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Hey friends,

While Egypt has just shaken off a literal rainstorm, the government is rolling out energy-saving measures to weather an economic storm sparked by the regional conflict in the Middle East.

Much more on that below, so let’s dive in.

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• Energy crunch measures ⚡

• Egyptian businesswomen 👩‍💼

• Egypt FM seeks regional de-escalation 🕊️

• Train and metro ticket prices hiked 🚇

ECONOMY | ENERGY | POWER CUTS
EGYPT ROLLS OUT ENERGY CRUNCH MEASURES AMID SURGING COSTS DRIVEN BY IRAN WAR

Egypt is rolling out sweeping austerity measures to preserve energy as the Iran war triggers a surge in global prices — doubling its fuel import bill and putting pressure on public finances. 

Staying home, closing early: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced a coordinated plan to cut energy consumption across the country, including slowing down fuel-intensive mega-projects for two months, reducing government fuel use by 30 percent, closing commercial areas by 9 PM, and enforcing work-from-home policies for public employees. 

The reasoning behind the crunch: These steps come as Egypt’s monthly petroleum import bill jumped from roughly USD 1.2 billion in January to $2.5 billion in March, driven by disruptions to oil and gas flows and rising global prices tied to the conflict. 

Officials say the measures are temporary but warn that more restrictions could follow if the war drags on, with Egypt, a major energy importer, particularly exposed to external shocks. 

WOMEN'S MONTH: HOW FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS AND BUSINESS LEADERS BOOST GROWTH

When they say the future is female, it really shows in Egypt’s entrepreneurial scene. Egyptian women are driving a wave of entrepreneurship, reshaping both small and large industries. A study published by Mastercard in 2025 found that 38 percent of women in Egypt already identify as entrepreneurs, while 77 percent have considered starting or running their own business. 

Driven by goals that include earning more money (60 percent), saving for specific ambitions (52 percent), and achieving financial independence (45 percent), Egypt's women are gradually closing the gender gap in business leadership.​

Optimism is high: The study highlights that 98 percent of Egyptian women business owners expect to see revenue growth over the next five years, outpacing the optimism found in any other Middle Eastern or African market. Much of this rise is powered by Gen Z women, where 83 percent express entrepreneurial aspirations, and more than half are already participating in side businesses or "side hustles" for extra income.​

Barriers remain, but the landscape is changing: While women now have unprecedented access to markets and technology, key challenges still hold many back. The top two hurdles are the risk of failure (30 percent) and accessing startup capital (25 percent), with women more likely than men to highlight a lack of confidence as a personal barrier. Other reported obstacles include difficulty assessing digital infrastructure (for 37 percent), finding funding (35 percent), and choosing the right technology (one-third). Social and cultural norms, especially in rural areas, further limit access to training, decision-making networks, and essential resources.​

Training, digital know-how, and peer networks move women forward: Surveyed female founders said greater access to business plan training (38 percent), AI tools (34 percent), and a business partner or mentor (33 percent) would build their confidence as entrepreneurs. And access to training, digital tools, and mentorship isn’t just a statistic — it’s transforming real businesses and, under the right platforms, empower women.

Stories from the field: Valu, Egypt’s leading fintech player, is doing more than just boosting brands online — it’s actively backing women-led businesses where it matters most: on the ground. From MITCHA, Egypt’s first fashion e-commerce platform founded by Hilda Louca, to Esorus, an online platform connecting interior designers with suppliers founded by Dalia Laz, to The Hair Addict, the homegrown natural hair care brand by Doaa Gawish — these are more than just brands. They’re proof that women mean business, and that Valu intends to empower them and many other female-led businesses.

Each founder tapped into Valu’s flexible payment solutions and merchant financing to reinvest in their businesses — proving that access to the right financial tools, paired with a partner focused on empowerment and inclusion, can directly accelerate growth for women-led ventures.

That impact came to life at Cairo Design Week 2024, where Valu teamed up with Esorus on a gamified activation. Participants moved through interactive spaces, unlocking insights into Valu’s offerings — all designed to help designers confidently offer flexible payment plans to clients, close more deals, and scale faster.

Valu’s support for local businesses goes even further through products like Valu Business and Shop’IT, equipping businesses with the tools and financing solutions they need to grow, scale, and reach new customers.

As more women step into entrepreneurship and leadership, they’re fueling innovation and driving the economy forward. With the right training, networks, and financing, these women business leaders are breaking barriers and shaping a more inclusive, dynamic future for Egypt.

WAR DIPLOMACY | MIDDLE EAST | US-ISRAEL IRAN WAR
EGYPT JOINS PAKISTAN, SAUDI, TURKEY IN ISLAMABAD TO PUSH IRAN WAR CEASEFIRE

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty joined Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey in high-level talks in Islamabad as part of a coordinated regional push to de-escalate the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. 

The top diplomats from the four countries gathered for emergency consultations aimed at reducing tensions and opening pathways for dialogue between Iran and its adversaries.  The talks focused on promoting restraint, encouraging negotiations, and preventing further escalation as the conflict spreads across the region. 

Mediation effort: Pakistan is positioning itself as a key mediator, hosting the talks and facilitating communication between regional powers and global actors involved in the conflict. With the war threatening regional stability, energy routes, and global markets, this joint initiative reflects growing urgency among major Muslim and regional powers to secure a ceasefire and avoid a wider Middle East conflict. 

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METRO | TRAIN | TRANSPORTATION
EGYPT RAISES TRAIN AND METRO TICKET PRICES

Egypt has increased ticket prices for trains and the Cairo Metro, with the new fares taking effect immediately as part of broader efforts to manage rising operating costs.

What’s new: Ticket prices across multiple transport services have been adjusted, with metro fares increasing based on distance zones and railway ticket prices rising for both regular and air-conditioned trains. The changes affect millions of daily commuters.

Why the hike: Authorities say the increases are necessary to cover higher fuel, maintenance, and operational costs, especially amid ongoing economic pressures and rising global energy prices. The move aligns with wider government efforts to reduce subsidies and stabilize public finances.

The fare adjustments come alongside recent increases in fuel prices and other cost-of-living measures, reflecting the government’s ongoing economic reform program supported by international lenders. Public transport is a daily necessity for millions of Egyptians, meaning even small fare increases can have a noticeable impact on household budgets.