Egyptian government cars to go electric

Egypt has approved a plan to switch to electric vehicles in its public sector as it strives to slash fuel imports and cut spending.

Officials said the plan to replace all petrol-driven vehicles used by government offices with EVs will save funds and allow the country to reduce its petroleum imports.

Prime minister Mostafa Madbouly, who met government officials this week to push ahead with the plan, said it is part of Egypt’s “strategic vision to maximise resource efficiency and rationalise the consumption of traditional fuels”.

“The gradual shift towards electric vehicles is a cornerstone in building a modern and sustainable transportation system, aiming to achieve a balance between driving economic growth and preserving the environment, while enhancing the efficiency of the state’s energy resources,” he said in statements on the cabinet’s website.

Cabinet spokesman Mohamed El-Homsany said the finance ministry would soon invite bids by EV dealers in Egypt for a contract.

Egypt has been locked in reforms recommended by the International Monetary Fund to spur growth. They include boosting exports and cutting imports, expanding the private sector’s role in the economy and reducing debt.

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It has also been weighing up a $3 billion loan from the IMF because of the impact of the Iran war.

In March, Egypt approved its 2026-2027 state budget with a projected 13 percent increase in expenditure with the aim of spurring growth and cutting debt.

Spending was estimated at EGP5.1 trillion ($98 billion) and revenues at around EGP4 trillion, an increase of 27.6 percent over the previous budget.