Egypt’s Finance Ministry has raised road and bridge investment allocations by nearly 10% for the next fiscal year. The budget is set at 24.2 billion Egyptian pounds ($484 million), up from 22 billion pounds ($440 million) allocated to the Roads and Bridges Authority in the current year, according to a board member at the authority who spoke to Al Manassa.
In March 2024, then-Finance Minister Mohamed Maait announced a cap on total public investment, limiting it to 1 trillion pounds ($20 billion). The measure is one of the International Monetary Fund’s key recommendations aimed at curbing the state’s role in the economy and opening space for the private sector.
The board member, who requested anonymity, said the authority originally submitted a proposal worth 75 billion pounds ($1.5 billion) at the start of the budget planning process. The Planning Ministry cut the amount to 60 billion pounds ($1.2 billion), and the Finance Ministry later reduced it again to 24.2 billion pounds ($484 million).
Founded in 1964, the Roads and Bridges Authority is a public service agency under the Transport Ministry. It receives annual public funding to carry out infrastructure projects, especially inter-governorate highways that link up different modes of transport.
The proposed 75 billion pounds ($1.5 billion) would have covered more than 50 projects. Some of these are new and were set to launch once the national budget was approved, while others are ongoing and nearing completion. According to the source, the reduced allocation will make it difficult to begin work on many of the planned projects.
Separately, the authority expects to collect 3.75 billion pounds ($75 million) in toll and weigh station fees in fiscal year 2025–2026. That is up slightly from 3.5 billion pounds ($70 million) expected by the end of the current fiscal year. The increase is tied to the growing number of trucks and vehicles using Egypt’s main highways.
Revenue from tolls and other asset use will be used to cover light maintenance on older roads. The aim is to extend their lifespan and ensure safe transport conditions.
Over the past decade, Egypt has launched major transport infrastructure projects, including the construction of 1,000 overpasses and tunnels. The National Roads Project added 7,000 kilometers of new roads to the network.
However, the strong focus on infrastructure has drawn public criticism. Many argue that funds have been diverted away from essential sectors like education and healthcare.
