of its results and the extent to which its objectives are achieved.
