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World Bank Predicts 4.2% Economic Growth For Egypt In FY2025/26

Egypt’s economy is projected to experience steady growth in the coming years, with a forecasted GDP increase of 4.2% for FY 2025/2026, driven by private consumption, easing inflation, robust remittances, and a positive economic sentiment. The World Bank’s forecast also anticipates a 3.5% GDP growth for FY 2024/2025, reflecting the country’s gradual recovery.

According to the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects report for January, this growth is primarily attributed to a boost in private consumption, which is supported by gradually easing inflation, alongside a surge in remittances and an overall improvement in investor sentiment. However, the report also cautioned that Egypt’s interest payments are expected to remain elevated in 2025, which could continue to weigh on the state’s budget.

Economic Slowdown In FY2023/24

Egypt’s economy faced challenges in FY2023/24, with growth slowing to just 2.4%. The decline was largely attributed to a drop in shipping activity through the Suez Canal and a reduction in natural gas production. Additionally, the non-oil manufacturing sector faced a downturn due to rising input costs, supply bottlenecks, and previous foreign exchange shortages.

Signs Of Recovery Following Exchange Rate Liberalization

The liberalization of Egypt’s exchange rate in March 2024 has played a pivotal role in boosting investor confidence and driving private sector activity in the second half of the year. This policy shift has had a positive impact on the economy, though the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its growth forecasts for Egypt downward. The IMF now projects a 0.5% reduction in Egypt’s real GDP growth for FY2024/25 and a 1% downward revision for FY2025/26.

Key Drivers of Egypt’s Economic Recovery

In January 2025, Egypt’s Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) indicated that the country’s GDP growth could range from 3.5% to 4.5% in 2025, thanks to ongoing reforms aimed at boosting investment and controlling inflation. These efforts are expected to continue driving positive growth, as the country looks to strengthen its economy in the medium term.

The IMF has also revised its forecast, now predicting a 4% growth in Egypt’s economy in 2025, up from an anticipated 2.7% in 2024. The IMF estimates Egypt’s GDP at constant prices will rise to EGP 8.7 trillion in 2025, up from EGP 8.4 trillion in 2024. At current prices, GDP is expected to increase to EGP 17.5 trillion in 2025, a notable rise from EGP 13.8 trillion in the previous year.

Positive Growth Projections From International Institutions

International institutions, including the IMF, remain optimistic about Egypt’s economic outlook in 2025, with projections indicating sustained growth driven by the government’s reforms and improved consumption and remittance flows. The development of key infrastructure projects, such as Ras El-Hikma, combined with potential geopolitical easing, could further enhance Egypt’s recovery.

Looking at the medium term, the IMF projects that Egypt’s growth could reach around 5% between 2025 and 2029. The World Bank also expects positive growth trends, forecasting 3.5% growth for 2025 and 4.2% for 2026, spurred by increased investments and stronger private consumption, which is projected to rise by 4.8% in 2025, up from 4.6% in 2024.

Current Indicators Of Recovery

Recent data from Egypt’s planning ministry shows that the country’s GDP growth reached 3.5% in the first quarter of FY 2024/25, a notable improvement from 2.7% during the same period last year, indicating early signs of recovery following a period of economic slowdown. With sustained reforms and a focus on fostering investment, Egypt’s economy is on a positive trajectory, positioning it for continued growth in the coming years.

The Decline Of Smartwatches: A Turning Point In The Wearable Tech Industry

For the first time in history, the smartwatch market is facing a significant downturn. Shipments are expected to drop by 7% in 2024, marking a major shift in a segment that has been growing steadily for over a decade. A report by Counterpoint reveals that while Apple still holds the top spot, its dominance is being challenged by a surge from Chinese brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, and BBK. Even as the overall market struggles, some companies are thriving.

The Big Picture: Why Smartwatches Are Slowing Down

Apple’s flagship products have long been the driving force in the smartwatch market, but even the tech giant is feeling the pressure. The company’s shipments are projected to fall by 19% this year, though it will remain the market leader. Meanwhile, brands from China are capitalizing on the shift, with Huawei showing an impressive 35% growth in sales, driven by the booming domestic market and a broad range of offerings, including smartwatches for kids.

Xiaomi, too, is experiencing remarkable success, with a staggering 135% increase in sales. In contrast, Samsung is seeing more modest growth, up 3%, thanks to its latest Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra series.

While some companies are succeeding, the broader market is facing headwinds. The biggest factor behind the overall decline is the slowdown in India, where consumer demand for smartwatches has stagnated. The segment is suffering from a lack of innovation and fresh updates, leaving many consumers with little incentive to upgrade their devices. Add to that market saturation, and it’s clear why many users are content with their current models. The Chinese market, however, is bucking the trend, showing 6% growth in 2024.

A Glimpse Into The Future

Looking ahead, the smartwatch market may begin to recover in 2025, driven by the increasing integration of AI and advanced health monitoring tools. As these technologies evolve, the industry could see a resurgence in demand.

Huawei’s Remarkable Comeback

Huawei’s impressive performance in the smartwatch space signals a broader recovery for the company, which has been hit hard by US sanctions. Once the world’s largest smartphone maker, Huawei’s business was decimated when it lost access to advanced chips and Google’s Android operating system in 2019. But in China, Huawei has maintained its dominance, with its market share growing to 17% in 2024.

This resurgence was partly driven by the launch of the Mate 60 Pro, a smartphone featuring a 7-nanometer chip developed in China. Despite US sanctions, the device surprised many with its capabilities, a testament to China’s rising investment in domestic semiconductor production.

In February, Huawei also unveiled its Mate XT foldable smartphone, the world’s first device to fold in three directions. Running on HarmonyOS 4.2, Huawei’s proprietary operating system, the phone further demonstrates the company’s resilience and ability to innovate despite international challenges.

Huawei’s smartwatch offerings are also catching attention, particularly the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro, which launched in September of last year. With a premium titanium alloy design, a high-resolution AMOLED display, and impressive health tracking features, the GT 5 Pro has become a standout in the market, available to both Android and iOS users.

A Brief History Of The Smartwatch Revolution

The smartwatch market has had its fair share of milestones, but the real breakthrough came in 2012 with the Pebble, a Kickstarter-funded project that raised over $10 million. Pebble introduced the world to smartphone integration, app downloads, and long battery life, becoming the first truly mass-market smartwatch.

In 2013, Samsung entered the game with the Galaxy Gear, marking its first attempt at wearable tech. But it was Apple’s entry in 2014 that truly set the industry on fire. The Apple Watch’s sleek design, integration with iOS, and emphasis on health and fitness catapulted it to the top of the market, establishing a standard that many other brands would try to follow.

By 2021, the smartwatch industry had grown to over $30 billion in revenue, with annual growth reaching 20%. Yet now, it finds itself at a crossroads, with innovation stagnating and market saturation taking a toll.

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