Egypt Economic Research Highlights

ESG Research & Views - Egypt & Beyond

Creative climate finance in Africa

While uncertainty abounds in global energy markets amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, African leaders are increasingly looking to the private sector to finance investment in clean energy ahead of the COP27 UN Conference on Climate Change, to be held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt in November 2022. The COP27 agenda will consider more than 140 projects in Africa, 19 of which are considered ready for implementation and investment, including four in Egypt that carry an estimated cost of $17.4bn but need additional...

ESG CEO Survey: Is the board room getting greener?

Across government departments, corporate board rooms and management meetings, the implementation of environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies is at the forefront of current planning. It is not just a symbolic tick in the box either. Shareholders and investors are increasingly factoring ESG strategy and trajectory into their decision-making, and consumers are similarly becoming more aware of the fairness and sustainability of the goods they use, the clothes they wear and the services they pay for...

How can the tourism industry achieve net zero?

The global tourism industry – which accounted for 10% of GDP yet 8% of global emissions in 2019 – is faced with the challenge of ensuring continued growth while at the same time working towards net-zero emissions goals. Several stakeholders in emerging markets and further afield offer useful case studies to understand what a decarbonised future for the industry could look like. A report published in November last year by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme and...

What does the future hold for Islamic finance?

After remaining resilient in 2020, the Islamic finance segment is performing strongly this year, as an improved economic environment, a rise in the number of large projects and an increased focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors combine to drive demand. Despite the twin challenges of Covid-19 and the fall in global oil prices, the segment’s assets grew by 10.6% last year, according to global ratings agency S&P. Although this was down on the 17.3% growth rate recorded in 2019, it was nevertheless a strong...

How are MENA nations moving to bolster food security?

Nations in the MENA region have been intensifying efforts to increase their food security, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine the most recent geopolitical event to underline the fragility of global supply chains, as well as the importance of agricultural self-sufficiency. Together, Russia and Ukraine account for around 29% of the world’s wheat supply, pointing to the significant risk – in terms of both availability and price – to major grain-importing countries as a result of the escalating conflict. Egypt is the world’s largest wheat...

Why are global food prices rising, and what does it mean for emerging markets?

Despite an increase in crop production and international trade following a pandemic-disrupted 2020, global food prices have risen to 10-year highs, increasing pressure on many emerging markets. Following a two-month respite from month-on-month (m-o-m) declines, the UN’s World Food Price Index averaged 130 points in September, representing a rise of 1.2% m-o-m and 32.8% year-on-year. The index is now sitting at highs not seen since 2011. While food prices are high across the board, cereal prices are seeing a notable spike...

Can insurance companies help drive the shift towards decarbonisation?

As environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns become increasingly important in the corporate world, insurance companies are emerging as potentially key players in the shift away from fossil fuel-powered projects. The recent launch of the UN-convened Net-Zero Insurance Alliance (NZIA) reflects an ongoing sea change in the global insurance industry. Inaugurated in July, the NZIA brings together eight of the world’s biggest insurers and reinsurers, each of which are committed to transitioning their underwriting...