Egypt’s Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk said boosting domestic and dollar revenues and strengthening economic growth are priorities for reducing debt and expanding fiscal space.

 Tax revenues have grown strongly to reach 13% of GDP over two years without imposing new burdens, he said.

Speaking at the “Foreign Exchange Resources and Debt Management” session at the Egypt 2026 Forum, Kouchouk said the government is working to broaden the tax base and maximise returns from state assets and profits from companies and public authorities to bolster budget revenues.

“We have reduced the external debt of budget sector entities by around $6.5 billion over three years, meaning we have repaid more than we have borrowed,” he said.

Kouchouk said flexible debt ceilings are necessary to balance the state’s ambitions with its financing capacity.

 The government has indicative plans for the next three years to provide greater clarity and identify economic priorities, he added.

Fiscal discipline, falling inflation and lower financing costs make more resources available for human development and social protection while supporting continued debt reduction, the minister said.

Strengthening the private sector’s role would open up broader opportunities for growth and help bridge financing gaps, he added.

Kouchouk said addressing the energy sector’s challenges sustainably would support growth, help secure foreign exchange and strengthen fiscal sustainability.

 Increasing foreign exchange resources and enhancing external debt sustainability will be priorities in the period ahead.