Economic Openness: Egypt Case Study

The Egypt case study is one of a number of in-depth reports which analyse an individual country’s performance on the key characteristics of openness to trade, investment, ideas, competition, and talent.

This report, authored by Legatum and WPI Economics, highlights the substantial investment and reform efforts across the Egyptian economy, since the extensive political upheaval of 2011-2014. Much of this reform has produced tangible benefit for Egypt’s people: unemployment had fallen, and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic Egypt was one of the fastest-growing emerging markets.

However, at the same time, the quality of governance in the country has significantly deteriorated and the state has become further involved in the economy. This has contributed to the persistence of economic vulnerabilities such as under-performing exports and low productivity caused by a lack of dynamism in the private sector.

Looking ahead, Egypt faces a complex situation as the response to the COVID-19 pandemic reduces economic growth and puts further pressure on public finances, compounded by a growing population which requires substantial physical and social investment.

Read the full report here.

Date published: December 2020