Egypt’s pharmaceutical sector and public health landscape are gaining international recognition, following a new report by Fitch Ratings praising the country’s far-reaching reforms and strategic investments. Released in August 2025, the report highlights Egypt’s emergence as a regional leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing, bolstered by robust regulatory modernization and measurable improvements in public health indicators.
In an official statement, Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population welcomed the report, noting that the findings affirm the country’s “strategic trajectory toward sustainable healthcare development and industrial resilience.”
Regulatory Reforms Driving Market Growth
Fitch identified broad economic reforms and targeted regulatory shifts as key enablers of Egypt’s transformation into a magnet for pharmaceutical investment. Chief among these reforms is the drastic reduction in drug registration times—from 3–5 years to just two to six months—a move that has accelerated market entry for multinational drug manufacturers and increased the volume of registration applications.
These improvements, Fitch noted, have created a more transparent and predictable regulatory environment, instilling long-term confidence among global investors.
The report also underscores Egypt’s growing emphasis on local drug production and technology transfer, despite ongoing global challenges related to R&D investment. In 2024 alone, Egypt signed three financing agreements with the European Union totaling €36 million to support vaccine manufacturing and bolster research capacity.
Fitch further commended Egypt’s legal framework for clinical trials, particularly Law No. 214 of 2020 and its executive regulations, which are designed to uphold ethical oversight and protect trial participants—strengthening Egypt’s appeal as a clinical research destination.
Tangible Public Health Gains
Fitch’s analysis extends beyond industry dynamics, recognizing the significant strides Egypt has made in population health outcomes. The report notes a consistent decline in communicable diseases, with the World Health Organization confirming Egypt as free of malaria, measles, and rubella. Egypt has also made rapid progress toward eliminating hepatitis B and C, a long-standing public health burden.
In October 2023, Egypt became the first country globally to achieve WHO’s “Gold Tier” status for its hepatitis C elimination program, reflecting its comprehensive approach to testing, treatment, and prevention.
Efforts to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were also highlighted, particularly initiatives targeting early detection and treatment of diabetes. The Ministry of Health has deployed over 3,000 HbA1c diagnostic devices to primary care centers and implemented the WHO-endorsed STEPwise survey methodology to enhance data collection and treatment protocols.
Fertility rates, a key demographic indicator, have also declined—from 3.44 births per woman in 2015 to 2.10 in 2023—a shift attributed to expanded reproductive health services, rising female education levels, and increased labor force participation among women.
Strengthening Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Egypt’s flagship initiative, the Presidential Women’s Health Campaign launched in 2019, has logged over 60 million medical visits to date, significantly improving early detection of breast and cervical cancers. As a result, the percentage of late-stage (stage III and IV) cancer diagnoses has dropped by 58.9%, down to 29%.
Government funding for oncology treatment has doubled from EGP 1.8 billion in FY2020/21 to EGP 3.6 billion in FY2023/24, alongside continued investment in specialized cancer care infrastructure.
HIV/AIDS Control and Healthcare Sustainability
Fitch also reported low HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in Egypt relative to regional averages, crediting a stable and fully subsidized antiretroviral treatment program. The Ministry has ensured uninterrupted drug availability across a wide national network of clinics for the past six years—underscoring the resilience of Egypt’s healthcare supply chain.
A Roadmap for Regional Health Leadership
Collectively, these reforms and health outcomes signal Egypt’s rising status as a healthcare and pharmaceutical hub in the MENA region. Fitch’s positive assessment not only supports Egypt’s international investment appeal but also validates the government’s holistic approach to healthcare as a driver of economic and social development.
“Fitch’s recognition is a testament to the vision behind our health sector reform strategy—balancing accessibility, innovation, and sustainability,” the Ministry of Health stated.
With continued support from international partners and a clear national roadmap, Egypt appears well-positioned to anchor regional efforts in health security, pharmaceutical innovation, and disease eradication in the years ahead.
