Do we need to register as lobbyists to meet Egyptian ministries about a new project?

Thank you for reaching out with your inquiry. In Egypt, engaging with ministries and regulators for an investment project requires compliance with a few key regulations. For foreign companies, this typically includes registering with the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), especially if the project involves establishing a new company or investment. Additionally, specific disclosures may be required under the Foreign Investment Law, which governs incentives and protections for foreign investors.

When it comes to arranging meetings with government bodies or submitting position papers, it’s crucial to work within the frameworks set by relevant ministries and ensure proper documentation is in place. Non-compliance or incorrect disclosures could result in delays, penalties, or even restrictions on operations in the country. The penalties vary depending on the nature of the violation, ranging from fines to potential revocation of licenses. We can assist in ensuring all necessary registrations, disclosures, and approvals are met and guide you through the process to minimize risks.

Sincerely,

Ascendance International Consulting

Dear Lawzana Limited Esteemed Team,

Reference to your inquiry about registering lobbyists for the purpose of meeting with Egyptian Ministries’ representatives to discuss a new investment project, get informed of the related incentives and submit the required documents, kindly advise the nature/industry of the project and provide Youssry Saleh & Partners with a background, in order to precisely guide your good side.

Please do not hesitate to request an online or a physical meeting to discuss the same.


Looking forward to hearing from you back.

Best Regard,

Bassem Awadalla.

Investment filing & formal channels: If you intend to apply for official incentives, register the project through the official investment authority / investor service channels (the General Authority for Investment / Invest in Egypt procedures). Use the formal application path rather than informal 'hand-carried' promises. General Authority for Investment (GAFI).
Written engagement with any consultant/intermediary: Signed consultant agreement that describes services (arranging meetings, drafting papers), specifies fees and payment terms (no cash/opaque payments), includes anti-bribery representation and warranty, permits audit and requires disclosure of conflicts of interest and prior public-office positions, prohibits gifts or facilitation payments, and requires immediate reporting of any government contact that goes beyond routine scheduling. (See clause suggestions below.)
Due diligence on the consultant: Identity, beneficial owners, prior conduct, whether they are a former public official, any licensing/agency registration required (e.g., commercial agency rules if they will act as an agent), and screening against sanctions/AML lists. Document results.
Avoid gifts, entertainment, or payments to public officials: Do not offer or promise anything of value to officials; if small hospitality is unavoidable, follow formal ministry rules (if any) and record it. When in doubt, refuse. (Criminal exposure for 'offers' is real.)
Use formal submission channels for position papers: Submit position papers through the ministry/regulator's official inbox or investor service center; keep copies, delivery receipts, and a public record of who received them. This reduces risk of 'undocumented influence.'
Conflict of interest / revolving-door checks: If the consultant is a former senior official, confirm any statutory or administrative cooling-off obligations and disclose prior roles in the consultant contract.
Recordkeeping & transparency: Keep contemporaneous records of meetings (agenda, attendees, minutes, copies of materials, who made requests or promises). If incentives are granted later, those records will be essential if challenged.