Egypt Reshuffles Cabinet Amid Deepening Economic Pressures

Egypt’s House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a major cabinet reshuffle aimed at accelerating economic recovery, as the country grapples with years of financial strain.

The changes, endorsed by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, introduce 13 new ministers to key economic portfolios, including housing, higher education, planning, investment, and foreign trade. A new position of deputy prime minister for economic affairs has also been created to coordinate economic reforms.

Key ministries such as foreign affairs and defence remain unchanged, signaling continuity in Egypt’s core strategic positions.

The reshuffle comes against the backdrop of a strained economy, affected by a decade of spending cuts following an International Monetary Fund reform programme adopted in 2016, the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions from Russia’s war in Ukraine, and most recently, the humanitarian and economic fallout from the Israeli conflict in Gaza.

According to a statement from the presidency, the new ministers met with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly earlier on Tuesday. Under Egypt’s constitution, the president may reshuffle the cabinet after consulting with the prime minister, with parliamentary approval.

The previous cabinet reshuffle occurred in July 2024. Analysts say the current adjustments reflect Cairo’s effort to stimulate economic growth, attract investment, and address the challenges of rising inflation, public debt, and dwindling foreign reserves.