Egypt Politics and Economics

Government

The Arab Republic of Egypt is declared in its constitution as a democratic state with Islam as its state religion and Arabic as its national language. The president is the head of state and, along with the cabinmate, makes up executive authority.

Image Source: Global Edge

Economy

The Egyptian economy has been steadily improving over the last 10 years. The unemployment rate has been decreasing and currently resides at 8.3%. Agriculture contributes to 11.3% of Egypt's gross domestic product (GDP) and the agricultural sector makes up for 28% of all jobs. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects the unemployment rate to increase due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Image Source: Egypt Independent

Egypt Food Policies

  • Ration Cards

    • Ration cards are given to citizens when they meet certain criteria that shows the government that they need help obtaining food. These cards can be handed out to groups including retirees, temporary workers, street vendors, those with monthly incomes of less than 400LE and more.

  • Government Subsidized Foods

    • The government of Egypt subsidizes foods, particularly bread, to help it's people gain easier access to food. This is when the government helps pay for some of the cost of production for a food item and allows those with less money to purchase it at a lower cost.

Image Source: Daily News Egypt

One of the ways government is trying to ensure they are providing healthier, more ethical, foods to their people is through the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA). The NFSA was established in January 2017 and is aimed at protecting consumer health by ensuring the highest standard of food quality and hygiene.

“Agriculture and Food Security: Egypt.” U.S. Agency for International Development, 23 Feb. 2021, www.usaid.gov/egypt/agriculture-and-food-security.

Tellioglu, Isin, and Panos Konandreas. “Agricultural Policies, Trade and Sustainable Development in Egypt.” Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, www.fao.org/publications/card/en/c/3fbb0d3b-7461-40eb-9957-c3011e1bd2ab.

“The Economic Context of Egypt.” The Economic Context of Egypt - Economic and Political Overview - Nordea Trade Portal, March, 2021, www.nordeatrade.com/en/explore-new-market/egypt/economical-context.