The International Finance Corporation (IFC) said it is deepening its advisory engagement with the Egyptian government on the country’s initial public offering (IPO) program and broader asset monetization strategy, alongside expanding its work on public-private partnership (PPP) projects in infrastructure.

Cheick-Oumar Sylla, IFC Regional Director for North Africa and the Horn of Africa, said the institution is serving as a strategic advisor to the government on the asset monetization program, marking its first major engagement under the initiative.

He noted that IFC has reviewed a portfolio of 11 airports as part of efforts to expand private sector participation in infrastructure through PPP frameworks.

Sylla added that work is currently advancing on a pilot project involving Hurghada Airport, which is progressing through early stages, with the formal bidding process expected to be launched in the coming months.

He said IFC is also working with the government to identify additional opportunities for PPP expansion across other sectors beyond airports, in line with Egypt’s broader privatization strategy.

For his part, IFC Vice President for Africa Ethiopis Tafara said the institution is engaged in discussions with the Egyptian government on supporting the IPO program, particularly state-owned enterprises earmarked for privatization.

Tafara said IFC is leveraging its global expertise in equitization and PPP structuring to support government efforts aimed at increasing private sector participation in state assets.

He added that IFC combines advisory services with financing tools to design frameworks that attract private investment and improve efficiency in public assets.

He also highlighted IFC’s experience in similar privatization programs globally, which is being applied in support of Egypt’s ongoing economic reform agenda.

The remarks were made during a conference marking 50 years of partnership between Egypt and IFC.