Compass managing partner discusses private equity role in Egyptian market

Abdel Rahman shared industry expertise on the different types of financing available to Egyptian companies and the role of private equity players in Egypt, both now and in the medium and long term. “The Egyptian market continues to be dominated by bank debt to fund companies, with leasing, private equity, and IPOs playing a smaller role. However it is noteworthy that the last two IPOs executed on the EGX, Fawry and Rameda, both involved companies backed by private equity players.” said Abdel Rahman.

“Reducing interest rates, concluding more IPOs, and further investments from pension funds are crucial to promoting the recovery of stock market liquidity levels,” added Abdel Rahman. “Investment rates from pension funds in Egypt represent only 2%, well below the global rate of 20% and the US rate of 49%.”

The panel also discussed assessing target investments, upcoming trends in NBFIs’ business positioning and underlying business risks that could affect expected returns on investments. Panelists additionally touched on the prospects of the fintech industry in shaping the future of the financial sector and their role in bolstering financial inclusion and intermediation.

“In line with global trends where the net asset value of private equity has grown more than sevenfold since 2002, twice as fast as global public equities with the value of announced deals at their highest level in history, we expect the Egyptian market to follow suit, especially given the favorable investment environment and reduction in interest rates,” said Abdel Rahman.

Al Mal’s CEO Thoughts was established to serve as a platform for investors and entrepreneurs to discuss future market trends and potential opportunities as well as success stories from business leaders and companies. It aims to connect Egypt’s leading CEOs, investors and entrepreneurs to share their ideas regarding the development of the investment climate in Egypt as well as sharing their respective experiences in navigating the Egyptian market.

“I am both honored and excited to have this opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas with such an exceptional group of investment professionals and entrepreneurs,” added Abdel Rahman. “CEO Thoughts provides an ideal platform to share unique and informed insights on future market trends and potential investment opportunities as well as to identify and unlock hidden value in businesses across Egypt as its economic recovery continues.”