Market awaits impact of 1% rate cut on savings, loans, and government debt
The credit and discount rate, as well as the main operation rate, were lowered to 19.5%. However, attention is now turning to fixed-rate savings products, where banks retain discretion over whether to amend pricing in response to the policy shift. Investors are also assessing how the rate cut could affect yields on domestic government debt instruments scheduled for auction this week, particularly in light of foreign investors’ appetite for Egyptian pound-denominated assets. The key question for the market is whether the 100-basis-point rate cut will translate into lower accepted yields at these auctions, and whether foreign portfolio investors will maintain strong participation amid evolving interest-rate differentials. The coming days are therefore expected to provide clearer signals on how quickly the monetary easing cycle will filter through to savings returns, borrowing costs, and the pricing of sovereign debt instruments.
Source:Daily News Egypt
February 14, 2026 16:51 UTC
WHO-certified Egyptian drug expertise to lead Africa’s “strategic” shift in medicine production
Local manufacturing of health products is no longer a developmental option but a “strategic necessity” to ensure African health sovereignty and security, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said on Saturday. He confirmed Egypt’s readiness to place this expertise at the continent’s disposal to unify standards and accelerate sustainable local production. Continental Health SovereigntyAbdelatty further urged African nations that have not yet ratified the treaty establishing the African Medicines Agency (AMA) to do so immediately. The minister also stressed the importance of facilitating intra-African trade in pharmaceuticals under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and COMESA frameworks to enhance industrial integration. Security and MigrationAddressing regional stability, the minister stated that sustainable peace requires a comprehensive vision linking security with development.
Source:Daily News Egypt
February 14, 2026 16:36 UTC
Planning, finance ministers coordinate on FY2026/27 investment plan, state budget
Ahmed Rostom, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, held a coordination meeting with Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Finance, to discuss preparations for the investment plan and state budget for the 2026/2027 fiscal year, underscoring the integrated approach between the two ministries. These directives place human development, improved quality of life, and enhanced public services at the forefront of spending priorities. Foremost among these is prioritising citizens’ needs by directing financial allocations towards sectors that directly affect daily life – particularly health, education, and essential public services – to ensure a concrete improvement in living standards. The objective is to maximise the return on public spending and reinforce macroeconomic stability. The two ministers stressed that the government is operating as a unified team to ensure that the 2026/2027 plan is both ambitious and realistic.
Source:Daily News Egypt
February 14, 2026 16:26 UTC
China has another solution to its shrinking population: robots
But the country is also eyeing another potential fix: robots and automation. Beijing is also betting heavily on humanoid robots, with more than 140 companies in China now developing them in a field flush with government subsidies. Recent government guidelines have called for advancing humanoid robots and AI technologies to enhance elder care, as well as developing brain-computer interfaces, exoskeleton robots and muscle suits to assist elderly citizens with declining physical functions. Another concern is the state-backed pension system, which many elderly Chinese rely on and predictions suggest could move into deficit as the population ages without more reform. Here too, the “race between technology advancement and population aging,” could have a bearing, according to Tianzeng Xu, a China analyst with the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 14, 2026 14:55 UTC
Video: Jana Diab releases her newest single ‘Maak Baghanni’
Jana Diab, daughter of superstar Amr Diab, officially released her latest single, “Maak Baghanni” (I Sing With You), after its initial release a few days prior as part of an advertising campaign for a well-known soft drink company. “Maak Baghanni” features lyrics by Tamer Hussein, with Jana writing the English verses. The music is composed by Amr Mostafa, arranged by Adel Haqqi, and mixed and mastered by Amir Mahrous. Jana appeared in the advertisement singing in both English and Arabic to Afrobeat rhythms, marking her first solo single to combine both languages. She also collaborated with her father on two duets: “Jamila” from his album “Sahran,” and “Khatafouni” from his latest album, “Ebtadeena.”
Source:Egypt Independent
February 14, 2026 14:55 UTC
Netanyahu leans on Trump ties as Israel heads toward elections
Netanyahu’s office issued a brief readout reaffirming “the close coordination and relationship” without offering much detail. Neither side has provided much detail on what was discussed in Wednesday’s meeting between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu has invited Trump to Israel’s Independence Day celebrations in May to receive the prestigious Israel Prize — the first ever awarded to a non-Israeli. With Trump, the source said, “he risks undercutting one of his central electoral assets.”On Thursday, Trump called Israel’s president “disgraceful” for not granting Netanyahu a pardon amid an ongoing corruption trial. Trump has been pressuring President Isaac Herzog for months to pardon Netanyahu, including during a high-profile speech in Israel’s Knesset last year.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 14, 2026 14:43 UTC
Cairo International Airport reigns supreme among African airports
The latest African aviation market data for January 2026 reveals the continued recovery of the continent’s air transport sector, with Egypt ranking high amongst African countries. According to data from OAG – Schedules Analyser, a company specializing in analyzing airline schedules globally, the Cairo International Airport recorded the largest international flight seat capacity among African countries, driven by increased travel demand and the expansion of air connectivity networks between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. According to the report, the top ten African airports by seat capacity as of January 2026 were:Cairo International Airport – EgyptAddis Ababa Airport – EthiopiaJohannesburg Airport (OR Tambo) – South AfricaCasablanca Airport – MoroccoCape Town Airport – South AfricaLagos Airport – NigeriaMarrakech Airport – MoroccoAlgiers Airport – AlgeriaNairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport – KenyaHurghada Airport – EgyptFastest Growing AirportsPerformance data showed that Moroccan airports achieved the fastest growth rates among the largest African airports. Casablanca Airport’s seat capacity increased by 18.1 percent. while Marrakech Airport recorded growth of 17.5 percent between January 2025 and January 2026, supported by the recovery of international tourism and increased air connectivity.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 14, 2026 14:28 UTC
Steve Bannon courted Epstein in his efforts to ‘take down’ Pope Francis
“Will take down (Pope) Francis,” Bannon wrote to Epstein in June 2019. The recently released DOJ files reveal Bannon messaged Epstein on several occasions in his efforts to undermine the late pope. He told CNN that he thinks Bannon wanted to “instrumentalize” the book in his efforts against Pope Francis. House Oversight Committee Democrats/Handout/ReutersThe Epstein files show Epstein, on April 1, 2019, emailed himself “in the closet of the vatican,” and later sent Bannon an article titled “Pope Francis or Steve Bannon? “I think he badly misjudged the nature of the book – and Pope Francis,” Ivereigh told CNN.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 14, 2026 14:26 UTC
EgyptAir announces 30% discount on international flights for Valentine’s Day
EgyptAir, the Egyptian national carrier, announced a special Valentine’s Day promotion offering a 30 percent discount on all its international flights. Travel Period: Passengers can begin their trips from February 13th onwards, providing greater flexibility in holiday planning. Passengers can begin their trips from February 13th onwards, providing greater flexibility in holiday planning. Eligible Destinations: The discount applies to all international destinations within EgyptAir’s extensive network. This step by EgyptAir comes as part of its efforts to boost international travel and stimulate tourism by offering affordable travel options that allow passengers to explore new destinations and create unforgettable memories during this special occasion.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 14, 2026 13:12 UTC
What will Epstein accountability look like?
Laura Cavanaugh/Getty ImagesJust being in the Epstein files is not evidence of wrongdoingBoth Trump and Clinton deny any wrongdoing with regard to Epstein, and simply appearing in the Epstein files, as both men repeatedly do, is not evidence of any kind of wrongdoing. Whenever someone is mentioned in the files, you’re likely to see a disclaimer like that: Simply appearing in the Epstein files is not an indication of inappropriate or illegal behavior. She was long known to have communicated with Epstein, but the recently released documents showed her to be closely advising Epstein long after he was a convicted sex offender. Kathy Ruemmler is seen in a picture included in the January 30, 2026, release of Jeffrey Epstein files by the Department of Justice. As we all know now, he was a terrible person and someone I deeply regret associating with.”Universities are respondingThe Epstein files have rippled through the scientific and university communities.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 14, 2026 13:12 UTC
14 injured in microbus overturn on Ain Sokhna road
A major road accident occurred Friday on the Ain Sokhna highway in the Suez Governorate, leaving 14 passengers injured after a microbus overturned. The Suez Security Directorate received an urgent report Friday morning regarding the incident. In response, a fleet of ambulances was immediately dispatched to the site to provide on-site medical stabilization and transport the victims to the nearest hospital for urgent care. Initial onsite inspections confirmed that the microbus lost control and overturned, resulting in 14 injuries of varying severity. Competent authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the exact circumstances and technical causes behind the crash.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 13, 2026 12:52 UTC
Cairo Metro extends operating hours for Ramadan 2026
The Ministry of Transport has extended operating hours for the Cairo Metro starting Thursday, February 19 aiming to accommodate the shift in passenger traffic during Ramadan 2026. Cairo Metro operating hoursLine 1 (Helwan – New Marg)First Train: 5:15 AM from Helwan and New Marg. Line 2 (Shubra El Kheima – El Mounib)First train: 5:15 AM from Shubra El Kheima and El Mounib. Adly Mansour ↔ Rod El Farag Corridor First train from Adly Mansour: 5:20 AM. Cairo University Station (Lines 2 & 3): Last transfer at 12:15 AM.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 13, 2026 12:52 UTC
Israel closes Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings for weekend
Israeli occupation authorities closed the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings on Friday, citing the weekend holiday. An official source in North Sinai stated that the closure of the Rafah crossing has resulted in a halt of Palestinian movement between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. Of those, 65 Palestinians departed Egypt for the Gaza Strip after completing their medical treatment in Egyptian hospitals. Meanwhile, 43 individuals arrived in Egypt from the Strip, including 19 wounded and ill patients accompanied by 24 companions. The patients were transferred to the UAE hospital ship, El Arish General Hospital in North Sinai, and El Obour Hospital in Cairo.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 13, 2026 12:52 UTC
EgyptAir becomes first North African carrier to operate Airbus A350-900
EgyptAir has marked a significant strategic milestone in its fleet modernization and operational enhancement program with the official induction of its first Airbus A350-900. This landmark delivery makes EgyptAir the first airline in North Africa to operate this advanced aircraft model. Expanding long-haul capabilitiesThis aircraft is the first of 16 A350-900s ordered as part of a major agreement with Airbus. Next-generation technology and efficiencyThe Airbus A350-900 stands as one of the world’s most efficient aircraft, utilizing cutting-edge aerodynamics and next-generation Rolls-Royce engines. Future outlook and 2025 achievementsLooking ahead, EgyptAir aims to add 34 new aircraft to its fleet by 2031, including the remaining A350-900s and 18 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 13, 2026 12:52 UTC
10 hospital staff face criminal trial over 75 cases of vision loss in Egypt
The Public Prosecution has ordered the referral of ten doctors, officials, and staff members from the 6th of October Health Insurance Hospital to criminal trial. The defendants are charged with medical negligence leading to permanent disabilities for 75 patients. This resulted in endophthalmitis—a severe inflammation of the interior of the eye—leading to acute vision deterioration. In several cases, the complications escalated to total vision loss or the surgical removal of the eye’s contents, both of which are legally classified as permanent disabilities. The findings highlighted gross negligence and significant technical and administrative failures within the hospital’s sterilization systems and protocols.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 13, 2026 12:14 UTC