Enforcing investment in education and health in Egypt

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Date: 18 - 04 - 2024

Cairo

Source: Al-Wafd newspaper

Dr. Ali Mohamed Al-Khouri

As Egypt embarks on implementing its economic plan for the period 2024-2030, the education and health care sectors are showing pivotal importance. These sectors are not just components of infrastructure, but rather basic pillars for improving the quality of life and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Data indicate growing demand for private education in Egypt, driven by a thriving middle class and growing recognition of the value of quality education. This increasing demand constitutes fertile ground for investment in new educational institutions and strengthening existing ones. The vocational training scene also provides untapped potential because it is closely aligned with the country’s industrial ambitions, making it a strategic investment point that promises social and economic returns.​ Statistics confirm that the higher education sector also provides lucrative opportunities. As the government moves towards a knowledge-based economy, there is a great need for specialized universities and colleges that are compatible with the evolving market requirements. The growth of this sector is amplified by the spread of digital education platforms, which reflects the global shift towards digital learning systems.

On the other hand, the healthcare sector in Egypt is one of the important investment sectors, especially with its needs to establish new facilities and hospitals and expand existing facilities. Current expectations indicate the need for up to 120,000 new beds by 2030, which could translate into investment opportunities worth billions of dollars. Specialized medical centers and clinics represent another area of ​​growth, especially those offering outpatient services and day care, which are becoming increasingly popular among the Egyptian population.

In addition, the pharmaceutical market is expanding rapidly, supported by ongoing reforms and increasing demand for medical products. Likewise, the health insurance market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the comprehensive health insurance program launched by the government, which aims for full coverage by 2032.

These data push Egypt’s approach to sustainable development to further integrate technology into education and enhance energy efficiency practices in the field of health care. The intention here is not to launch initiatives for modernization, but rather to make these vital sectors capable of facing future economic and environmental challenges.

To enhance the public investment climate in these sectors, policymakers must navigate a landscape still characterized by bureaucratic complexities and competitive pressures, and work to mitigate these challenges through more financial incentives and regulatory reforms. Investment opportunities must be carefully aligned with the broader economic and social goals built into the economic roadmap to achieve resilience and global development goals.