CAIRO — President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi inaugurated Egypt Forum 2026 in the New Capital on Monday, launching a six-day review of whether 12 years of development spending have improved public services and living standards, as the government prepares its economic reform agenda through 2030. El-Sisi called for accurate data, open debate and constructive criticism, while Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly pledged to translate citizens’ concerns and forum recommendations into measurable government commitments.
Madbouly reported more than 61,000 online registrations, over 16,000 proposals and 17 million website views. Nearly half of registrants were aged 18–35, while more than 4,000 academics and experts joined preparatory discussions across 28 universities. Government consultations identified five leading concerns — education, inflation, healthcare, wages and pensions, and security — which officials said accounted for roughly 70% of surveyed priorities.
The discussions have also confronted questions about public spending, including whether investment in the New Capital, roads and bridges should have taken precedence over schools and hospitals.
Addressing those concerns on Tuesday, Madbouly defended plans for 39 new cities by 2050, saying 27 had been developed or were under construction. He cited New Cairo’s population of three million and 6th of October City’s two million as evidence of demand for planned urban expansion. The programme nevertheless raises questions about housing affordability, occupancy and the economic returns on infrastructure investment.
Healthcare sessions examined hospital modernisation, comprehensive health insurance and unequal access to treatment, particularly outside major urban centres. The central challenge is whether increased investment can deliver reliable care closer to patients’ homes.
Digital transformation discussions focused on integrating government databases, simplifying public services and widening access to online administration. The Cabinet’s media centre also unveiled Chat Egypt, an AI-supported platform for identifying and responding to misinformation, containing more than 21,000 information entries supplied through official channels. Its effectiveness will depend on the accuracy, transparency and accessibility of its responses.
The forum’s economic agenda covers private investment, industrial competitiveness, exports, employment, foreign-exchange resources, public debt and energy security. Officials will also discuss Egypt’s proposed economic direction beyond its current IMF-supported programme, with the challenge of turning macroeconomic stabilisation into productive growth while managing financing pressures and household costs.
El-Sisi meanwhile emphasised national stability, recalling the turmoil following 2011 and warning against misinformation and social media manipulation. He cited population growth of nearly 30 million since 2011 as a continuing strain on infrastructure and public services.
The government intends to conclude the dialogue with an action programme through 2030, including institutional responsibilities, implementation schedules and performance indicators. Its credibility will depend on whether the final proposals identify financing requirements and measurable improvements in purchasing power, healthcare, education and employment.
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