The reshuffle comes at a time when Egypt under el-Sissi is facing a host of daunting problems, primarily an economy reeling from five years of unrest that has led to a severe slump in the vital tourism sector.
The government recently devalued the country's currency, sparking a surge in prices, all while Egyptian security forces are bogged down in a draining fight against Islamic militants.
The changes also mirror the urgency with which the general-turned-president seeks to revive the economy and restore investors' confidence, a task made more difficult by growing international criticism of Egypt's human rights record.
The case of an Italian doctoral student who disappeared in Cairo in January and whose body was found nine days later bearing signs of brutal torture has further hurt Egypt's image over human rights.