Poverty rates in Egypt are at a high in 2023 and while the country remains successful as a global tourist hot spot, its citizens are struggling to deal with the economic strife. The Guardian stated that the country’s “inflation, austerity measures and military plans edge more Egyptians into poverty.” Measures are being made to reduce poverty in Egypt, however.

The Current Crisis

Currently, Egypt’s inflation rates are at 33%, with the cost of basic goods soaring higher. The World Bank’s data files estimated that in 2019, 29.7% of Egyptians were living near or below the poverty line.

Director of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, Timothy E. Kaldas stated that “there was a very large part of the population above that line, and undoubtedly many of them have since fallen below it. As inflation continues to grow, more are falling below the poverty line.”

As measured in a research report in 2023, some of the poverty comes from increased cash assistance following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, due to grain shortages for bread. 

This, as well as austerity measures taken ($12 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund in 2016) following reliance on loans for government operations and mega infrastructure projects, plummeted the country into its current financial state.

Stories From Egyptian Citizens

This rise in poverty rates led to higher levels of social deprivation, as exhibited by an average 9.7% drop in general consumption of goods and services, with less spending on items like education, health care and culture. Even those in the middle class in Egypt have to hunt for second jobs and skip meals to endure the rapidly rising costs.

Though working full-time as a professional graphic designer, Ahmed Fawzi told The Guardian that he needs to search for a second job. As a father of three, he is scraping to make sure that he can support his family with a monthly salary of 5,000 Egyptian pounds ($162). He stated, “It feels like the economic crisis is literally squeezing me. Prices are going up every day and there’s no solution to it.” 

The Support Available

CAPMAS (Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics) stated that though Egypt is at the lowest rate of poverty in 20 years, the country is still deeply suffering. Yet there are support initiatives in place to make sure that poverty in Egypt is reduced. In 2022, the International Monetary Fund did provide Egypt with $3 billion, dictating that the government spend it on their citizens, allowing support for 20 million of those in poverty.

How They Are Aiding Poverty in Egypt

But is there support beyond financial means? The emotional strain that the major cost-of-living crisis has put on Egyptians is listened to and supported by organizations alike. CAPMAS said that the organization is “cultivating the fruits” of the economic reforms from projects like Karama supporting the country.

Established in 2005, Karama is a beneficiary program that names itself a “social safety net project that promotes Egyptian women empowerment.’’ Aiming to reduce poverty in Egypt, it helps poor women and children and those with disabilities by providing both conditional and unconditional cash transfers. Focusing on food insecurities, education and health care, Karama is still a successful front to aid poverty in Egypt, increasing emotional prosperity.

UNICEF, in recent months and years, has held regular conferences to address the global poverty rates, including Egypt’s. In September 2023, they focused on speaking with Congress to address health rights for children. 2021 saw UNICEF hold a conference where they discussed an “evidence-informed development agenda for Egypt.”

Egypt has partnered with international beneficiaries to reduce their ongoing poverty. While it is still widespread in the nation, the mission to end poverty in Egypt is progressing, and there are support networks for those living in poverty daily. Assisting vulnerable groups across Egypt through international charities and financial aid gives them a voice and promotes international funding for underdeveloped countries in crisis. 

– Anastasia Brown
Photo: Flickr