
Egypt's Al-Sisi calls for comprehensive roadmap to develop media sector
Al-Sisi made the comments during a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and the heads of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation, the National Press Authority, and the National Media Authority, his office said in a statement.
The president praised the vital role of the Egyptian media in shaping national identity and public awareness. He affirmed the state's 'firm commitment to upholding freedom of expression and embracing all national viewpoints within the Egyptian media system, in a way that enhances pluralism and intellectual openness,' the statement said.
Al-Sisi directed that a comprehensive roadmap be developed, with the help of specialised experts, to ensure the national media keeps pace with rapid global changes and can perform its mission in line with the state's modern direction.
He also stressed the importance of providing data and information to the media, 'especially during times of crisis that capture public attention, so that topics are handled without exaggeration or understatement.'
The president emphasised the need to rely on qualified young cadres for media work and to organise educational and training programmes for those in the field, with a focus on national security concepts and openness to different opinions to entrench the principle of 'opinion and the other opinion.'
During the meeting, Al-Sisi was briefed on efforts to develop the Egyptian Radio and Television Union (Maspero) and modernise national press institutions.
In this context, the president approved a cash allowance proposed by the government for journalists and directed that the issue of end-of-service benefits for Maspero employees be resolved.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Zawya
26 minutes ago
- Zawya
African Union (AU) Media Fellows Launch Toolkit to Support Journalists Combat Misinformation and Advance Good Governance
In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, the African Union Media Fellowship (AUMF) is empowering African media professionals with the skills to critically assess and share accurate information. The Fellowship aims to strengthen the capacity of African journalists, content creators, and media professionals to tell Africa's stories from an African perspective, support fact-based reporting, and encourage cross-border collaboration in line with Agenda 2063 and its goal of advancing good governance, transparency, and democratic values. As part of these objectives, AU Media Fellows Jibi Moses (South Sudan) and Maurice Thantan (Benin) received an AUMF grant to train 130 journalists from Botswana, Benin, The Gambia, South Sudan, and Tunisia and to develop a fact-checking and Civic Tech toolkit. Delivered through online and in-person sessions, the 40+ hours of training covered election fact-checking, research and verification, report writing, and the application of the AU Data Policy Framework. In today's world, misinformation can undermine democracy and lead to poor decisions. Giving journalists strong fact-checking skills is essential for good governance. This training is an important step in ensuring African media professionals are at the forefront of telling balanced, truthful, and impactful stories. We're proud that two of our AU Media Fellows alumni are leading this important work,' said Mrs Wynne Musabayana, AU Head of Communication in the Information and Communication Directorate. The toolkit addresses the growing threat of misinformation by equipping journalists with tools to verify information, use Civic Tech, and promote transparency and accountability, while fostering a cross-border network committed to accurate reporting. 'Civic Tech is changing how governance works in Africa, and journalists have a key role to play. When we understand and use these tools, we can help make our communities more transparent and accountable. This is why we at GIZ are supporting this Civic Tech project to equip media professionals with the knowledge and skills to harness technology for open governance, informed citizen engagement, and stronger democratic institutions across the continent,' said Florian Zabel, Team Lead, DataCipation Programme – Harmonised and Inclusive Digital and Data Policies in Africa. The training has already had a measurable impact on participating journalists. Many have reported using their new skills to debunk misinformation and produce fact-based reports that have influenced public discourse in their countries. This demonstrates how the AUMF programme is contributing to a more informed and engaged citizenry. 'This training gave me practical skills to counter misinformation and promote transparency in my work. The focus on elections and governance was especially valuable, providing insights I can apply directly in my reporting. Working with journalists from across Africa reminded me of our shared responsibility to tell Africa's stories truthfully and accurately, beyond borders and stereotypes. I leave this programme better equipped, more motivated, and committed to contributing to a more informed, transparent, and fair society,' said Motlalepule Banda, a Digital Content Strategist, after completing the training. With the project now concluded, the fellows have launched the Civic Tech and Election Fact-Checking Toolkit, a resource offering practical strategies for addressing election-related misinformation and applying the AU Data Policy. Developed as a hands-on guide for journalists across Africa, the toolkit supports the integrity of information and reinforces democratic processes. The publication is now available online Visit our website to learn more about the AU Media Fellowship Programme. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).


Zawya
26 minutes ago
- Zawya
Can Egypt's Coastal Tourism Thrive Year-Round?
Egypt's coastal cities have long been synonymous with vibrant summer seasons, as sun-seekers flock to the Mediterranean and Red Sea shores, injecting a powerful dose of energy and capital into the local economies. From the bustling beaches of Alexandria to the luxury resorts of the North Coast, summer tourism is a cornerstone of the nation's economic landscape, driving growth in hospitality, retail, and a myriad of related services. However, this seasonal boom also highlights a significant challenge: the pronounced "summer-winter divide." As the high season wanes, many of these coastal hubs experience a dramatic slowdown, leading to seasonal employment, underutilized infrastructure, and a palpable dip in economic activity. The Economic Impact of Summer Tourism Tourism is one of Egypt's promising sectors, with growing revenues despite geopolitical challenges. Tourism revenues increased by 15.4% to $12.5 billion during the period from July 2024 to March 2025, from approximately $10.9 billion during the same period the previous fiscal year, according to the Central Bank of Egypt's (CBE) Balance of Payments (BoP) report. This growth was driven by a 15.4% increase in tourist nights, which reached 134.3 million from around 116.4 million. In an effort to attract 30 million tourists annually, the Egyptian government aims to add 200,000 new hotel rooms within the next five years. This ambitious goal is a key part of the country's broader strategy to boost its tourism sector and increase its hotel capacity. Egypt's tourism revenues are not driven solely by foreign tourists, but by locals as well. Domestic tourism usually increases in summer due to long vacations and Egyptians visiting coastal cities. In 2024, Egyptians spent around $11.1 billion on domestic travel, while spending by foreign tourists reached around $16.3 billion, according to Moataz Sedky, General Manager at Travco Holiday Egypt. Summer tourism plays a vital role in Egypt's economic engine, especially during peak travel months, as both international and local visitors head to coastal resorts, historical sites, and cultural landmarks. Economist Ali Metwally tells Arab Finance: 'Egypt's coastal hotspots like Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, and the North Coast enjoy a major economic boost during the summer peak. In coastal cities specifically, this summer surge drives seasonal employment in hotels, restaurants, water sports, and transport, while greatly increasing demand for rental and resale real estate, particularly short-term vacation units, pushing property values upward.' 'However, seasonality brings sizable downsides for coastal towns. During off-peak months, many businesses and their staff face sharp drops in income. Heavy reliance on tourism makes these areas vulnerable, meaning employment becomes unstable and scales down dramatically, and small local businesses suffer profitability losses,' according to Metwally. Year-Round Tourism Egypt is working on maintaining high tourism all year round. Metwally explains, 'The government recognizes the need to transform seasonal hotspots into year-round destinations. As highlighted by key urban planners, a comprehensive master plan is essential to shift places like the North Coast away from summer-only peaks toward sustainable, vibrant communities.' 'This requires diversifying attractions, improving infrastructure, investing in off-season promotions, and integrating coastal cities into broader economic ecosystems, making them appealing and economically viable throughout the year,' he adds. Hesham Shafick, Assistant Professor of Strategic Management at the German International University (GUC), tells Arab Finance: 'The core ambition of projects like Ras Al-Hekma and New Alamein is to transcend Egypt's seasonal tourism trap by creating multifunctional urban ecosystems.' 'Ras Al-Hekma, a landmark $150 billion UAE-Egypt venture, prioritizes luxury residential units, tech hubs, and curated entertainment. It aims to attract high-spending tourists year-round, targeting 8 million annual visitors by 2040. New Alamein complements this by embedding universities and medical facilities to foster long-term residency,' Shafick adds. However, Shafick explains that this development might not be as promising as it seems. 'These projects risk becoming exclusive enclaves for foreign elites, sidelining affordable housing and local entrepreneurship. Without deliberate inclusion mechanisms, they may inadvertently deepen spatial inequalities rather than build resilient communities.' The challenge is not just economic inequality, it is also about long-term sustainability. While a seasonal foreign tourist peak is expected, building an entire city's viability around their constant presence is far riskier. Both approaches hinge on external demand, yet the sudden withdrawal of this 'hot money' in response to global shocks can trigger far deeper and more damaging economic consequences, according to Shafick. 'Extended off-season stays only make sense if the locals and their lifestyles are integrated into the tourist lifecycle. Egypt's coastal future hinges on rebalancing luxury megaprojects with community-rooted resilience. Without locally inclusive policies and experience-mapping rigor, these billion-dollar developments risk becoming seasonal showpieces,' he notes. To further ensure sustainable tourism all year round, developing travel infrastructure and attractive packages are essential. 'Strategic air access and tailored experiences are non-negotiable for winter demand generation,' Shafick says. 'Charter flights, such as Ras Al-Hekma's anticipated airport network, could bridge connectivity gaps for European and GCC tourists during off-peak months, lifting winter occupancy. Dynamic long-stay packages, such as month-long wellness retreats with cultural excursions, can stabilize revenue, as demonstrated in our neighboring coastal resorts like Türkiye,' Shafick points out. Shafick goes on, explaining, 'Persistent infrastructural gaps and fragmented policies undermine year-round viability. Only 40% of North Coast hotels operate in winter due to inadequate heating, water scarcity, and fragmented transport. The economic toll is severe, with hotels suffering 60-70% occupancy drops, forcing seasonal closures, eroding profits, and displacing skilled labor.' Egypt's coastal cities have proven their economic vitality through booming summer tourism, with rising revenues and ambitious expansion plans signaling strong momentum. Yet, beneath the surface of seasonal success lies a structural imbalance that threatens long-term sustainability. To truly unlock the potential of Egypt's shores, the path forward must prioritize inclusive, year-round development. This means integrating local communities into the tourism lifecycle, investing in resilient infrastructure, and crafting experiences that appeal beyond the summer sun. © 2025 All Rights Reserved Arab Finance For Information Technology Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Zawya
26 minutes ago
- Zawya
Egypt: CBE to offer $640mln in 1-year T-Bills on August 12th
Arab Finance: The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) will issue €550 million in one-year euro-denominated treasury bills on Tuesday, August 12th, according to the latest data. The notes will have a maturity period of 364 days, maturing on August 11th, 2026. © 2025 All Rights Reserved Arab Finance For Information Technology Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (