The Egyptian government’s reluctance to loosen its grip on private sector industries has impeded the flow of foreign direct investment into the country.

Sudan’s refusal to liberalize the pound’s exchange rate and ongoing battle with the black market have ignored the lessons from Egypt’s own mistakes in managing its currency.

Egypt’s efforts at subsidy reform provide suggestions for Tunisia and Sudan, both witnessing protests stemming in part from increased prices of staple goods.

Egypt’s foreign reserves have begun to recover, but weak foreign direct investment and accumulating debt could hinder reforms down the line.

Though Egypt’s decision to raise interest rates will do little to curb inflation in the short term, its policy is based on a longer view.

Egypt’s suddenly depreciated pound will likely rebound in the long run, but in the meantime will suffer from pent-up demand for U.S. dollars.

Economic reforms and the recent IMF loan to Egypt have renewed investor confidence, but further structural reforms risk upsetting social stability.

Egypt’s temporary relief from its ongoing gas crisis is the result of a lull in demand, not an improvement in industry outlook.

Low global import prices give the new governor of Egypt’s Central Bank an opportunity to depreciate the value of the Egyptian pound and resolve Egypt’s foreign currency shortage.

To address the country’s growing energy needs, the government is granting the private sector a leading role.