Egypt Set To Conclude IMF Loan Review By October

Egypt’s Finance Minister, Ahmed Kouchouk, has expressed confidence in the country’s progress on meeting key benchmarks set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of its $8 billion loan agreement. Speaking on Wednesday at the London Stock Exchange, Kouchouk said he expects the next IMF review to be finalized between September and October.

The IMF had earlier announced that it would combine the fifth and sixth reviews of Egypt’s loan program. This move aims to give Egyptian authorities additional time to fulfill the economic reform commitments tied to the financial support.
“Both sides are working on the expectation that this should be happening in September or October,” Kouchouk stated. “The IMF is after certain targets—and that’s what’s important.”

A successful review, followed by approval from the IMF’s Executive Board, would unlock the next tranche of funding under the agreement, offering a financial boost to Egypt’s ongoing economic reforms.
In addition to IMF targets, Kouchouk revealed that Egypt plans to complete three to four privatization deals before the end of the current financial year, which began this month. These transactions are a key part of the IMF’s condition to expand the role of the private sector in Egypt’s economy.

Earlier this year, Egypt’s cabinet pledged to list stakes in several military-owned companies via its sovereign wealth fund. This effort is part of a broader commitment to improve transparency, reduce the state’s dominance in key sectors, and attract foreign and domestic investment.

“It will be across a lot of sectors,” said Kouchouk, noting that the government has already shared a “very strategic and visible medium-term plan” with international institutions, including the IMF.

The reform agenda, including subsidy reductions, currency flexibility, and private sector expansion, comes at a time when Egypt is navigating high inflation, a widening budget deficit, and foreign currency shortages.
While challenges remain, the government’s latest statements reflect its intent to meet reform milestones, restore investor confidence, and strengthen the country’s fiscal health.