Overview

The Egypt Voluntary National Review (VNR) 2021 provides a detailed assessment of the country’s progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It highlights Egypt’s commitment to integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into national policies and strategies, particularly through the launch of Egypt Vision 2030 in February 2016. The VNR outlines key achievements, such as the increase in access to drinking water from 90% in 2015 to 97% in 2019, electricity coverage from 99.2% to 99.7% in the same period, the decline in national poverty from 32.5% in 2017/2018 to 29.7% in 2019/2020, the reduction of hepatitis C cases from 8,746 in 2017 to 4,194 in 2019, improvements in food security index from 60.1 in 2017 to 65.4 in 2019, and progress in reducing stunting (22.7% in 2014/2015 to 17.5% in 2017/2018) and wasting (8% to 3%). The VNR also reflects institutional and policy milestones, including the establishment of the Sovereign Fund of Egypt in 2018, the allocation of USD 32 billion for the Hayah Karima Initiative in 2021, and the National Structural Reform Program launched the same year. Serving as both a tool for accountability and a roadmap, the 2021 VNR identifies successes, ongoing challenges, and strategic interventions necessary to accelerate sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development across Egypt.

Recommendations

Strengthen Policy and Institutional Frameworks: Developing clear, coherent, and enforceable policies across all SDG areas ensures that goals are integrated into national development plans. This includes institutional capacity-building, regulatory reforms, and better coordination among ministries and agencies.
Enhance Climate and Environmental Action: Implementing robust climate adaptation and mitigation measures, protecting biodiversity, and improving marine and terrestrial ecosystems are essential. Supporting renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and pollution reduction can help meet environmental targets while fostering economic growth.
Promote Inclusive Governance and Rule of Law: Ensuring transparency, fighting corruption, enhancing judicial efficiency, and improving political stability strengthens governance. Inclusive governance empowers citizens, protects human rights, and enables equitable access to services.
Mobilise Financial Resources Efficiently: Increasing domestic revenue collection, optimising public investments, attracting foreign direct investment, and efficiently utilising official development assistance (ODA) are key for sustainable development financing. Innovative financing mechanisms, such as green funds or digital platforms, can also support SDG implementation.
Foster Regional and Global Partnerships: Strengthening cooperation with African, Arab, and global partners facilitates knowledge sharing, technical support, and financial mobilisation. Partnerships in trade, technology, youth engagement, and humanitarian support enhance Egypt’s capacity to achieve SDGs.
Invest in Education and Capacity-Building: Building human capital through education, vocational training, and public awareness campaigns equips citizens with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve SDGs. Emphasis should be placed on science, technology, and environmental literacy.
Enhance Digital Connectivity and Innovation: Expanding broadband access, digital government services, and technological infrastructure enables greater participation in development processes. E-governance, telemedicine, online education, and digital financial services can increase efficiency and inclusion.
Support Sustainable Economic Growth and Employment: Promoting sustainable industries, entrepreneurship, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) ensures inclusive economic growth. Policies should prioritise green jobs, industrial innovation, and equitable labour markets to create resilient livelihoods.
Strengthen Health, Social Protection, and Resilience: Investing in healthcare, social services, and disaster risk reduction improves human well-being and safeguards vulnerable populations. COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of resilient health systems and emergency preparedness.
Monitor, Evaluate, and Communicate Progress: Establishing robust data collection, monitoring systems, and transparent reporting enables evidence-based decision-making. Public communication and stakeholder engagement ensure accountability and encourage citizen participation in achieving SDGs.

Conclusion

Egypt’s 2021 VNR demonstrates a strong commitment to the 2030 Agenda, showcasing solid policies, clear vision, and inclusive, multi-stakeholder engagement that has shown resilience amid the COVID-19 pandemic and other global challenges. While notable progress has been made in areas such as energy, poverty reduction, and infrastructure, the report candidly acknowledges persistent challenges, including high population growth, data gaps, and fiscal constraints, which require urgent attention. Looking ahead, Egypt’s roadmap emphasises strengthening institutional capacities, enhancing the data ecosystem, and mobilising domestic and international financing through effective partnerships. By scaling successful initiatives and fostering synergies, Egypt is well-positioned to accelerate sustainable, inclusive development and ensure that no one is left behind in achieving the 2030 Agenda.

SDGs Progress Tracker

Voluntary National Reports

Country Focal Point

H. E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat
Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation of Egypt

Location

Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, Cairo, Egypt

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Region

No Poverty

Score 2
Justification	Egypt’s commitment to ending poverty is evident through strong policy interventions, expanded social protection systems, and increased government investment in essential services. Initiatives such as Takaful & Karama and Haya Karima have been designed to reduce economic vulnerability, improve access to basic needs, and empower low-income households, aligning national priorities with SDG 1 targets.
Challenges	Persistent population growth, large household sizes, and a high level of informal employment continue to hinder poverty reduction. Economic disparities between rural and urban areas remain evident, with urban poverty becoming increasingly significant. These structural challenges limit the full impact of national poverty alleviation programmes.
Progress/ Solution	Between 2018 and 2020, the national poverty rate declined from 32.5% to 29.7%, while extreme poverty fell from 6.2% to 4.5%. Government spending on health, education, and basic services rose substantially, with social protection coverage expanding from less than 1% in 2015 to 12% in 2020. Access to electricity, clean water, and sanitation also improved, reflecting tangible progress in reducing deprivation and inequality.
Unsolved Challenges	· The COVID-19 pandemic slowed the pace of poverty reduction, straining social protection systems and limiting income security for vulnerable groups. Sustaining progress requires tackling informality, strengthening education and vocational training, and ensuring that poverty reduction strategies remain resilient to economic shocks. Continued evidence-based policymaking and inclusive growth are essential to achieve SDG 1 by 2030.

Zero Hunger

Score :3
Justification	Ending hunger and improving nutrition remain core priorities under Egypt Vision 2030. The Government of Egypt (GoE) recognises that hunger and malnutrition impede human capital development and productivity. National strategies therefore focus on strengthening food security, boosting agricultural productivity, and expanding safety nets to ensure equitable access to nutritious food for all citizens.
Challenges	Despite improvements, challenges persist in reducing system inefficiencies and high operational costs within the food subsidy programme. Resource leakages, limited indexation to inflation, and the need for better nutritional value in subsidised items remain areas for improvement. Managing agricultural sustainability amid water scarcity and population growth also poses ongoing difficulties.
Progress/ Solution	Egypt has made measurable progress towards achieving food security. The Global Food Security Index improved from 60.1 in 2017 to 65.4 in 2019, before a minor fall to 61.1 in 2020. Malnutrition among children under five has significantly decreased stunting from 22.7% (2015) to 17.5% (2018), wasting from 8% to 3%, and anaemia from 27% to 22.3%. Agricultural production rose from 158.6 tons per hectare (2016) to 163.3 (2018), while food subsidy efficiency and targeting were enhanced to protect low-income households.
Unsolved Challenges	Although the COVID-19 pandemic had minimal short-term impact on hunger indicators, sustaining resilience against future shocks is critical. Continued dependence on imports for some food items leaves Egypt exposed to global market volatility. Further policy action is needed to strengthen local production systems, enhance dietary diversity, and maintain the downward trend in malnutrition and stunting, targeting 2.3% malnutrition and 12.2% stunting by 2030.

Good Health

Score: 3
Justification	Egypt prioritises universal access to high-quality healthcare as a fundamental right for all citizens. Guided by Egypt Vision 2030, the Government of Egypt (GoE) continues to strengthen public health systems, reduce preventable deaths, and combat infectious diseases to promote well-being and equitable healthcare coverage across the population.
Challenges	Rising out-of-pocket health expenditure from 9.9% (2018) to 10.4% (2020) signals ongoing financial pressure on families. The low density of healthcare professionals only 1.2 doctors and 2.2 nurses per 1,000 citizens in 2019—remains below global averages. Population growth and uneven service distribution further strain the health system, especially in rural areas.
Progress/ Solution	Significant strides have been achieved in improving health outcomes. The maternal mortality ratio fell from 49.0 (2015) to 42.8 (2019), while road traffic death rates declined from 8.9 to 6.89 per 100,000 in the same years. The number of insured people rose from 51.1 million (2015) to 56.9 million (2019), reflecting wider coverage. The Hepatitis C “100 Million Health” initiative halved reported cases from 8,746 (2017) to 4,194 (2019). Under-5 mortality remained low at 20.4 per 1,000 live births, already below the 2030 target.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite robust initiatives, sustaining equitable access and quality care poses challenges. Healthcare infrastructure and staffing must expand to meet growing demand. Continued investment in preventive care, family planning, and health insurance coverage is needed to achieve the 2030 targets of reducing neonatal mortality to 5.28 and under-5 mortality to 14.3 per 1,000 live births, ensuring resilient and inclusive health outcomes for all Egyptians.

Quality Education

Score: 3
Justification	Education remains a cornerstone of Egypt’s Vision 2030, recognising it as a driver of social inclusion and human capital development. The Government of Egypt (GoE) continues to prioritise accessible, equitable, and high-quality education for all, ensuring that every child enjoys the right to lifelong learning and skill development.
Challenges	Resource strain persists, particularly in pre-primary education, where enrolment remains low at 25% (2019/2020). Class densities increased from 42.6 to 44.8 in urban and 44.9 to 47.8 in rural areas between 2018 and 2020, with student–teacher ratios rising to 21.0 (urban) and 25.3 (rural). Male students face higher dropout rates, especially at preparatory and secondary levels, as many leave school early for work.
Progress/ Solution	Egypt’s education system, the largest in the MENA region, enrolled over 24.4 million K–12 students in 2020/2021. The net enrolment rate rose from 94.3% to 100.2% in primary, 81.1% to 85.3% in lower secondary, and 27.7% to 28.5% in upper secondary between 2018 and 2020. The school drop-out rate fell from 6% (2015) to 2% (2020), while youth illiteracy declined from 28% to 19.8%. Public spending on education increased by 9.6% annually (2016–2020), reaching 10.1% of total government expenditure. The Education 2.0 reform, launched in 2018, modernised teaching, curriculum design, and digital infrastructure to enhance quality and inclusivity.
Unsolved Challenges	The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily disrupted learning and slowed secondary completion progress, despite strong digital readiness. Sustaining reform momentum under Education 2.0, expanding teacher training, and improving school infrastructure remain critical. Continued investment and equitable access are essential to achieve universal completion at all education levels by 2030.

Gender Equality

Score: 2
Justification	Egypt places gender equality and women’s empowerment at the core of its Vision 2030 agenda. The Government of Egypt (GoE) recognises that achieving inclusive and sustainable development requires strengthening women’s roles in public life, the economy, and decision-making at all levels.
Challenges	Persistent gender gaps remain in labour market participation, with women’s labour force participation rate declining from 16.4% (2018) to 13.8% (2020). Informal employment remains high, with 40.9% of non-agricultural female workers engaged in insecure or unregulated jobs. Social barriers and unequal access to economic opportunities continue to constrain progress.
Progress/ Solution	Significant progress has been achieved in enhancing women’s participation in leadership and employment. The proportion of seats held by women in Parliament increased from 15% in 2018 to 27% in 2021, while local government representation rose from 11.8% to 24%. Female unemployment dropped from 21.4% (2018) to 17.5% (2020). Egypt’s ranking in the Gender Gap Index for political empowerment improved by 33 places between 2015 and 2020. Institutional reforms such as the Gender Equity Seal and initiatives for financial inclusion further advanced women’s empowerment across sectors.
Unsolved Challenges	Gender-based practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and limited female participation in the formal economy still hinder equality. Although legal reforms and awareness campaigns have intensified, cultural and structural barriers persist. Sustained policy enforcement, institutional support, and inclusive employment opportunities are vital to achieving full gender parity by 2030.

Water & Sanitation

Score:3
Justification	Egypt prioritises water security as a national and developmental imperative due to its dependency on the Nile for around 90% of its water resources. With a growing population and increased agricultural demand, ensuring access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation is essential for sustaining livelihoods, health, and economic growth.
Challenges	Egypt faces severe water scarcity, with annual per capita water availability dropping to 570 m³ in 2018, far below the global standard of 1,000 m³. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) poses a significant threat to Egypt’s water supply, as unilateral actions on Nile water use could intensify shortages. High agricultural water consumption and outdated irrigation systems further strain limited resources.
Progress/ Solution	Marked improvements have been achieved in water and sanitation access. The proportion of the population using safely managed drinking water services increased from 90% in 2015 to 96.9% in 2019, while sanitation coverage rose from 50% to 66.2%. The percentage of treated wastewater also improved from 50% in 2015 to 68.7% in 2018. Major investments include the completion of 295 drinking water projects, expansion of wastewater treatment plants, and 58 desalination plants with an additional 39 under construction, reflecting Egypt’s commitment to sustainable water management.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite near-universal access to drinking water, sanitation coverage remains comparatively low, especially in rural areas. The long-term sustainability of water resources hinges on resolving transboundary water disputes, enhancing wastewater reuse, and expanding desalination capacity. Strengthened cooperation and continued investments are critical to maintaining universal access and achieving water security by 2030.

Clean Energy

Score: 3
Justification	Egypt’s drive Despite near-universal access to drinking water, sanitation coverage remains comparatively low, especially in rural areas. The long-term sustainability of water resources hinges on resolving transboundary water disputes, enhancing wastewater reuse, and expanding desalination capacity. Strengthened cooperation and continued investments are critical to maintaining universal access and achieving water security by 2030.toward SDG 7—Affordable and Clean Energy—is rooted in the urgent need to overcome the electricity shortages that severely affected the country in 2014, when daily deficits reached 6,000 MW. The government recognised the importance of ensuring reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy to support national growth, industrialisation, and social well-being.
Challenges	Despite these gains, Egypt faces challenges in expanding renewable energy infrastructure and securing the necessary investment to meet future targets. The gradual removal of energy subsidies and ensuring affordability for vulnerable groups remain ongoing policy concerns, especially amid economic fluctuations and pandemic recovery pressures.
Progress/ Solution	Access to electricity improved from 99.2% in 2015 to 99.7% in 2019, reaching near-universal levels. Total generated electricity rose from 173.46 billion KW in 2015 to 198.8 billion KW in 2019, supported by the construction of 26 new power stations, including three major Siemens plants adding 14,500 MW. The share of renewable energy in total generation also increased from 7.9% in 2018 to 8.8% in 2019, with projects such as Benban Solar Park and Jabal El-Zeit Wind Farm marking significant advances.
Unsolved Challenges	The share of renewable energy, though increasing, remains below the national ambition of 20% by 2022 and 42% by 2035. Further diversification into nuclear and green hydrogen energy is still in its early stages. Strengthening transmission networks and maintaining grid stability while integrating renewables also require sustained technological and financial support.

Decent Work

Score: 3
Justification	Egypt’s pursuit of SDG 8—Decent Work and Economic Growth—stems from the 2016 economic reform programme aimed at stabilising macroeconomic conditions, increasing employment, and fostering inclusive growth. The reforms targeted structural weaknesses, high unemployment, and limited private sector participation to achieve sustainable economic resilience.
Challenges	Persistent youth unemployment, particularly among women, and the dominance of the informal sector—comprising 55.3% of total employment in 2020—remain major challenges. The pandemic also slowed tourism and disrupted MSME operations, testing Egypt’s capacity to sustain job creation and inclusive recovery.
Progress/ Solution	Egypt achieved notable progress with the unemployment rate declining from 11.3% in Q4 2017 to 7.2% in Q4 2020, and youth unemployment in the 20–24 age group dropping from 28.4% in 2018 to 18.2% in 2020. Similarly, GDP growth reached 5.6% in 2018/19 before moderating to 3.57% in 2019/20 due to the pandemic. The MSME sector, employing 37% of the workforce, expanded through initiatives injecting over USD 7.4 billion in funding, while tourism remained a major contributor despite its decline from 4.2% of GDP in 2019 to 2.7% in 2020.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite resilience, Egypt continues to face the dual challenge of informal labour formalisation and youth employability. Achieving higher value-added employment and revitalising pandemic-affected sectors like tourism require sustained reforms, digital skills development, and stronger private sector integration to secure long-term inclusive growth.

Industry & Infrastructure

Score: 3
Justification	Egypt has prioritised resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrialisation, and innovation as key drivers of economic competitiveness and inclusive growth. Government strategies have focused on strengthening non-oil manufacturing, expanding high-technology exports, and fostering SME participation in industrial value chains.
Challenges	Industrial diversification remains limited, with dependency on low-technology sectors and a modest share of high-value exports. Non-oil manufacturing performance declined slightly, signalling productivity gaps and limited technological absorption. Additionally, COVID-19 disruptions and global market volatility constrained growth momentum.
Progress/ Solution	Between 2015 and 2020, Egypt achieved visible progress in several industrial and innovation indicators. High-technology exports rose from 0.8% in 2015 to 3% in 2019, while SME participation in manufacturing exports increased from 6% to 10%. Although non-oil manufacturing value added slightly declined from 12.25% in 2015 to 11.7% in 2020, infrastructure rankings improved markedly with Transport Infrastructure moving from 56th in 2017 to 44th in 2019, and Utility Infrastructure from 70th to 64th. The number of researchers also rose from 672.9 to 686.7 per million inhabitants between 2015 and 2018, reflecting growing innovation capacity.
Unsolved Challenges	To sustain progress, Egypt must enhance R&D investment, deepen value-chain integration, and strengthen digital and innovation ecosystems. Further policy reforms are needed to boost industrial competitiveness, expand SME financing, and mitigate external shocks that threaten industrial and infrastructure resilience.

Inequality

Score: 3
Justification	Egypt has embedded social justice and equality at the core of its development agenda, with policies targeting poverty reduction, gender equality, and equal access to services. Reducing disparities between urban and rural areas, as well as supporting vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, is central to promoting inclusive growth.
Challenges	Despite progress, regional disparities persist, with urban households experiencing faster income and expenditure growth than rural households. Vulnerable populations, including women and persons with disabilities, still face barriers in employment, economic participation, and access to essential services. Ensuring equitable distribution of resources across regions remains a challenge.
Progress/ Solution	Between 2017/18 and 2019/20, real GDP per capita (PPP) increased from USD 11,000 to 11,800. Household income grew by 14.3%, with urban areas increasing by 16.3% and rural areas by 13.3%. Household expenditure rose by 15.2%, with urban growth at 19% and rural at 12%. Poverty rates fell overall from 32.5% in 2017/18 to 29.74% in 2019/20, with rural poverty decreasing faster than urban poverty, narrowing the urban-rural gap from 13.8 to 11.8 percentage points. Government measures such as subsidies, minimum wage increases, and progressive taxation, along with initiatives supporting persons with disabilities, contributed significantly to these improvements.
Unsolved Challenges	Sustained efforts are required to fully reduce inequality and ensure social inclusion. Egypt must continue expanding support for rural communities, strengthen economic opportunities for women and persons with disabilities, and maintain social protection programmes. Long-term policies are needed to further narrow urban-rural income gaps and promote equitable access to services for all citizens

Sustainable Cities

Score:3
Justification	Egypt has prioritised sustainable urban development to ensure access to decent housing, preserve cultural heritage, and build resilient infrastructure. Rapid urbanisation, population growth, and the need for sustainable cities make investments in housing, transport, and public services essential for inclusive development.
Challenges	Key challenges include construction violations, loss of arable land, and the persistence of slums and unplanned settlements. Rapid population growth, projected to reach 180 million by 2052, intensifies the need for urban planning, affordable housing, and equitable allocation of resources across regions.
Progress/ Solution	Between 2015 and 2019, the proportion of urban population living in slums fell from 10.6% to 5.2%. Government investment in roads and bridges doubled from USD 894 million in 2018 to USD 1,788 million in 2020. Cultural and religious expenditure slightly declined from 3.34% to 3.17% of total government expenditure. Air quality improved, with annual mean PM2.5 levels decreasing from 126.02 µg/m³ in 2015 to 87 µg/m³ in 2019. Egypt launched the National Housing Strategy, developed 22 new cities, and completed major transport projects such as the High-Speed Train and Cairo Monorail to support sustainable urban growth.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite progress, air pollution remains high, and COVID-19 has temporarily slowed pollution reduction efforts. Long-term priorities include achieving spatial justice, promoting sustainable housing, reducing PM2.5 levels to 54 µg/m³ by 2030, and integrating economic incentives to encourage relocation to new cities while ensuring equitable access to infrastructure and services.

Responsible Consumption

Score :3
Justification	Responsible consumption and production are critical for Egypt due to water scarcity, food supply pressures, and rising population demands. Promoting efficiency in water, energy, and food use is essential for building a circular economy and sustainable communities.
Challenges	Major challenges include disparities in waste collection and recycling across governorates, high generation of solid waste per capita, and inefficient agricultural practices. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted food production and distribution, temporarily increasing waste and reducing supply efficiency.
Progress/ Solution	Disposed garbage increased from 17.6 thousand tons in 2015 to 36.6 thousand tons in 2019, reflecting population growth and consumption patterns. Policies for energy efficiency reduced petroleum consumption in key sectors by up to 25%. The National Water Resources Plan (2017–2037) and National Solid Waste Management Program have strengthened water management and waste recycling, while initiatives such as BariQ’s plastic pre-sorting facility and the Eco-Chic reuse project promote sustainable waste practices. Agricultural loss stood at 22% in 2019, slightly below MENA average, and programmes aim to reduce this further.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite progress, only 2.5% of solid waste is recycled nationally, with vast regional disparities. Agricultural loss remains significant, and COVID-19 has highlighted vulnerabilities in the food supply chain. Long-term goals include reducing food waste to 20% by 2030, expanding recycling coverage, and ensuring equitable access to resources for sustainable consumption and production.

Climate Action

Score:3
Justification	Climate action is crucial for Egypt due to rising greenhouse gas emissions, vulnerability to climate change, and urban air pollution. Effective policies are needed to reduce emissions, enhance resilience, and protect livelihoods.
Challenges	Carbon emissions continue to rise overall, with total emissions increasing from 55 million tons in 2019 to 60 million tons in 2020. Urban air pollution remains significant, particularly in Greater Cairo, with an annual economic cost of 1.4% of GDP. Implementation gaps, population growth, and industrial expansion present ongoing challenges.
Progress/ Solution	Per capita CO₂ emissions decreased from 2.55 metric tons in 2018 to 2.46 metric tons in 2019, a nearly 5% reduction. The National Council for Climate Change, green public investments (USD 2.3 billion in 2020/2021), and projects funded by the Green Climate Fund, World Bank, and AFD are improving mitigation and adaptation. Initiatives in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management further support emission reductions.
Unsolved Challenges	Without accelerated action, emissions could reach 100 million tons by 2030. The need remains for stronger climate policies, expanded green finance, increased private sector engagement, and the widespread adoption of low-emission technologies to meet SDG 13 targets.

Life Below Water

Score 3
Justification	Preserving life below water is essential for Egypt due to its rich marine biodiversity, extensive coastline, and the critical role of marine resources in tourism and livelihoods. Sustainable management of fisheries and marine ecosystems is vital for economic and environmental stability.
Challenges	Key challenges include marine pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, and the impacts of tourism on sensitive ecosystems. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted some community-based awareness and conservation programmes, limiting outreach and enforcement.
Progress/ Solution	Egypt’s Ocean Health Index improved from 68 in 2017 to 70 in 2019. Initiatives like the Go Green, Bar Aman, and community-based projects such as Eco-Dahab and HEPCA have enhanced marine conservation, cleaned seabeds, and promoted sustainable fishing practices. Fish production reached 1.8 million metric tons in 2019, projected to grow to 1.94 million metric tons by 2021.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite ongoing efforts, pressures on marine ecosystems remain. By 2030, achieving sustainable fish production of 3 million metric tons requires reinforced policies, continuous monitoring, and expanded stakeholder engagement to protect biodiversity, reduce plastic pollution, and ensure sustainable fisheries management.

Life on Land

Score :3
Justification	Egypt’s unique ecological diversity necessitates strong conservation measures. Preserving terrestrial ecosystems, wildlife, and inland lakes is crucial for biodiversity, sustainable urban development, and environmental sustainability.
Challenges	Challenges include low forest cover (0.075 million hectares, <0.01% of land), urban encroachment, pollution, and insufficient financial sustainability of natural reserves. COVID-19 temporarily disrupted conservation and awareness programmes.
Progress/ Solution	Egypt’s Red List Index slightly decreased from 0.92 in 2015 to 0.91 in 2020, reflecting ongoing conservation efforts. The country expanded natural protectorates from 30 to 43, launched ecotourism campaigns such as Eco Egypt, and implemented projects like the Migratory Soaring Bird Conservation Project. Restoration of lakes and community-based initiatives, including support for 9,000 female farmers, have also contributed to ecosystem protection.
Unsolved Challenges	Despite efforts, biodiversity remains under pressure, with limited forest area and ongoing threats from development and pollution. Achieving meaningful ecosystem restoration by 2030 requires reinforced policy measures, sustainable financing for protectorates, and expanded community engagement.

Peace & Justice

Score:3
Justification	Strong institutions are the foundation of inclusive and sustainable development. Egypt aims to enhance transparency, strengthen governance, and combat corruption to build effective, accountable, and resilient institutions by 2030.
Challenges	The Corruption Perception Index fell from 3.5 in 2019 to 3.3 in 2020, reflecting the impact of COVID-19 on institutional performance. Bureaucratic inefficiencies and uneven enforcement of governance reforms remain barriers to achieving full transparency and citizen trust.
Progress/ Solution	Egypt improved across key governance indicators between 2015 and 2019, with the Rule of Law rising from 31.25 to 37.98, Government Effectiveness from 22.12 to 36.54, and Political Stability from 8.57 to 12.86. The Institutions Rank also advanced from 102nd in 2018 to 82nd in 2019. The second National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2019–2022), expanded partnerships with civil society, and digital transformation of the judiciary have strengthened accountability and service delivery.
Unsolved Challenges	By 2030, Egypt aims to raise its Corruption Perception score to 4.3 and Government Effectiveness score to 2.6, but sustained progress will depend on further institutional reforms, continued digitisation, and stronger anti-corruption mechanisms across all sectors.

Partnerships

Score:3
Justification	Strengthening the means of implementation is critical for achieving Egypt’s development goals. This includes improving domestic revenue mobilisation, enhancing public investment efficiency, promoting foreign direct investment, and fostering international and regional partnerships.
Challenges	Total government revenues as a proportion of GDP decreased to 19.2% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Egypt’s low tax-to-GDP ratio. Remittances declined as a proportion of GDP from 10.8% in 2018 to 8% in 2020. Global disruptions caused by the pandemic also slowed trade growth and constrained investment flows.
Progress/ Solution	Between 2015 and 2020, Egypt made notable advances: domestic budget funded by domestic taxes rose from 39.7% in 2018 to 54.4% in 2020, total net ODA increased from USD 8.6 billion in 2018 to 9.8 billion in 2020, and net FDI grew from USD 6.9 billion in 2015 to 7.4 billion in 2020. Fixed broadband subscriptions increased from 4.08 per 100 inhabitants in 2015 to 7.62 in 2019. Egypt also strengthened regional and international cooperation, hosting the World Youth Forum and leading initiatives under the African Union and Arab States.
Unsolved Challenges	By 2030, Egypt aims to increase government revenues to 23% of GDP, expand exports to 0.3% of global trade, and further boost FDIs and ODA utilisation. Sustained reform, stronger digital infrastructure, and enhanced partnerships are essential to fully realise these goals and ensure resilient means of implementation.

SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track

SDGs World Progress: Off-Track

SDG1
SDG5

Country Challenges

High Population Growth: Rapid population increase strains public services and affects long-term human capital development, reversing earlier gains in birth and fertility control.
Environmental Pollution and Air Quality: Despite improvements, air pollution remains high, with PM2.5 levels at 87 µg/m³ in 2019. Urban emissions, industry, and transport continue to pose health and economic costs, estimated at 1.4% of GDP in Greater Cairo.
Climate Vulnerability and Disaster Risk: Integrating climate risk into development planning is complex, requiring technical expertise, data, and inter-sector coordination.
Regional Disparities and Urban-Rural Gaps: Unequal development across regions persists, creating urbanisation pressure and necessitating targeted rural development initiatives.
Water Scarcity: With per capita water availability at 570 m³ in 2018, Egypt heavily relies on the Nile, making it vulnerable to upstream changes and requiring investment in alternatives such as desalination.
Data Gaps: SDG data coverage remains limited (47.5% in 2019), with a need for better statistical capacity, unified definitions, and evidence-based policy support.
Limited Implementation and Monitoring Capacity: Achieving SDGs and enforcing climate policies require stronger institutional and technical capacity, often hindered by resource and bureaucratic constraints.
Financing and Fiscal Constraints: Low tax-to-GDP ratio and a large informal sector limit domestic resource mobilisation. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified fiscal pressures, highlighting the need for sustained investment, including green financing.
Healthcare Workforce Shortages: Low density of doctors and nurses, coupled with high out-of-pocket health costs, limits access to quality healthcare services.

Country Lessons Learned

Importance of Localization: Initiatives like Hayah Karima (USD 32 billion) and the Governorate-level Investment Allocation Formula ensure tailored development for the poorest regions, addressing disparities and leaving no one behind.
Focus on Data and Monitoring: Regular, comparative SDG data supports progress tracking, challenge identification, and evidence-based policy adjustments.
Responsive and Adaptive Policies: COVID-19 measures, including digital learning and social protection, show the need for swift policies to protect vulnerable populations and maintain essential services.
Integrated, Multi-Stakeholder Approaches: Collaboration between government, civil society, private sector, and development partners, such as the World Bank and UNICEF, is crucial for implementing reforms in education, health, and other sectors.
Long-Term Vision and Clear Roadmaps: Egypt’s SDG 2030 roadmap, including scenarios like the “SDG Push,” highlights the value of ambitious, coherent, and stakeholder-supported planning.
Innovative Financing Instruments: Issuance of USD 750 million green bonds in 2020, attracting USD 3.7 billion in orders, demonstrates the potential of sovereign green bonds for climate financing.
Evidence-Based Policy and Digital Transformation: Tools like the Citizen’s Plan and Sharek 2030 app enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in monitoring development projects.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): The Sovereign Fund of Egypt (2018) leverages private sector collaboration to maximise government assets and unlock resources for strategic projects.
Monitoring and Policy Adaptation: Tracking emissions, air quality, and urban slum improvements illustrates the importance of data-driven decision-making and adaptive management.
Political Commitment and Advocacy: Egypt’s leadership in international climate negotiations, including COP24, shows how advocacy can secure global support and elevate national influence on climate action.

Country Contribution

2015: Establishment of Egypt’s National Council for Climate Change and development of the National Sustainable Consumption and Production Action Plan.
February 2016: Launch of Egypt’s first Sustainable Development Strategy: Egypt Vision 2030.
2016-2019: Per capita CO₂ emissions reduced from 2.55 to 2.46 metric tons.
2017: Investment of USD 894 million in roads and bridges.
2017: Some governorates achieved up to 100% solid waste recycling.
2017/2018: Real GDP per capita PPP reached USD 11,000.
2017-2019: Transport infrastructure ranking improved from 55th to 44th; utility infrastructure ranking improved from 70th to 64th.
2018: Establishment of the Sovereign Fund of Egypt.
2019/2020: National poverty rate declined from 32.5% to 29.7%.
2019: Real GDP per capita PPP reached USD 11,800.
2019: Women held 162 seats in Parliament (27% of representatives).
2019-2020: Egypt received USD 56.5 million in environmental aid.
2020/2021: Women held 8 ministerial portfolios (24% of ministerial positions).
2020: Women’s unemployment decreased from 21.4% to 17.7%.
2021: Launch of the National Structural Reform Program targeting a 30–35% contribution to GDP from manufacturing, ICT, and agriculture by 2024.
2021: Allocation of EGP 500 billion for village development over three years.
2021: Launch of the first national housing strategy.
2021: 68% of beneficiaries of the “Karama” programme are persons with disabilities (around 1.2 million PWD, costing USD 319 million annually).
2024: Target to increase the private sector’s share of total investments by 20% per annum.
2025 & 2030: Projected GDP growth rates of 4.2% and 5% respectively.
2030: Target year for achieving SDGs and universal health coverage.
2035: Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy aims for 42% of energy from renewables.
2037: Target year for the National Water Resources Plan to address water scarcity.
2019: Access to drinking water increased to 97% (from 90% in 2015).
2019: Access to electricity increased to 99.7% (from 99.2% in 2015).
2018–2020: Food security index improved from 60.1 (2017) to 65.4 (2019), with a slight adjustment to 61.1 in 2020.
2017/2018: Prevalence of stunting reduced from 22.7% to 17.5%; wasting reduced from 8% to 3%.
2019: Hepatitis C cases declined from 8,746 (2017) to 4,194.

Egypt

Overview

SDGs Progress Tracker

Voluntary National Reports

Country Focal Point

Location

Region

No Poverty

Zero Hunger

Good Health

Quality Education

Gender Equality

Water & Sanitation

Clean Energy

Decent Work

Industry & Infrastructure

Inequality

Sustainable Cities

Responsible Consumption

Climate Action

Life Below Water

Life on Land

Peace & Justice

Partnerships

SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track

SDGs World Progress: Off-Track

Country Challenges

Country Lessons Learned

Country Contribution

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Egypt

Overview

SDGs Progress Tracker

Voluntary National Reports

Country Focal Point

Location

Region

No Poverty

Zero Hunger

Good Health

Quality Education

Gender Equality

Water & Sanitation

Clean Energy

Decent Work

Industry & Infrastructure

Inequality

Sustainable Cities

Responsible Consumption

Climate Action

Life Below Water

Life on Land

Peace & Justice

Partnerships

SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track

SDGs World Progress: Off-Track

Country Challenges

Country Lessons Learned

Country Contribution

You May Also Be Interested In

European Union

The European Union’s (EU) 2023 Voluntary National Review (VNR) marks a historic milestone as the first…

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In the VNR report, Brazilians' commitment to the principle of "leaving no one behind" guides decisions and…

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