Egypt Forum Proposes Raising Minimum Wage to EGP 15,000 by 2030

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly presented a series of national development recommendations at the closing of the 2026 Egypt Forum. The six-day event, held from October 19 to 24, focused on charting the country’s economic and social priorities for the coming years.

Key Takeaways

• Wage increases: The forum recommended raising the minimum wage to EGP 15,000 by fiscal year 2029/30.
• Agricultural expansion: Planners aim to increase cultivated land to 12.5 million feddans by 2030.
• Debt reduction: The government targets a budget debt-to-GDP ratio of approximately 69.5% by June 2030.
• Job creation: Initiatives include generating 200,000 jobs in the information technology sector by 2030.
• Corporate growth: The Ministry of Planning is tasked with supporting the creation of five $1 billion companies over five years.

Economic and Wage Reforms

The forum’s roadmap outlines a significant shift in labor compensation. Beyond the headline target of a EGP 15,000 minimum wage, the proposal includes a mandate to boost average employee salaries by at least 50% by the end of fiscal year 2029/30. The plan also suggests a phased incentive program for management roles and improvements in compensation for university faculty and assistants.

Fiscal policy recommendations emphasize debt management. The forum proposed binding ceilings on external debt and sovereign guarantees. Budget allocations for public services are targeted to rise to approximately EGP 4.8 trillion.

Agricultural and Industrial Strategy

To bolster food security, the forum recommended increasing government procurement prices for strategic crops. The wheat procurement price is set to rise to EGP 2,650 per ardeb, up from EGP 2,500, while sugar beet prices in reclaimed areas are slated to increase to EGP 2,300. Additionally, a new initiative for the 2026/27 winter season will offer a 50% discount on mechanization services for small-plot wheat farmers.