Egypt faces challenges in advancing women's economic and political participation, compounded by certain social norms, lack of decent jobs, and by the declining role of public sector employment and need for key services (child care and transport in particular). The unemployment rate among women reached 15% in 2021, with female labour force participation rate in 2021 at 22.2%, according to the World Bank statistics. Its gender gap score is 0.64, ranking 134th of 146 in the Global Gender Gap Index.

However, advances in women's participation in the labour force and expanded access to leadership roles has a proven positive impact on the economy and the society. The gender gap can be reduced through equitable economic participation and opportunity, education, health, political empowerment and enhanced local and regional development to reduce the urban-rural development gap in different regions and governorates.​

​With the current efforts at localizing development, there is an opportunity to enhance women's participation in decision-making at the national and local levels. Egypt can deepen the path it has taken by adopting a national policy that addresses uneven labour force participation, by introducing policies that regulate flexible working arrangements and by providing childcare services. These policies should also address discriminatory practices that hinder hiring women, while also incentivizing a more competitive business environment, removing obstacles, lowering costs and increasing benefits for the formalization of businesses and labour. ​

​This goes alongside the opportunity to develop and strengthen policies and measures, including national cultural awareness campaigns, to combat stereotypes on the role and value of women and men.  ​

61% of the population is below 30 years old, with rapid population growth. Urbanization has increased socio-economic and gender disparities. High levels of informality, weak social protection, including low social insurance coverage and a low rate of decent job creation in the (formal) private sector, limit the opportunities for women and youth to participate in the labour market. ​

​Incentivized investment in high value-added labour-intensive sector together with efforts towards formalization of the informal economy through family business venture projects and supporting micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) , has shown promise in creating decent work for all -and especially for vulnerable groups. Simplifying laws and procedures and reducing the cost of social security for businesses in combination with public, private and civil society organization partnerships offers a powerful pathway.  ​

​Resilient infrastructure and enhancing the quality of services in education and the health sectors, including reproductive health services is a key element of advancing decent work that is inclusive and sustainable. Investments in inclusive social protection is critical to unlock progress in decent work, especially for people in vulnerable circumstances.​

​Policies and tele-communication infrastructure that provide for a higher ratio of teleworking/physical presence not only creates more work potential, but can cut down emissions.​

Egypt ranks 95th of 132 in the Global Knowledge Index, slightly below the global average. Despite the growth of Egypt's innovative companies in 2022, it ranks 99 in its research, development, and innovation component, driven in part by weak intellectual property (IP) rights and ranks 114 on the Ease of Doing Business Index. Moving towards a knowledge-based economy, which is inclusive and sustainable, implies creating the conditions, and providing the necessary incentives for MSMEs in this area to flourish through improving national R&D performance and IP compliance and increase the returns of and incentives for applied research. ​

​Egypt faces the imperative of transitioning into a knowledge-based economy, and this transformation necessitates several vital actions. Firstly, there is a need to invest in developing clean technology and promote sustainable industries, thus promoting investment in R&D in all sectors including industries. The country can foster a culture of progress and adaptability by supporting industrial innovation through incentives and financing mechanisms. Additionally, digitizing industrial services can enhance efficiency and productivity. Moreover, creating partnerships with international research institutions will facilitate knowledge exchange and elevate Egypt's innovation and productivity. ​

​Increasing the share of GDP expenditure on scientific research will have a major impact on growth. Higher education remains a strong basis for enhancing scientific research, together with engaging private sector support for university research through policies and incentives.

Complexity in the administrative system, data unavailability for fact-based policies and lack of efficiency of institutions at the national and local levels underscores the need for administrative reform.  ​

​Establishment of centres of excellence for risk management at different levels can help to monitor and  improve the efficiency of governance systems and institutions. ​

​Through administrative reform, digital transformation and in combination with data integration across multiple institutions,  performance and efficiency of institutions is proven to improve, while also unlocking progress in data governance and protecting privacy. ​

​Use a participatory approach in planning strategies can improve community participation in development policies – particularly in combination with investments that empower local authorities both technically and financially. ​