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RIYADH: Egypt’s inflation slowed for a fourth consecutive month in September, easing to 10.3 percent year on year as consumer price pressures continued to moderate, official data showed. 

The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics said the Consumer Price Index rose 1.5 percent month on month to 260.9 points, driven mainly by higher housing and utility costs. 

Egypt’s inflation peaked at around 33.2 percent in September 2023 but has steadily eased since the government secured an $8 billion loan program from the International Monetary Fund in March 2024, which helped stabilize the currency and support policy reforms. 

In its latest release, CAPMAS stated: “Housing, water, electricity, gas and fuel section recorded an increase of 3.4 percent due to an increase in prices of the actual rental group of houses by 1.3 percent, calculated rent group of houses by 7.1 percent, and group of maintenance and repair of houses by 1.4 percent.”  

The report added that expenses for water and miscellaneous services related to housing increased by 0.2 percent, while electricity, gas, and fuel prices rose by 0.3 percent. 

Another key driver in September was the food and beverages sector, which increased by 1.9 percent. This section saw a 12.2 percent rise in vegetable prices, a 3.5 percent increase in fruits, and a 0.3 percent rise in meat and poultry expenses. 

The alcoholic beverages and tobacco segment witnessed a monthly rise of 0.8 percent, while the health care sector saw an increase of 0.4 percent. 

Within healthcare, outpatient service costs climbed 0.8 percent in September compared to the previous month, while hospital expenses rose 1 percent over the same period. 

On an annual basis, alcoholic beverages and tobacco prices surged 25.3 percent, followed by housing, water, electricity, and fuel, which went up 18.2 percent. 

The food and beverages category recorded a 0.3 percent increase year on year, while clothing and footwear costs advanced 14.4 percent during the same period. 

In February, global credit rating agency Moody’s affirmed Egypt’s Caa1 long-term foreign and local currency rating with a positive outlook. 

It stated that the positive outlook reflected the government’s measures to control inflation and interest rates. 

Earlier this month, Egypt’s Central Bank slashed interest rates by 100 basis points, marking the fourth reduction this year, citing subdued inflationary pressures amid economic growth of about 5 percent in the second quarter. 

JEDDAH: ����ֱ�� is poised to sign an agreement to harness solar energy for a water desalination project in Senegal, alongside additional investments totaling €250 million ($291.57 million), Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih said.
Al-Falih, leading a high-level Saudi delegation to the “Invest in Senegal Forum 2025” on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, said the 300-megawatt photovoltaic project will be integrated with the desalination facility and other development initiatives. 
The delegation includes public sector representatives and 400 private sector delegates, with ����ֱ�� serving as the forum’s guest of honor.
According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, Saudi exports to Senegal reached SR9.21 million in February 2025, while imports totaled SR105,000, resulting in a positive trade balance of SR9.1 million. Between February 2024 and February 2025, exports declined by SR1.28 million (12.2 percent), and imports fell by SR913,000 (89.7 percent).
Speaking in the presence of Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Al-Falih said: “Senegal and Africa are a top priority for our external investments.” 
He expressed confidence that Saudi companies participating in the forum would soon announce new investments and partnerships in Senegal.
“Relations between ����ֱ�� and Senegal are historic, deeply rooted in Islamic brotherhood and shared values,” Al-Falih added, highlighting leadership-level visits since Senegal’s independence. He noted that Senegal’s Vision 2050 and the Invest in Senegal Forum signal a strong commitment to development and international partnerships.
The minister also highlighted Africa’s growing role in global investment, referencing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s announcement at the Saudi-African Summit of $25 billion in new investments across the continent.
Al-Falih detailed one of the Kingdom’s flagship initiatives: the Grande-Cote seawater desalination project. ACWA Power has signed an agreement to invest nearly €750 million to build a renewable energy-powered desalination plant, capable of supplying up to 400,000 cubic meters of potable water per day to Dakar and surrounding areas. 
“This project addresses climate change and advances energy transformation in Senegal,” he said.