Cairo Watch 28 9 2026 Dr Mostafa Tamaam

Overview

The segment discusses Egypt’s push to attract investment and develop its mining sector, centered on the inauguration of the 5th edition of a mining forum in the New Administrative Capital.

Forum Theme and Investment Climate

Guest Dr. Mostafa Tamam frames the forum’s theme—unlocking Egypt’s exploration potential in the Arabian Nubian Shield—as part of Egypt’s broader effort to draw foreign mining companies.

President El Sisi’s Investment Commitment

Dr. Tamam interprets President El Sisi’s message as stressing that Egypt intends to provide the “optimum atmosphere” for investment, particularly by ensuring security, which he describes as a decisive factor for business.

He also notes that Egypt faces fewer regional instability risks than neighboring countries, which should help attract investors.

Key Obstacles Egypt Is Addressing

The commentary highlights two main barriers to investment:

1. Bureaucracy
2. Lack of human resources

Egypt’s government is presented as working to remove obstacles and improve conditions for investors.

Strategic Importance of Hosting an International Mining Platform

The segment portrays Egypt as using the forum to strengthen its role with African countries—many of which have major mineral resources such as gold, diamonds, and other precious stones.

Egypt is said to support African partners by helping reduce impediments that slow investment and mining development.

Mining as a Tool for Economic Diversification

Mining is described not only as a sector for extraction, but as a vehicle for broader economic diversification. Dr. Tamam argues that mining development—supported by foreign expertise—can produce positive effects across the wider economy.

From Geology to Bankable, Commercial Projects

Dr. Tamam emphasizes the importance of building a regulatory environment that supports sustained international investment, largely through:

• Upgrading human resources
• Reducing bureaucratic barriers
• Leveraging foreign companies’ experience to advance mining capabilities

Transparency and Licensing Reforms (Concessions)

When asked about reforms aimed at transparency, predictability, and efficiency, Dr. Tamam links progress to removing barriers so that major international companies are willing to participate.

He also notes that foreign firms can contribute through training and technology/experience transfer to Egyptian workers.

Building Integrated African Value Chains

Egypt is presented as increasingly focusing on African development beyond extraction—by supporting capacity building and removing obstacles—so African mineral supply chains can grow toward processing, manufacturing, and skills development.

Timing and Relevance of the Forum

Dr. Tamam argues the forum is timely because Egypt is currently prioritizing investor attraction, while mining has been comparatively neglected in earlier periods. The forum is positioned as a platform to clarify Egypt’s plans for attracting investors.

Business Update: Finance Minister Ahmed Kojak

The segment then transitions to a business update referencing Egyptian finance minister Ahmed Kojak, including that:

• Concessional financing is provided through the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency
• The ministry supports economic activity and growth while maintaining fiscal stability
• 80 billion EGP has been allocated in the current budget for programs supporting production, exports, and entrepreneurship

Presenters / Contributors

• Dr. Mostafa Tamam — Economic expert (phone guest)
• Finance Minister Ahmed Kojak — referenced in the business update
• Host / interviewer — introduced the guest and asked questions (unnamed)