MAG seeks to expand Egypt’s economic footprint across Africa
The meeting came within the framework of enhancing cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the private sector, reinforcing the role of Egyptian companies in expanding Egypt’s economic presence across Africa and supporting sustainable development goals. During the discussions, Atta highlighted the Foreign Minister’s emphasis on the private sector as a key pillar in deepening economic relations with African countries, increasing trade volumes, and attracting joint investments. Atta also stressed the importance of maximising Africa’s vast economic potential and expanding private sector participation in development and investment projects. In this context, MAG Group has successfully concluded agreements with several African countries to supply Egyptian products, including iron, cement, fertilisers, agricultural commodities, and petroleum products. Atta stressed that MAG Group’s focus on Africa reflects a strong commitment to strengthening both economic and political relations with countries across the continent.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 12, 2026 17:08 UTC
Investment minister, Swiss ambassador discuss deepening economic, investment ties
Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib met with Switzerland’s Ambassador to Cairo, Andreas Baum, and his accompanying delegation to explore ways to strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation. The meeting also reviewed recent developments in Egypt’s business climate and economic reform agenda, as well as preparations for the Egyptian-Swiss Economic Forum scheduled to be held later this month in Cairo. He noted that these measures are expected to support higher inflows of foreign direct investment and promote growth in external trade. The forum aims to showcase investment opportunities, review economic policies, and host sector-focused sessions in areas including industry, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and engineering, helping translate dialogue into tangible, implementable projects. He reaffirmed Swiss companies’ commitment to expanding their investments and strengthening partnerships with the Egyptian private sector.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 12, 2026 17:08 UTC
Egypt, Ireland discuss Palestinian technocratic committee and Gaza stability force
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called on Monday for the formation of a temporary Palestinian technocratic committee to manage daily affairs in the Gaza Strip and the establishment of an international stability force in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2803. On regional security, Abdelatty condemned Israel’s recognition of “Somaliland,” stating the move violates international law and undermines the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia. Regarding Sudan, the Egyptian minister reaffirmed support for the country’s unity and national institutions, calling for an immediate humanitarian truce and a comprehensive ceasefire. On the issue of water security, Abdelatty stressed that Egypt would take “all necessary measures” in accordance with international law to protect its water security. McEntee affirmed Ireland’s commitment to continued coordination with Egypt, noting Cairo’s vital role in maintaining regional security and stability.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 12, 2026 16:23 UTC
Romania named Guest of Honour as Egypt launches record-breaking 57th Cairo International Book Fair with 1,457 publishers
The 57th Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF) will be the largest in its history, with 1,457 participating publishing houses from 83 countries and Romania named as the Guest of Honour, Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hanno announced during a press conference on Monday. The fair, held under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, is scheduled to take place from January 21 to February 3 at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre in New Cairo. The fair has designated the late Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz as the “Fair Personality,” while artist Mohie Eddin al-Labbad has been chosen as the personality for the Children’s Book Fair. He noted that the celebration of Naguib Mahfouz will include an exhibition titled “Naguib Mahfouz Through the Eyes of the World,” featuring 40 artworks from international artists. Mohamed Rashad, President of the Arab Publishers Union, added that the Cairo fair remains the most popular in the Arab world, with the previous edition exceeding five million visitors.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 12, 2026 16:08 UTC
Death toll in Iran climbs to at least 544, US-based activist group says
The death toll in Iran has risen, according to a US-based rights group that has been tracking casualty numbers amid widespread anti-regime protests in the country. At least 544 people have been killed during the demonstrations over the past 15 days, including eight children, according to an update from the Human Rights Activist New Agency (HRANA), the news service of the organisation Human Rights Activists in Iran. HRANA provided the following breakdown of the death toll:483 protesters have been killed. CNN is unable to independently verify HRANA’s casualty numbers. Iran has been offline for more than 72 hours after authorities shut down internet access and telephone lines.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 12, 2026 13:41 UTC
A sick economy and growing poverty have fueled Iran’s protests
The Iranian economy is in free-fall, led by a stunning depreciation of its currency, the rial. Inflation and deepening poverty have fuelled the protests, which began with a strike among merchants in Tehran’s bazaar. US and UN sanctions continue to restrict access to foreign exchange and international banking, while central bank borrowing has fueled inflation. The World Bank has forecast that Iran’s GDP will shrink by 1.7 percent in 2025 and 2.8 percent in 2026. The Iranian economy is hobbled by extensive US and European sanctions, but also unaffordable subsidies, corruption and cumbersome regulation.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 12, 2026 13:37 UTC
Trump threatens Cuba, saying Rubio will be ‘your new president’
Trump Urges Cuba to Reach AgreementAs the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro continue to cast a long shadow over the global landscape, US President Donald Trump has moved to threatened Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico. This time, Trump commented on the Cuban issue, sharing a tweet from an X user who claimed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio would become president of Cuba. Trump jokingly responded on his Truth Social account, saying, “That suits me.”New US Warning to CubaIn a new warning, Trump threatened to cut off oil supplies to Cuba, saying on Truth Social: “For many years, Cuba has lived off massive amounts of oil and money from Venezuela. Cuba Responds to US ThreatsCuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez responded to Trump’s threats against his country, amid increasingly provocative US rhetoric following the attack on Venezuela and the abduction of its president. Rodríguez continued, “We will defend Cuba, and everyone who knows us understands that this is a firm, unwavering, and proven commitment.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 12, 2026 10:41 UTC
Grand Egyptian Museum opening ceremony certified carbon neutral
Egypt has received a carbon footprint verification report for the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum, paving the way for its designation as a carbon-neutral facility, officials said on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathi said the report confirmed the opening event had a low environmental impact in line with international standards, reflecting Egypt’s push to embed sustainability in tourism and cultural projects.Acting Environment Minister Manal Awad said the initiative was the first application of carbon footprint accounting for a national project in Egypt and would be replicated across other major state projects, reinforcing the country’s climate commitments under its 2030 and 2050 strategies. The museum is the first public site in Egypt to have its environmental compliance legally documented and verified under global standards, officials said, positioning it as a model for sustainable, low-emission public facilities.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 12, 2026 10:41 UTC
PM: RMG sector plays vital role in increasing exports
The textiles and ready-made garment (RMG) sector plays a vital role in boosting the national economy, increasing exports, and deepening local manufacturing, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said. The government attaches great importance to developing this strategic industry and encouraging projects that enhance value added and global competitiveness, he added during his tour of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) where he inaugurated the Wamy Fashion factory, located within the Orascom Industrial Parks development area in Ain Sokhna. The inauguration reflects the state’s continued efforts to strengthen the textile and apparel sector and support industries capable of competing in global markets, the premier said. SCZONE Chairman Walid Gamal al-Din said the zone has succeeded in attracting leading investments in the textile and garment sector, reinforcing Egypt’s industrial leadership and contributing to higher export volumes.He noted that such labor-intensive projects generate sustainable employment opportunities and support integrated supply chains and logistics services associated with the sector. Gamal al-Din added that the SCZONE continues to attract high-quality investments aimed at deepening local manufacturing, meeting domestic market needs, expanding exports to regional and international markets, enhancing the competitiveness of national industry, and reducing import dependency.The factory is built on an area of 2,559 square meters, with investments estimated at $2.5 million and an annual production capacity of 6,500 tons.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 12, 2026 10:41 UTC
Iran’s troubled regime cracks down hard as Trump ratchets up pressure
The protests initially centered on economic grievances but have since evolved into a broader movement against the regime that has controlled Iran for decades. While the regime faces mounting internal pressure from outraged protesters, US President Donald Trump has added his own voice of warning to the Iranian leadership. Trump has repeatedly expressed support for the protest movement and called for an end to Iran’s Islamist regime, which has long been adversarial to the US. “There seem to be some people killed that aren’t supposed to be killed,” Trump told reporters on Sunday evening aboard Air Force One. But any heavy-handed response to the protests could make the regime vulnerable to strong reaction from US and its allies.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 12, 2026 10:41 UTC
FM: Private sector key to expanding trade, investment ties with Africa
Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Minister Badr Abdelatty said the private sector is one of the main pillars for deepening Egypt’s economic relations with African countries, boosting trade volumes and attracting joint investments. Abdelatty made the remarks during a meeting on Sunday, January 11, 2026, with senior businessmen, private sector representatives and executives of Egyptian companies, as part of efforts to strengthen integration between economic diplomacy and the role of the private sector in supporting Egypt’s economic presence across Africa. He praised the participation of Egyptian companies in official visits to African countries, saying such engagement helps seize promising opportunities and implement investment and development projects that generate sustainable economic returns. The minister said the foreign ministry gives top priority to coordination with African governments and institutions to create a more conducive business environment for Egyptian companies. This includes removing procedural and regulatory obstacles and opening communication channels with relevant authorities to improve Egyptian companies’ access to African markets and enhance their competitiveness.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 12, 2026 10:41 UTC
Egypt prepares to attract US$40 billion annually from tourism
The Egyptian National Narrative for Comprehensive Development has revealed ambitious goals for the country’s tourism sector, aiming to increase tourism revenues to US$40.5 billion by the 2029/2030 fiscal year, RT reported on Sunday. The tourism sector witnessed a strong recovery in 2024-2025, reflecting confidence in its ability to become one of the most prominent drivers of the national economy and a major source of foreign currency. It also plan includes improving service quality, diversifying the tourism product, and focusing on high-spending tourists. Despite international projections of revenues reaching $19-20 billion by 2029, the national plan aims for higher targets by focusing on high-value tourism and increasing per capita spending, with official projections of attracting 30 million tourists annually by the end of the decade. Egypt seeks to solidify its position as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, while boosting the sector’s contribution to the GDP, creating new job opportunities, and bolstering foreign currency reserves over the next five years.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 12, 2026 08:31 UTC
Will Smith caught dancing to Ahmed Saad’s ‘Mekassarat’
World-renowned actor Will Smith posted a video on his Instagram account showing him dancing and singing along to the song “Mekassarat” by Egyptian artist Ahmed Saad. The video garnered 404,000 likes and 181,000 shares on Will Smith’s account, quickly becoming a trending topic on social media. Smith precisely imitated the dance moves from Saad’s popular song. He was accompanied in the video by Jordanian content creator Ahmed Abu Al-Rub. Saad also shared the video clip on his Instagram story.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 12, 2026 08:22 UTC
Egypt’s Madbouly inaugurates $153mln industrial projects in Suez Canal Economic Zone
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly inaugurated four major industrial projects on Sunday with total investments exceeding $153m, marking a significant expansion of manufacturing capacity in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE). The centrepiece of the visit was the inauguration of the Elite Solar technology complex, representing an investment of $116m. Madbouly noted that the solar complex supports Egypt’s 2030 vision to become a regional hub for green energy. The 20,000-square-metre facility has an annual production capacity of 60m metres of fabric and 10,000 tonnes of yarn. Ahmed Antar, chairman of Mexicano, informed the Prime Minister that 70% of the factory’s output is exported, with a specific shipment currently being prepared for Jordan.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 12, 2026 07:06 UTC
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The US carried out large-scale strikes against ISIS targets in Syria on Saturday, January 10, tied to an ongoing retaliatory campaign dubbed “Operation Hawkeye Strike.” This is a still from a video released by US Central Command on social media. US Central Command/X
Source:Egypt Independent
January 12, 2026 05:03 UTC