Egypt’s varied history, straddling multiple geopolitical and economic spheres, continues to shape the country’s development. However, this does not come without challenges. Food security uncertainty stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 is a particular headwind, in combination with associated issues like inflation and foreign exchange risk. Moreover, 29.7% of Egyptians sti
Egypt’s retail industry benefits from a growing population, affluent middle class and openness to new retail options. Although the currency devaluation in 2016 initially affected business via downward pressure on consumer purchasing power, spending resumed in 2018 and is expected to stabilise further when unemployment and inflation levels balance. While high-income consumers contributed…
Industry is front and centre of Egypt’s economic growth and diversification policies. The government aims to increase high-technology exports in this sector, as well as increase the value added by manufacturing as a percent of GDP. Several factors make industry attractive to foreign investors, including the country’s location between key markets in Africa, Europe and Asia; relatively low-cost…
In comparison to many other industrial subsectors in Egypt that rely heavily on imported inputs, which grew more costly following the 2016 currency devaluation, the garment segment is able to use locally sourced materials. Foreign investors are attracted to the production base’s relatively affordable labour, lower electricity and water costs, and attractive location with proximity to key…
The fact that the virus originated in China, the world’s major manufacturing centre, led to disruptions in global supply chains of basic goods, and gave rise to speculation that some companies would seek alternative production bases. Indeed, international reaction was swift, with representatives of three of the world’s four largest economies publicly encouraging companies to shift their…
After the 2016 currency devaluation and IMF-backed economic reforms that led to an increase in the prices of necessities such as fuel, electricity and basic foods, Egyptian consumers began to rationalise their spending habits. Many began to opt for cheaper brands, or stopped purchases in certain categories altogether. Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) and food retailers were particularly affected…
Interview:Ahmed El Sewedy In light of the headwinds created by the Covid-19 pandemic, how can the private sector shift to create long-term gains? AHMED EL SEWEDY: Almost every industry around the world has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and everyone has to work hard to overcome these uncertain times. The first and most important thing that organisations should do to sustain their companies…
Interview: Yehia Zaki Which policies can be adopted to encourage more private investment in special economic zones? YEHIA ZAKI: Encouraging private investment in economic zones is about ensuring a competitive regulatory framework and efficient bureaucratic system, and combining these with the necessary infrastructure and supply chain links. Reducing or removing value-added tax for certain companies…
Industry is front and centre of Egypt’s economic growth and diversification plans. The government aims to increase high-technology exports and boost the value of the manufacturing sector. To further enhance output and investment, Egypt continues to implement favourable policies, including the development of industrial zones and special economic zones. Although the sector will face challenges in…
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the engines of global economic growth and employment, accounting for an average of 33% of GDP and 45% of the workforce in high-income countries, and over 60% of GDP and 70% of employment in developing economies. In the case of the latter, the rise in the number of SMEs has been crucial to economic diversification and resilience, particularly in…
