Ahmed Rostom, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, said the ministry is studying the introduction of new and advanced electronic payment instruments to expand its user base both domestically and internationally.
He explained that the move forms part of the ministry’s strategy to maximise the potential of the National Investment Bank (NIB) and its subsidiaries, including NI Capital, Ayady and Sahl, and leverage their capabilities to support the state’s development priorities and implement comprehensive economic and social development plans using the latest technologies.
The remarks came during a meeting chaired by Rostom to discuss plans to introduce and expand electronic payment instruments for public services, making them more accessible to citizens both inside and outside Egypt. The initiative also comes in line with directives issued by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and the outcomes of Egypt Forum 2026.
The meeting was attended by Osama Saleh, CEO of Ayady Investment; Dalia Mostafa, Acting Managing Director and Vice Chairperson of the National Investment Bank; and senior officials from Sahl for Electronic Payment and NI Capital. Discussions also focused on strengthening executive cooperation between Ayady and Sahl.
Rostom stressed the importance of expediting the implementation of presidential directives and recommendations issued by Egypt Forum 2026, which followed constructive discussions during which the government engaged with a distinguished group of experts and specialists.
He emphasised the ministry’s commitment to setting a clear implementation timeline and specific key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure the effective delivery of these assignments, with a direct and positive impact on the quality and efficiency of public services across various sectors.
Rostom also welcomed the outcome of the recently launched cooperation between Sahl and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates, which enables Egyptians living abroad to pay fees for public services conveniently through Sahl’s mobile application. He described the initiative as a successful example of effective institutional partnerships.
Concluding the meeting, Rostom stressed the need to immediately begin studying and developing innovative electronic payment instruments to support the state’s efforts to automate services provided to citizens, facilitate access to them, and improve the overall efficiency and transparency of government operations.
