Egypt plans exceptional debt cut and lowers medical VAT to 5%

Egypt is targeting an exceptional improvement in its budget debt indicators while implementing a second package of tax facilities that includes cutting value-added tax on medical equipment to 5% from 14%, Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk said on Tuesday. Speaking at the Hapi Journal Conference on economic competitiveness, Kouchouk emphasized balancing support for economic activity with fiscal discipline to create more room for human development spending.

Egypt's government is aiming for an exceptional enhancement in its public debt indicators as part of broader economic reforms, Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk announced on Tuesday at the Hapi Journal Conference on economic competitiveness, held on December 16, 2025. This comes alongside a second package of tax incentives designed to support key business partners, with Kouchouk stating: "We are backing you with the greatest amount of support."

The package features incentives to encourage major companies to list on the Egyptian Exchange in partnership with the Financial Regulatory Authority. A key measure is the reduction of value-added tax on medical machinery and equipment from 14% to 5%. Additionally, institutional reforms will streamline and accelerate VAT refunds to bolster business operations.

For small enterprises, a simplified tax regime continues for startups, professionals, and businesses with annual turnover up to 20 million Egyptian pounds. The ministry is collaborating with the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency to offer extra incentives and low-cost financing to the first 100,000 entities joining this system.

On property taxes, the focus shifts to digital tools, including a mobile app for real estate transaction taxes. Kouchouk confirmed the disposal tax rate remains steady at 2.5% of the sale value, unaffected by transaction volume. These steps aim to foster economic growth while upholding fiscal responsibility.

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