AGP Executive Report

IMF Watch: The IMF has added Egypt to its Executive Board agenda for Thursday to finalize the 7th review under the EFF and the second review under the FSFF, paving the way for about $1.6bn in tranche disbursements. Energy & Trade: TotalEnergies and Eni have given the final go-ahead for the Cronos gas field off Cyprus, with gas set to flow to Egypt for LNG at Damietta before export to Europe. Tourism & Real Estate: Marriott signed a deal with Misr Italia Properties and People & Places to develop nine hospitality projects across Egypt, adding 1,500+ rooms and branded residences. Digital Travel: Egypt plans to launch a digital visa-on-arrival system at Cairo Airport from August 1. Regional Security: Jordan says it intercepted five missiles launched from Iran, as the wider Middle East remains tense. Sports (Egypt-linked): Egypt’s women’s WAFCON campaign got a rough start as Zambia thrashed Egypt 6-0, while Egypt also advanced in Zone 5 U18 qualifiers.

WAFCON Shock: Zambia thrashed Egypt 6-0 in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations opener, with Barbra Banda scoring four as the Copper Queens seized top spot in Group C. Football Rules Update: IFAB clarified VAR guidance after Breel Embolo was wrongly sent off in Switzerland’s World Cup quarterfinal vs Argentina, saying the “mistaken identity” VAR protocol wasn’t applicable in that case. Salah Transfer Drama: Besiktas has paused talks with Mohamed Salah after financial issues stalled the deal, with the club saying its offer won’t be improved. Gaza Diplomacy: Egypt urged urgent UN action for Gaza aid and faster reconstruction, while a Hamas delegation is set to meet Egyptian, Qatari and Turkish mediators in Cairo for the next ceasefire phase. Investment & Tech: GAFI is preparing to launch an Investor Complaints Platform to streamline submissions and tracking. Green Spending: Egypt implemented about EGP 215.5bn in green public investments in FY2024/25, led by green transport. AI Expansion: Konecta opened a regional HQ and a generative AI centre in New Cairo with a $100m investment plan.

WAFCON 2026 (Egypt focus): The Copper Queens kick off their campaign tonight against Egypt in Rabat, with Zambia’s coach Nora Häuptle saying all 25 players are fit and the team won’t underestimate Egypt, while captain Barbra Banda says the mood is high ahead of the Group C opener. Egypt sports spotlight: Nigeria’s Super Falcons also begin their WAFCON title defence against Malawi, with coach Justin Madugu insisting the Falcons are focused on winning their opener and not underestimating debutants. Archaeology (Egypt): Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities has uncovered a Late and Greco-Roman funerary complex in the Nile Delta at Tell Athar Quesna, including 560 faience ushabtis, Book of the Dead inscriptions, amulets, pottery linked to burial rites, and evidence of trade connections. Energy & trade (Egypt): Eni and TotalEnergies have approved the Cronos gas project off Cyprus, with gas transported to Egypt for LNG liquefaction at Damietta—expected to start production in 2028 and use existing Egyptian infrastructure. Egypt exports: Egypt shipped 165,000 tonnes of food products via 3,250 consignments in the week of July 18–24, reaching 200 countries, with England the top importer. Salah transfer saga (Egyptian): Turkish club Trabzonspor moved to shut down rumours of a preliminary deal with Mohamed Salah, with the president denying claims and pointing to earlier Besiktas talks.

Regional Security: Egypt condemned Houthi drone attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure, calling them a violation of Saudi sovereignty and urging an immediate halt to strikes on Arab states and critical routes. Gaza Diplomacy: Mediators say progress is being made to restart US-Iran talks and prevent wider conflict, while Israel approved principles for an International Stabilization Force entry into Gaza. Egypt-Africa Finance & Tech: The Central Bank of Egypt hosted Bank of Ghana delegations to exchange know-how on AI, digital transformation and cybersecurity. Economy Outlook: A report says Egypt’s Q1 growth accelerated to 5.0% y/y despite external shocks, with inflation easing and expectations for growth to edge above 5% in FY26/27. Sports & CAF: Hany Abo Rida reiterated his push to increase the number of clubs in African competitions, citing global tournament expansion and CAF coordination. Culture: A Sofia University theatre production won three awards at an Alexandria festival held at Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Heritage Discovery: Archaeologists announced a well-preserved 1,700-year-old Christian city in Egypt’s Dakhla Oasis, including a basilica and defensive structures.

Egypt–Palestine Diplomacy: Egypt welcomed Ireland’s ban on imports from Israeli settlements, reiterating rejection of illegal settlement activity and calling for an independent Palestinian state on June 4, 1967 borders. Weather Watch: The Egyptian Meteorological Authority warned of a temporary temperature drop in parts of northern Egypt and Greater Cairo, with hot, humid conditions continuing and Red Sea navigation disruption from strong winds. Sports & Society: A proposal by an Egyptian MP to replace “housewife” on the national ID with “Generation Maker” sparked debate on how women’s roles should be recognized. WAFCON Focus: The Copper Queens kick off their WAFCON 2026 campaign with a Group C opener against Egypt, aiming to start strong after past underperformance. Public Life: A 10-year-old boy was hospitalized for two weeks after “Egypt belly” reportedly led to kidney failure, with claims of E. coli infection. Economy/State Oversight: Sisi ratified a law to restructure the military-linked “Future of Egypt” economic body into a presidential authority overseeing development and commodities imports. Vodacom in Egypt: Vodacom reported strong June-quarter growth, with Egypt service revenue up 32.8% and financial services revenue up 73%. International Spotlight: FIFA chief Gianni Infantino hit back at World Cup critics, accusing them of spreading hate and false narratives.

State-Owned Enterprise Push: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly reviewed progress on reforming state-owned enterprises and Egypt’s plan to cut state ownership, aiming to boost private-sector participation and improve public asset performance. Renewables & Power Links: Egypt’s Electricity and Renewable Energy Minister Mahmoud Esmat met the UK ambassador to expand cooperation in renewables, grid upgrades, and battery storage, targeting 45% renewables by 2028. Energy Exports Boost: Egypt’s petroleum exports hit about $2.3bn in H1 2026 as refinery output and downstream capacity rose, with officials citing higher crude production. Currency & Markets: The Egyptian pound strengthened as the dollar and euro eased, while EGX30 fell 0.95% amid mixed trading and continued foreign buying. Education Deal: Egypt signed agreements with Italy to launch 100 Applied Technology Schools across specialisations from the next academic year. Regional Tensions: The US paused attacks on Iran for a second straight day as talks for an interim ceasefire continue, while shipping risks remain a concern. Football & Transfers: CAF rejected Egypt’s request to expand Champions League teams; meanwhile Mohamed Salah remains linked to a potential Besiktas move, and Celtic are pursuing Egypt winger Haissem Hassan.

Energy Update: Egypt’s crude oil production hit a two-year peak, while petroleum product exports topped 2.3 million tonnes in H1 2026, as refining output rises and new projects aim to cut import costs and boost exports. Red Sea Diplomacy: Egypt’s FM Badr Abdelatty held calls with Saudi Arabia’s Prince Faisal bin Farhan on de-escalation, stressing protection of navigation and an end to military operations amid Houthi attacks and regional tensions. Sports—Squash: Anahat Singh made history by becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship, beating Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem 3-0 and ending Egypt’s long title streak. Sports—WAFCON Build-up: Nigeria’s Super Falcons arrived in Rabat for WAFCON 2026, starting their title defence against Malawi after a camp in Casablanca. Markets: Silver prices in Egypt rose about 2% over the past week, tracking a global uptick.

Red Sea Diplomacy: Egypt’s FM Badr Abdelatty and Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed de-escalation as Red Sea tensions rise, urging an end to military operations and protection of maritime navigation. Energy & Trade: With Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb disrupted, Saudi oil exports are increasingly rerouted through Egypt’s Suez Canal—adding days, fees, and higher fuel costs. Health Screening: Egypt’s Health Ministry says it has screened over 19.4m people for four cancers and examined more than 4m pregnant women under national health initiatives. Tourism & Environment: Egypt is reviewing 41 ecotourism investment opportunities in Nabq Nature Reserve in South Sinai, including eco-lodges and visitor facilities under strict environmental standards. Industry & Investment: Bel Egypt met with Egypt’s Industry Minister to discuss expansion, local sourcing, and export performance. Heritage Restoration: The US Embassy and Egypt’s tourism authorities marked completion of the Sultan Qaitbey Mausoleum restoration in Cairo’s City of the Dead. Sports: Egypt’s Premier League is ranked among the top Arab competitions in Opta’s league-strength table, while WAFCON 2026 kicks off in Morocco with Egypt’s players among the spotlight.

Red Sea Security: Egyptian media figure Emad Adib warns that any closure of the Bab el-Mandeb strait would directly endanger Egypt’s national security and hit Suez Canal revenues, calling for Arab unity and a unified command. Shipping Risk Update: Insurance giant Gallagher advises clients to avoid Red Sea routes after a tanker it covered was struck by the Houthis, raising fears of a more permanent Middle East front. Weather Watch: The Egyptian Meteorological Authority flags very hot and humid conditions nationwide, with Greater Cairo feeling like 41C and Upper Egypt up to 44C, plus a chance of sand/dust in exposed areas. Health: Egypt’s Health Ministry, citing WHO estimates, says cancer mortality fell 23.5% and incidence dropped 17.2% from 2022 to 2024, linking liver gains to the 100 Million Healthy Lives initiative. Public Safety: The Ministry warns against counterfeit Coloverin-D packages (batch A251035), urging pharmacies and hospitals to verify sources and report suspected fakes. Culture & Lifestyle: Chinese books drew attention at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Book Fair in Alexandria, while Odoriko opened on Egypt’s North Coast and Alexandria’s Greek heritage is pitched as a local “Odyssey” trip.

EU Support for Egypt: The European Commission disbursed a second tranche under its €4bn macro-financial assistance programme, citing IMF-aligned reforms and steps toward democratic change. Digital Travel: Egypt will pilot a digital visa-on-arrival system at Cairo Airport starting Aug. 1, aiming for smoother arrivals. Energy & Trade: Reuters reports Egypt is in talks with global energy majors for a multi-year LNG supply deal, while shipping disruptions around Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb are pushing oil transport costs higher. Football & Transfers: Al Ahly confirmed a Joan Gamper Trophy friendly with Barcelona on Aug. 19, and Barcelona’s Hamza Abdelkarim scored in a pre-season friendly after triggering his permanent buy clause from Al Ahly. Sports Spotlight: FIFA says every World Cup nation has a top goalscorer, with Egypt’s Ahmed Musa listed among the record marksmen. Science in Egypt: Researchers describe a new 17–18 million-year-old ape fossil from northern Egypt, reshaping early ape evolution maps.

Middle East Security: The U.S. said it carried out its 13th straight night of strikes on Iran, as explosions were reported near a U.S. base in northern Iraq and Bahrain sounded sirens amid incoming-fire warnings. Red Sea Pressure: Yemen’s Houthis claimed attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, raising fears of a wider conflict and more strain on global shipping through Bab el-Mandeb and the Suez route. Diplomacy for Libya: Egypt’s foreign minister met the EU’s top diplomat to back efforts to restore security in Libya while stressing sovereignty and territorial integrity. Migration Watch: An IOM update says Libya’s migrant population has nearly reached one million, with major gaps in permits, healthcare access, and schooling. Regional Condemnation: Pakistan, Egypt and seven Arab-Islamic states jointly condemned Israeli escalation at Al-Aqsa, calling it a violation of international law. Egypt Sports & Talent: Egypt’s Habiba Rizk fell to top seed Anahat Singh in the World Junior Squash semis race, while WAFCON in Morocco features Egypt in Group C. Egypt Travel Tech: Egypt announced a digital visa-on-arrival system set to launch for smoother arrivals. Culture & Heritage: Iraq defended rebuilding Baghdad’s historic Black Gold Hotel after a safety assessment.

Egypt-Russia Ties: Egypt and Russia discussed new joint projects, including a logistics corridor for grain and petroleum and possible seasonal flights, as Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met Sergey Lavrov in Manila. Nile Water Watch: A water expert urged Sudan and Ethiopia to share daily GERD operating data and agree a binding deal to prevent repeated shortages and flooding. Gaza Aid Pressure: A French minister condemned a “ceasefire on paper” and pushed for fully reopening humanitarian supply routes, after delivering French medical aid via Egyptian hospitals. Red Sea Shockwaves: Houthis claimed attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, raising fears of wider conflict and sending oil prices above $100. AFCON Update: CAF confirmed AFCON 2027 will stay at 24 teams, ending speculation of expansion. Egypt Tech & Identity: Egypt announced a digital visa-on-arrival system at Cairo Airport, while Paymob and UnionPay expanded digital payments acceptance. Education & Leadership: Egypt-linked education news included appointments such as a new superintendent/principal in a Cairo-area district.

Digital Travel: Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is rolling out a digital visa-on-arrival at Cairo International Airport, starting Aug 1, 2026, with a QR code replacing paper stickers; travellers can generate it via Egypt’s official portal, mobile app, or self-service machines, and border officers will verify by scanning alongside the passport, priced at $36 total. Diplomatic Ties: The Amir of Qatar sent congratulations to President El-Sisi for Egypt’s July 23 Revolution anniversary, with Bahrain also sending official greetings. Regional Security & Trade: The Houthis claimed they attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea as the U.S. carried out another night of strikes on Iran, raising fears of fresh shipping disruption near key chokepoints. Egypt-China Relations: Chinese FM Wang Yi met Egypt’s FM Badr Abdelatty in Manila, saying China is ready to deepen cooperation with Egypt across economy, trade, military and AI. Public Health & Daily Life: An intense heatwave is straining workers and disrupting tourism and agriculture, with companies adjusting schedules and adding safeguards. Archaeology: A Nile Delta tomb with 560 funerary figurines and imported pottery from Rhodes was uncovered, pointing to Late/Greco-Roman Mediterranean trade links.

Egypt Sports Spotlight: Egypt swept the ITTF Africa Youth Championships in Accra, winning three team titles (U-15 boys, U-15 girls, and U-19 girls), including a 3-0 final rout of Nigeria. Archaeology & Heritage: Egypt’s mission at Tell Quesna in the Nile Delta uncovered a Late/Greco-Roman funerary unit with 560 ushabti figurines, Osirian-position remains, amulets, and imported pottery from Rhodes—pointing to Mediterranean trade links. Energy Deals: Cyprus signed an MoU to sell all Aphrodite gas to Egypt, with partners CHC and EGAS moving toward a final contract and a separate Host Government Agreement for offshore infrastructure. Oil & Gas Policy: Egypt’s parliament approved four oil and gas agreements, including a North Sinai project with Perenco to explore the Al-Fayrouz onshore area. Regional Shipping Risk: The US and Pakistan condemned Houthi threats to Red Sea shipping after a Saudi-linked naval blockade announcement, warning it could disrupt global trade. Football Transfer Buzz: Reports say Turkish President Erdogan personally followed Besiktas talks for Mohamed Salah, while Liverpool coach Iraola said the club still needs reinforcements, especially a winger.

North Coast Tourism Boost: Accor and Trust Contracting signed to build a new ibis North Coast Sidi Kerir hotel (200 keys), targeting a Q4 2029 opening and backing Egypt’s push to turn the North Coast into a year-round destination. Energy & Industry: Egypt is accelerating nuclear cooperation with Russia’s Rosatom for the al-Dabaa plant, aiming to cut fuel costs and diversify power supply. Water Diplomacy: Egypt’s FM warned Ethiopia against “politicizing” GERD operations, saying unilateral actions have hurt downstream water levels in Sudan. Red Sea Shipping Pressure: With Houthi threats and US-Iran tensions rising, Asian refiners are rerouting crude via the Suez Canal/SUMED pipeline as tankers change course. FIFA Rankings Spotlight: Egypt moved up in Africa after its World Cup run, overtaking Nigeria in the latest FIFA standings. Tech & Education: Egypt launched a national AI competency framework for teachers, while the US Embassy in Cairo hosted an AI forum to deepen tech partnership. Sports: Super Eagles stayed 26th globally; South Africa climbed into Africa’s top 10 after the World Cup.

Arab League Solidarity: The Arab League backed Saudi Arabia against Houthi threats, calling the rhetoric “dangerous” and urging dialogue to end Yemen’s crisis. Red Sea Shipping Risk: Yemen’s Houthis say they’ve closed Bab el-Mandeb to Saudi-linked vessels, raising fears for oil flows that already rely heavily on Egypt’s Suez route. US-Iran Truce Push: Mediators including Qatar and Egypt are racing to revive a 10-day ceasefire plan, as both sides keep escalating and shipping remains a key pressure point. Egypt-France Health Aid: Egypt received over 21 tonnes of French medical aid for hospitals treating Gaza evacuees, with Cairo and Paris also discussing expansion of universal health insurance. Handball in Cairo: The IHF confirmed the draw for the 19th Men’s Club World Championship in Cairo, with Al Ahly and Zamalek among the teams. World Cup Aftermath: Messi said the defeat “hurts” and will take time to heal, while pundits keep debating Argentina’s tactics and officiating controversies. Egypt Culture: Egypt reopened Pharaoh Amenhotep III’s tomb near Luxor after more than two decades of restoration.