Country Profile
From The Report: Egypt 2018
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With a population of nearly 100m, Egypt is the third most populous country in Africa and has long been a key influencer in the Arab world, particularly in terms of its cultural output and political thought. In comparison to the years before 2011, Egypt’s post-revolutionary period has been defined by political upheaval and dynamism. The country has adopted a new constitution, moved to a unicameral legislature, and has had two presidents, with Abdel Fattah El Sisi serving in the role since 2014. In early January 2018 the national election commission announced that the next presidential election would be held from March 26 to March 28. If no candidate receives 50% of the vote, a runoff will be held from April 24 to April 26.

This chapter contains interviews with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi; and Akinwuni Adesina, President, African Development Bank.

 

 

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

A considerable influence: The country continues on its path towards economic and political stability
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Egypt has long been central to the development of MENA. A focus of cultural output and political thought, the country continues to be a key influencer within the Arab world. While the oil riches of the Gulf have changed the equation somewhat, Egypt still remains one of the most significant actors in the wider MENA region. History “From the heights of these pyramids, 40 centuries look down on us,” Napoleon Bonaparte declared during the French campaign in Egypt more than two centuries…

Interview

The right direction: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, on domestic reform and foreign policy to foster investment and promote stability
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Interview:Abdel Fattah El Sisi How has Egypt’s diplomatic role in the Middle East evolved over the past three years? ABDEL FATTAH EL SISI: Egypt has always been a key player in the region given its strategic location, its high population and its historical and cultural influence. The immense efforts undertaken by the government since 2014 have restored Egypt’s regional and international leverage and enabled it to reinforce its significant role and shoulder its responsibilities in the…

Overview

Political continuity: The upcoming presidential election calls the current administration’s future into question
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In comparison to the years before 2011, Egypt’s post-revolutionary period has been defined by political upheaval and dynamism. The country has adopted a new constitution, moved to a unicameral legislature, had two presidents – Mohamed Morsi, who was appointed in the country’s first free presidential election and departed two years later in 2013, and the current serving president, Abdel Fattah El Sisi – and has experienced a degree of parliamentary assertiveness rarely seen in the…

Analysis

Sustaining relations: Egypt aims to strengthen its regional and global alliances
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While Egypt has long looked internationally to build alliances and win favour, the country’s immediate neighbourhood is becoming an increasingly important source of support. As the oil-rich states of the Gulf become more politically assertive, Egypt is navigating this new regional reality. At the same time, however, the MENA region is still feeling the repercussions of the Arab Spring, and the country is therefore treading carefully. External relations have been shifting over the last…

Analysis

Rebound for glory: Improved performance in key sectors, tighter fiscal management and increased capital inflows drive an economic comeback
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The economy notably improved in FY 2016/17, with GDP growth averaging 4.6% in the second half of the period – the fastest expansion since FY 2009/10, according to the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE). Growth Drivers Tourism was a key contributor to economic recovery. The CBE reported that the sector went from a 25.5% contraction in FY 2015/16 to post 3.9% growth in FY 2016/17. This has been supported by more arrivals from traditional source markets, such as Western Europe, and by visitors…