Cairo
Source: Al-Wafd Newspaper
Prof. Dr. Ali Mohammed Al-Khoury
In a world characterized by rapid change and intense competition, investing in human capital has become a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development and economic progress. Egypt, with its growing awareness of the importance of this type of investment, has begun taking serious steps to promote this field across various sectors, believing that this investment is the key to its future. Investing in developing human skills and capabilities has numerous positive repercussions, such as increasing productivity and creativity, improving the quality of products and services, attracting foreign investment, creating new job opportunities, reducing unemployment rates, and improving the standard of living.
Egypt strives to improve the quality of education, as it is the cornerstone of building a society capable of facing future challenges. National plans are working to develop curricula to keep pace with global developments, modernize educational infrastructure, and provide modern technology in school facilities. The government also focuses on training teachers and qualifying them to use modern educational methods, in addition to encouraging scientific research and innovation in educational institutions. These combined efforts aim to create a stimulating and supportive educational environment that enables students to contribute to the growth and development of society.
Scientific research is the cornerstone of Egypt’s efforts to transform into a knowledge economy, as it is the engine of innovation and progress. In 2023, the government allocated 0.72% of GDP to research and development. Government investments have included the establishment of advanced research centers and the encouragement of scientific institutions to conduct diverse research and studies to support innovation and scientific research.
Egypt is also working to create a supportive environment for entrepreneurship and innovation by providing business incubators and support for young entrepreneurs, along with financing programs for startups to help them grow and expand. These initiatives help transform innovative ideas into tangible projects that contribute to developing the national economy, creating new job opportunities, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
In an era of accelerating technological advancement, developing digital skills has become imperative. Therefore, Egypt is implementing comprehensive training programs aimed at preparing citizens for employment in the global digital market and strengthening the Egyptian economy’s international competitiveness. The Egyptian government is embracing partnerships with international educational institutions and leading technology companies to provide the latest curricula and training resources, including distance learning and intensive courses in fields such as programming, data analysis, and cybersecurity. These initiatives seek to bridge the digital divide and achieve digital inclusion, ensuring all citizens have equal opportunities to benefit from the digital revolution.
With regard to healthcare and social care, which are key factors contributing to improving the health and productivity of individuals, the government has allocated approximately 4.8% of GDP by 2024, reflecting a significant investment in population health. The government is also working to expand healthcare coverage to include rural and remote areas, ensuring access to healthcare services for all citizens. In addition, numerous initiatives have been launched to promote preventive health and raise awareness of chronic diseases, through intensive health campaigns and large-scale vaccination programs. These efforts are part of a comprehensive vision aimed at improving quality of life, reducing disease rates, contributing to increased overall productivity, and promoting sustainable development in the country.
Despite these significant efforts, Egypt faces numerous challenges in this area. Financing is one of the biggest challenges, as investing in human capacity development requires significant financial resources. Egypt suffers from a shortage of certain specialized skills, which poses a challenge to its economic development. Bureaucracy also remains a major impediment to investment in human capacity development. Furthermore, school dropout is a factor negatively impacting human capacity development, as approximately 6% of students in Egypt drop out of school before completing secondary school, and approximately 30-40% of students who complete secondary school go on to higher education. These are obstacles that require innovative solutions.
Overcoming these challenges requires a coordinated, collaborative approach at the national level. Investing in human capital is not only essential for progress in Egypt, but a strategic imperative for achieving the desired economic and social transformation. The government’s efforts, while commendable, must be strengthened by the cooperation of all components of society. A unified approach can pave the way for a future where Egypt positions itself as a leader. However, the road to progress is fraught with challenges.
To ensure the success and expansion of national efforts, policymakers must ask: How can we ensure the sustainability of these initiatives and expand their impact? How can the private sector and civil society increase their participation in education and training projects? Can we see new models of cooperation that contribute to accelerating progress? How can we secure sustainable sources of funding to support educational initiatives? How can we build a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among young people? Answering these questions will have a significant impact on Egypt’s future development.
