Egypt’s Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) has issued a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern government insurance funds, establishing an integrated system of oversight to ensure financial sustainability and protect the rights of approximately 30 million beneficiaries. Under the framework, government insurance funds must be established by a decree from the Prime Minister following a proposal from the FRA’s Board. The FRA has been granted broad powers to intervene in cases of violations or risks that threaten a fund’s financial position. Existing government insurance funds have been given a one-year deadline to bring their operations into compliance with the new regulations. Government insurance funds in Egypt are distinct from the national social insurance and pension systems.

Egypt’s exports of chemical products and fertilizers recorded strong growth in 2025, surpassing $9.4bn, according to official data released by the Export Council for Chemical Industries and Fertilizers. This positive performance reflects sustained external demand for Egyptian chemical and fertilizer products, alongside improved performance across several key product groups, particularly fertilizers, basic chemicals, and intermediate chemical products. The growth further strengthens the sector’s contribution to Egypt’s non-oil exports. Khaled Abou El Makarem, Chairman of the Export Council for Chemical Industries and Fertilizers, said that the 2025 performance reflects the continuous efforts made in cooperation with member companies and relevant stakeholders to boost exports. The council reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of the chemical and fertilizers sector and increasing its contribution to Egypt’s export revenues, in line with the state’s goals for sustainable economic growth and stronger industrial exports.

Prominent businessman Hisham Talaat Moustafa, CEO and Managing Director of Talaat Moustafa Group Holding (TMG),affirmed that real estate prices in Egypt are unlikely to decline in the near future, stressing that the pricing of residential units is directly tied to the actual cost of land and construction materials rather than speculation or inflated profit margins. Speaking in a phone interview on Al Hekaya TV program, Talaat Moustafa explained that current prices maintain only a modest profit margin for developers, making price reductions unfeasible, particularly given the ongoing rise in construction and execution costs. Regarding ready-to-deliver units, Talaat Moustafa confirmed that prices are not expected to drop, pointing out that the alternative for buyers would involve higher costs, thereby preserving the market value of existing units. He emphasized that purchasing ready units in cash without interest charges presents a valuable investment opportunity, as such prices are unlikely to be repeated due to rising costs. Talaat Moustafa dismissed any claims of a slowdown in the resale market, citing rising rates of unit transfers within his company as evidence of sustained demand.

Egypt’s upcoming legislative agenda will prioritise a series of laws aimed at regulating the real estate sector and addressing gaps in the current legal framework, according to Amin Masoud, Member of Parliament and Deputy Chair of the Housing Committee. Speaking at the Association of Real Estate Developers (arD) summit, Masoud disclosed that the Housing Committee is actively reviewing the Occupants Union Law to strengthen market discipline. The legislator highlighted the real estate industry as a primary driver of national economic growth, noting that approximately 60% of related industries and activities are tied to the sector. To enhance state revenues and market competitiveness, Masoud advocated for the promotion of real estate exports. The deputy chair stressed the importance of professional bodies, such as the Real Estate Developers Association, in proposing new legislation and collaborating with the government to implement practical solutions for the sector.

Gates Developments has completed the delivery of its Gates Privé residential project in Sheikh Zayed one year ahead of its contractual deadline, the company announced during a site visit for journalists. Hassan Nasr, CEO of Gates Developments, said the milestone was driven by the company’s wholly owned construction arm, Gates Con, which allowed for tighter quality control and accelerated timelines across all phases. Construction at the Privé Mall has reached nearly 60% completion, with delivery scheduled for the end of 2026. Progress was also noted at the Space Commercial Complex in Sheikh Zayed. Gates Developments is targeting the delivery of 972 units in 2026 and plans to launch two new projects in Sheikh Zayed, covering 70 feddans and 23 feddans respectively.

The Official Egyptian Real Estate Platform has been established as the state’s primary gateway for exporting property to global markets and digitising the sector’s transactions, according to Ahmed Elbatrawy, the platform’s founder and chairperson. Speaking at the inaugural Association of Real Estate Developers (arD) conference, titled “Developers Summit: Leadership in Construction and Responsibility in Development,” Elbatrawy described the platform as a strategic tool for serious developers to enhance transparency and regulate the market. “The platform represents the future of digital real estate transactions in Egypt,” Elbatrawy said. In addition to transaction management, the platform provides analytical tools to help developers understand market dynamics and make informed investment decisions. Elbatrawy emphasised that developer participation is essential for enhancing market transparency and positioning Egypt’s property market prominently on the global stage.

Al Emarat Development has launched First Plaza Mall in west Cairo, marking the company’s entry into the Egyptian real estate market, Chairperson Abdallah El-Menshawy announced on Sunday. The commercial project is being developed in collaboration with Hafez Consultants as design consultant and KAD Commercial Property Management for operations. The development spans approximately 5,000 square metres on Lotus Street at the main entrance of Touristic Area (A) in Hadayek October. Ismail El-Menshawy, Managing Director of Al Emarat Development, said the mall will feature a mix of commercial, administrative, and medical units. Sales Director Sobhy Adel confirmed that commercial units start from 25 square metres, while administrative and medical units begin at 40 square metres.

Wealth Holding has launched Citra Residence in New Sheikh Zayed City, marking the company’s first residential development in West Cairo with a total investment of EGP 10bn. The project was officially unveiled by Soheir Karim, Non-Executive Chairperson of Wealth Holding, as part of the firm’s 2026 expansion strategy. Mohamed Mamdouh, CEO and Managing Director of Wealth Holding, stated that Citra Residence is being developed in four sales phases to meet rising demand in the region. Approximately 85% of the total land area is dedicated to green spaces and landscaping, according to Ahmed Samir El-Dessouky, Chief Commercial Officer at Wealth Holding. Unit prices at Citra Residence start from EGP 12m, with the company offering flexible payment plans extending up to 10 years.

Hassan Allam Properties plans to execute new projects worth EGP 14bn during 2026 and will launch a dedicated hospitality brand to manage its expanding hotel portfolio, Vice Chairperson and CEO Mohamed Allam said. The company is diversifying its operations beyond residential developments into hospitality, sports, and education through partnerships with local and international entities. The new hospitality brand will manage the firm’s own hotel projects as well as third-party developments, Allam revealed. Hassan Allam Properties currently has four hotels under development in New Cairo, 6th of October City, and the North Coast. Mostakbal City remains a primary focus for the company’s investments, having served as a foundation for its current diversified project portfolio, Allam added.

Spinneys Egypt has officially opened its newest store at The Gray mall in First Settlement, New Cairo, marking another milestone in the company’s ambitious expansion strategy. The new store, located next to Ahl Masr Hospital, spans 1,400 square meters and represents an investment of approximately EGP 80 million. This opening brings Spinneys’ nationwide presence to 35 stores across 11 governorates, including five in New Cairo, reinforcing the company’s position as the second-largest international retailer in Egypt. “This new store reflects our long-term commitment to Egypt and our belief in the resilience of the local retail market,” said Mohanad Adly, CEO of Spinneys Egypt. This opening marks Spinneys’ first new store in 2026, with plans to launch eight additional stores before the end of the year, expanding the company’s nationwide network to 43 branches by year-end.

“High operating temperatures, dust deposition and inconsistent policy frameworks remain the most persistent barriers to PV performance in Sub-Saharan Africa,” the authors wrote . The review notes that crystalline silicon modules — the most widely used PV technology — can suffer 15–20% efficiency losses under such heat stress due to declining voltage output. Sub-Saharan Africa receives less than 2% of global renewable energy investment, despite having some of the world’s highest solar potential, the researchers noted. Around 600 million people in the region still lack access to electricity, making solar power a critical development tool — but one that requires stronger governance and support systems. The review concludes that solar power remains essential for Africa’s energy transition, but its long-term success will depend on combining technology adaptation with stronger investment and regulatory coordination.

The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt began a trial phase on Sunday ahead of its planned reopening that will allow a limited number of Palestinians to leave the war-torn enclave and completing the first phase of the US-brokered ceasefire plan. Ali Shaath, the head of the Palestinian technocratic committee that is supposed to run Gaza, said on social media that the crossing will open in both directions on Monday. An Israeli security official told CNN that 150 Palestinians a day will be allowed to leave Gaza, but only 50 will be allowed to enter. The full reopening of the Rafah crossing was part of the first phase of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement that went into effect in mid-October. But Israel refused to open the crossing until the return of all of the living and deceased hostages.

Though Baloch separatists and the Pakistani Taliban frequently target security forces in Balochistan and elsewhere in the country, coordinated attacks on this scale are rare. They came a day after the military said security forces this week raided two militant hideouts in the country’s southwest, killing 41 insurgents in separate gunbattles. A person stands amid the damage at a site, after militant attacks, in Quetta, Pakistan on February 1, 2026. Pakistan has repeatedly said that Baloch separatists, the Pakistani Taliban and other militants are using Afghan soil to launch attacks inside Pakistan. Baloch separatist groups and the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, have intensified attacks in Pakistan in recent months.

“Water comes once every three days, and even then, you only get clean water for an hour,” the father of three told CNN on Monday. Esha Mitra/CNNIn this city of 20 million people, the Delhi Water Board said last Thursday that 43 neighborhoods – home to about two million people – had been affected by water shortages. However, earlier this week, some residents told CNN they still didn’t have a reliable supply. The Yamuna River flows south from a glacier in the Himalayas for 855 miles (1,376 kilometers) through several Indian states. Esha Mitra/CNNThe pungent fumes from the foam engulfed the air as activists waded through the toxic water.

Civil defense forces in Giza successfully contained a fire that broke out in the basement of a well-known mall in Sheikh Zayed City on Saturday. Cooling operations were carried out to ensure the fire did not reignite, and a team from the Public Prosecution Office inspected the scene. A technical committee comprised of representatives from the Sheikh Zayed City Authority and the Civil Protection Department was formed to verify the mall had been complying occupational safety and health requirements. It also checked the availability of Civil Protection permits within the basement, and secured CCTV footage from the area surrounding the fire to determine if there was any criminal intent. The Public Prosecution Office also requested to hear statements from the administrative security personnel and maintenance staff at the shopping center regarding the fire.