Egypt

As the largest non-OPEC oil producer in Africa as well as the continent’s second-largest natural gas producer, Egypt’s hydrocarbons resources and production play a central role in the nation’s economy. Exploration and production activity has not been significantly affected by the country’s ongoing political transition, with a handful of new...

One of the country’s biggest magnets for foreign investment, Egypt’s ICT sector has weathered recent storms well, and is well positioned to enjoy long-term growth. Internet penetration has been growing steadily, thanks to increasing accessibility, rising demand and more diverse content. The development of broadband infrastructure, a long-term...

After several years of strong growth in demand, the economic slowdown and investment uncertainty associated with the 2011 revolution and its aftermath have dampened steel consumption in Egypt, leaving potential supply above demand. This gap partly explains the government’s decision to impose import tariffs, the rationale being that Egypt should not...

Agriculture is one of the most important sectors of the Egyptian economy, directly accounting for approaching one third of employment and providing income for over half of the population. The sector benefits from plentiful water from the Nile (though elsewhere water is scarce), along the banks of which most agricultural activity takes place, as well...

Although Egypt lacks a strong mortgage lending segment, promoting home lending is not a current political priority. However, over the longer term, developing a stronger lending framework could assist in assuaging the country’s housing crisis.

In addition to being one of the largest producers of textiles and garments in Africa, Egypt’s textile sector has seen exports grow in recent years, to the point that it accounts for over a quarter of non-oil exports. The industry is an important generator of employment, and benefits from low labour costs, proximity to developed export markets and a...