Egypt plans $250–350mn oil arrears payments in Q1 2026, unveils mining reform push

The Egyptian government plans to repay between $250mn and $350mn in outstanding dues to international oil companies during Q1 2026, alongside a broader structural plan to settle an additional $750mn, Al Ahram quoted the Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi on February 1.

Speaking at a conference organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt (AmCham), Badawi said Egypt has already reduced arrears owed to foreign partners by 60–70% and fully settled all monthly invoices through the end of December 2026.

He added that Egypt expects $4.5bn in new investments linked to six projects to be implemented over the next four years in partnership with the private sector.

Badawi also said the ministry is preparing to launch a fully integrated digital platform for the mining sector by the end of Q1 or early in Q2. The platform will cover the entire investment cycle, from expressions of interest and technical evaluation to the electronic issuance of licences.

The digital system is part of a broader reform plan aimed at simplifying procedures and improving the attractiveness of Egypt’s mining sector to local and foreign investors.

The government is targeting a sharp increase in the mining sector’s contribution to GDP, from about 1% currently to between 5% and 6%, while working to transform the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority into an economic authority. Egypt also plans to launch its first comprehensive airborne geological survey in 40 years during Q1 2026, seeking to update data and accelerate investment in gold, phosphate, quartz and silica.