Saleh was named the new minister for the investment and foreign trade portfolio in the cabinet reshuffle carried out in February.
Speaking at a meeting organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, Saleh said Egypt’s economy recently posted growth rates of between 5.2 percent and 5.3 percent, compared to around 2.4–2.6 percent previously.
The minister attributed part of this improvement to ongoing reforms and digital transformation that have significantly widened access to the capital market.
According to Saleh, the number of new investors entering Egypt’s capital market has surged dramatically in recent years. The market previously attracted around 20,000 new investors annually, but that figure has jumped to between 250,000 and 300,000 investors. About 180,000 new investors are expected to join the market this year alone.
Saleh said authorities are also working to establish a registry for venture capital firms and investment funds operating in the startup ecosystem, whether licensed domestically or investing in Egyptian startups, to enhance transparency and improve their ability to operate effectively in the market.
The proposed co-investment fund will support promising companies by partnering with investors in businesses with strong growth potential, particularly as emerging markets face challenges in attracting capital.
“The goal is to encourage long-term investments extending for ten years or more, rather than short-term investments linked to inflation or market fluctuations,” Saleh said.
He stressed that improving the investment environment requires more than policy announcements, noting that reforms must be implemented on the ground and accompanied by practical solutions to investor challenges.
“True reform begins with understanding the exact problems investors face and solving them step by step,” he added.
Saleh also noted that many entrepreneurs and startup founders struggle to raise capital, prompting authorities to adopt internationally recognized valuation standards rather than creating new local mechanisms that could complicate investment processes domestically and abroad.
The government is also working to activate carbon and sustainability markets in coordination with environmental authorities, which could create new investment opportunities. Carbon credit prices in voluntary markets are currently around $5, while prices in compliance markets range between $15 and $20, he said.
Capital markets and public offerings remain a cornerstone of economic growth, Saleh added, stressing the importance of enabling citizens—especially young people—to participate in investment opportunities and benefit from the expansion of listed companies.
He highlighted recent digital transformation efforts within the Financial Regulatory Authority, including electronic identification systems and digital contracts that simplify the process of joining the market.
Investors can now open accounts using NFC-enabled passports via mobile phones without being physically present. A similar technology will soon allow foreign investors to establish companies and sign official documents electronically.
Authorities are also working to shorten the time between subscription and allocation of shares in public offerings. Investors typically prefer to receive shares within two to four days after investing, rather than waiting several months, Saleh said.
On industrial development, the minister stressed that boosting exports requires strengthening Egypt’s manufacturing base by expanding financing options for factories and production facilities.
Investment funds are being developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance to support the industrial sector and increase export capacity.
Saleh noted that several global companies are increasingly viewing Egypt as a regional export hub, citing Mars Incorporated, which invested $250 million in the country, with about 90 percent of its factory output directed toward exports.
He concluded that Egypt is at a critical turning point, emphasizing that accelerating economic reforms and resolving investor challenges gradually will be key to strengthening confidence among both domestic and foreign investors.
Short link: