Europe steps up support for Egypt’s private sector with $80m fund stake

The European Investment Bank (EIB), through its development arm EIB Global, has committed $80 million to RMBV North Africa Fund III, reinforcing European support for private sector development in North Africa with Egypt at the centre of the strategy.

The agreement was signed in Cairo in the presence of Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, alongside EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti and Ahmed Badreldin, Managing Partner at RMBV.

New fund to boost Egypt’s private sector

RMBV North Africa Fund III is structured to provide growth capital and hands-on strategic support to local companies operating in high-growth sectors such as consumer goods and services, healthcare and education. By backing scalable enterprises, the fund aims to unlock new growth opportunities in Egypt while encouraging regional expansion and deeper economic ties with Europe.

Managed by RMBV, the fund’s approach extends beyond financing to include strengthening corporate governance, accelerating digital transformation and improving environmental standards across portfolio companies. It is also intended to stimulate innovation and competitiveness while supporting closer trade and industrial cooperation between Egyptian and European businesses.

Vigliotti said Egypt is a key strategic partner for the European Union, noting that private equity plays an important role in empowering the private sector and building balanced, mutually beneficial partnerships between European and Egyptian firms.

Al-Mashat described the investment as a significant step in strengthening cooperation between Egypt and the EIB, adding that it reflects growing confidence in Egypt’s economy and supports the government’s vision of positioning the private sector as a central engine of development and regional integration.

Badreldin welcomed the EIB as an anchor investor, saying the commitment would help drive job creation, support high-quality local businesses and strengthen value chains, while expanding cooperation with European suppliers and technology providers.

The investment aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway and Team Europe frameworks. In line with EIB Global’s inclusive investment strategy, at least 30 per cent of the fund’s portfolio will be allocated to advancing gender equality through support for women-led enterprises and inclusive employment practices.