Expect three IPOs of state-owned companies on the EGX before the summer, Tawfik says: The government is aiming to go ahead with three IPOs under the state privatization program before the summer, Public Enterprises Minister Hisham Tawfik told Lamees El Hadidi last night. Banque du Caire, Alexandria Containers company, and E-Finance could all go public in the coming months, he said. This contradicts what government sources said last week when the local press reported that the E-Finance listing would be shelved to 4Q2020 due to delays with the valuation. The minister also touched on other aspects of the ministry’s strategy to develop public sector companies: You can watch the full interview here (watch, runtime: 30:55).

Covid-19 public precautions: El Hadidi spoke by phone with cabinet spokesman Nader Saad, who said that the prime minister had decided to suspend any events that involve large gatherings such as Mulids (feasts), festivals, and concerts. Saad said that placing Luxor and Aswan under closer inspection for a potential virus outbreak was related to their proximity to the Nile cruise boat where 45 positive cases were discovered at the weekend (watch, runtime: 7:18). Al Hayah Al Youm’s Lobna Assal (watch, runtime: 0:47), and Masaa DMC’s Eman El Hosary also spoke with Saad who said that the government was considering closing schools on the World Health Organization’s recommendations (watch, runtime: 9:17).

Cases update on covid-19: El Hekaya’s Amr Adib covered the Health Ministry’s statement on the four new cases of covid-19, three of which are Egyptians. The news brings the total number of positive cases in Egypt to 59 (watch, runtime: 3:27). El Hosary (watch, runtime: 2:02) and Min Masr’s Amr Khalil (watch, runtime: 2:05) also covered the statement.

Irrigation Minister discusses GERD: El Hekaya's Amr Adib interviewed Irrigation Minister Mohamed Abdel Aty to discuss Ethiopia's position on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Aty said that the draft agreement on the dam allows Ethiopia to use the dam to generate 75% of its electricity needs even in the cases of severe drought, so there is no need for Ethiopia to act unilaterally on filling its reservoir (watch, runtime: 1:38), (watch, runtime: 2:09).

Intelligence chief in Sudan: El Hadidi also covered intelligence chief Abbas Kamel's visit to Khartoum after the failed assassination attempt on Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok, where he expressed Egypt’s support for Sudan’s ruling transitional council (watch, runtime: 2:10). Assal (watch, runtime: 0:50), El Hosary (watch, runtime: 1:11), and Khalil (watch, runtime: 1:41) also covered the visit.