In line with directives to enhance coordination among entities affiliated with the Ministry and broader state institutions involved in economic and investment affairs, the Joint Permanent Committee between the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) and the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) held its first meeting for 2026.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Mohamed Awad, GAFI CEO, and Mr. Omar Radwan, Chairman of EGX, in the presence of Mr. Yasser Abbas, GAFI Deputy CEO, and Mr. Mohamed Sabry, Vice Chairman of EGX. Dr. Mohamed Farid emphasized the importance of strengthening integration and coordination among state entities to promote investment, through creating a supportive environment, facilitating procedures, and enhancing service efficiency for investors.
He noted that cooperation between GAFI and EGX aims to streamline processes for listed companies, accelerate service delivery, and improve the overall efficiency of services provided to investors and businesses. Dr. Farid added that this cooperation also contributes to raising awareness among joint-stock companies of the benefits of transitioning into publicly listed and traded entities on the stock exchange, where such companies are eligible and their owners are willing to pursue this path.
This, in turn, supports efforts to deepen the capital market and enhance liquidity levels, which are key factors for the success of both public and private offerings. This approach is aligned with the objectives and pillars of the State Ownership Policy, which aims to strengthen the role of the private sector and increase its contribution to economic activity, thereby supporting sustainable and employment-rich economic growth.
The meeting also explored ways to enhance cooperation in facilitating procedures for listed companies, improving investor services, and developing the joint cooperation protocol to support investment promotion, capital markets, knowledge exchange, and joint training and awareness programs.
Dr. Mohamed Awad noted that the committee serves as an institutional mechanism to strengthen integration between GAFI and EGX. He highlighted that while approximately 414,000 companies have been established through GAFI, only around 260 are listed on EGX, with nearly 61,000 joint-stock companies eligible for listing—representing a significant opportunity to expand the market and deepen capital market activity.
He added that the next phase will include upgrading the cooperation protocol to align with digital transformation and enhance service integration, while supporting high-potential companies in accessing capital market financing tools. Mr. Omar Radwan emphasized the importance of continued coordination to address challenges facing listed companies and encourage more firms to benefit from listing and trading.
He also proposed launching joint training programs and workshops to enhance institutional coordination. The meeting also discussed expanding the provision of stock exchange services through the branches of GAFI's investor service centers, particularly given that these services are currently available in only three branches, which would facilitate access for companies and investors across different governorates.
Both sides agreed to launch joint awareness and promotional programs to highlight the benefits of listing and trading on the stock exchange, targeting high-potential companies, with the aim of increasing the number of listed companies and strengthening the role of the capital market in supporting economic growth.