Yes, foreign nationals can legally engage in trade and run a business in Egypt under the Egyptian Commercial Code (Law No. 17 of 1999). Article 14 explicitly states that any Egyptian or foreign national is legally competent to engage in trade, provided they have reached the age of 21 and meet standard legal capacity requirements. This applies equally to expats regardless of their nationality.
It is worth noting that the law applies to anyone who qualifies as a merchant under Article 13 — meaning any person who professionally engages, in their own name and for their own account, in a commercial act. So if you are buying and selling goods, providing services professionally, or running a manufacturing operation in Egypt, the Commercial Code governs your activity.
Practically speaking, while the Commercial Code grants the right to trade, you will also need to comply with additional Egyptian regulations covering business registration, tax obligations, and sector-specific licensing. It is strongly recommended to consult a local legal adviser to ensure full compliance before commencing operations.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Egypt.