Cairo: Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk has announced that Egypt's 2025/2026 state budget is designed as a social vision prioritizing the needs of ordinary Egyptians over mere financial figures.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the 12th 'Citizen Budget' report highlights that the budget aims to achieve economic growth and stability, enhance the role of the private sector, and strengthen safety nets for the population.
Kouchouk emphasized the government's commitment to continuous investment in education and healthcare, viewing them as fundamental pillars for future development. The budget is said to address the needs of all citizens, including vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and young people, with specific attention to those most affected by inflation and economic pressures.
The Minister also unveiled plans for upcoming tax relief initiatives to support private businesses and stimulate economic activity. The report details a significant rise in budget allocations for subsidies, grants, and social benefits, totaling EGP 742.6 billion. These allocations include substantial spending on energy and food subsidies, social pension programs like Takaful and Karama, social housing, natural gas delivery to households, and national health insurance for students, women, and children.
Additional investments are directed towards expanding healthcare access and supporting key medical initiatives, including medicine supply and hospital infrastructure. Specifically, the budget allocates EGP 150 billion for fuel and electricity subsidies, EGP 160 billion for food subsidies, and EGP 54 billion for social pensions. Furthermore, EGP 13.6 billion is set aside for social housing, EGP 3.5 billion for household natural gas access, EGP 5.9 billion for health insurance targeting specific groups, and EGP 21.9 billion for medicines and healthcare services.
Kouchouk stated that new tax incentives will be issued to stimulate business investments, with public funds focusing on healthcare, education, and vulnerable groups. He added that spending decisions will be influenced by inflation control and the fair distribution of services and development gains.
Deputy Finance Minister Yasser Sobhi remarked that the budget reflects balanced policies aimed at fiscal stability and accelerated economic growth. He noted the state's commitment to reducing public debt and improving public spending efficiency, while the Ministry of Finance continues to implement structural reforms to enhance the business climate and boost Egypt's global investment competitiveness.
Budget transparency advisor Sara Eid highlighted Egypt's improved ranking in global indices of budget transparency and public participation. She noted the Finance Ministry's plans to deepen community engagement practices to ensure public investment decisions meet the real needs of the people. According to Eid, the goal is to develop a more inclusive, transparent, and responsive fiscal system that empowers citizens to shape development alongside government institutions.