Egypt climbed two places in Fitch’s Economic Openness Index in September 2026, ranking 49th globally, up from 51st in September 2025.

According to Fitch, Egypt’s improved ranking was driven by stronger economic and productive activity, enhanced trade and investment, fiscal and tax reforms, and progress in the country’s legal and regulatory framework.

Expanded manufacturing capacity, increased investment in logistics, and greater private-sector participation have created new opportunities in export-oriented manufacturing, energy, mining, and infrastructure.

Investment in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, together with deeper trade ties across African, Gulf, and Asian markets, has also strengthened the outlook for trade and investment. Meanwhile, efforts to improve customs efficiency and streamline procedures are expected to support trade and export growth over the medium term.

On the fiscal and tax front, the digitalization of tax services and modernization of tax administration have helped reduce compliance burdens. These measures have been accompanied by efforts to accelerate VAT refunds, simplify procedures for small and medium-sized enterprises, and revise taxes related to capital markets.

Fitch also noted that the strength of Egypt’s banking sector, alongside the growth of financial technology and financial inclusion, is improving access to finance for businesses and individuals.

In the legal and regulatory sphere, Egypt continues to digitalize government services, simplify administrative procedures, strengthen investor protection, and expand arbitration mechanisms, supporting a more stable business environment.