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

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

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.

Cyprus’ Strong Youth Employment Rate Still Does Not Guarantee Early Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Young people in Cyprus have a relatively high employment rate, but they leave the parental home later than the EU average, according to Eurostat data.

Cypriots left home at an average age of 27 in 2025, compared with 26.3 years across the EU. At the same time, 72.3% of people aged 20 to 29 in Cyprus were employed, well above the EU average of 65.5%.

Strong Employment Does Not Mean Early Independence

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led at 85.3%, followed by the Netherlands at 84%, Malta at 82.1%, Switzerland at 78.3% and Germany at 77%.

Norway recorded 76.5%, Ireland 76.1%, Denmark 74.8% and Austria 74.6%. Eurostat said countries where young people leave home earlier generally tend to have higher youth employment rates.

Southern Europe Sees Later Moves

Finland had the lowest average age for leaving the parental home at 21.4 years, followed by Denmark at 21.8 and Estonia and Lithuania at 22.7. Croatia recorded the highest average at 31.5 years, followed by Greece and Slovakia at 30.9. Spain and Italy both stood at 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average has remained close to 26 since 2002, rising only slightly from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus Labour Market Is Cooling

The figures come as Cyprus’ labor market shows some signs of easing, although demand for workers remains relatively strong by European standards.

Separate Eurostat data showed Cyprus had the EU’s largest annual decline in its job vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2026. The rate fell to 2.6% from 3.3% a year earlier, but remained above the EU average of 2.0% and the euro area average of 2.1%.

Cost Of Living Remains A Factor

Housing and other living costs can also affect how quickly young workers establish independent households. Eurostat reported that Cyprus’ household consumption price level was 89.2% of the EU average in 2025.

A relatively lower overall price level does not eliminate affordability pressures for people on modest incomes. For younger workers, the issue can be whether wages are sufficient to cover rent, utilities, food and other basic expenses.

Cyprus therefore combines relatively high youth employment with a later transition to independent living, suggesting that access to work and the ability to afford a separate household do not always move together.

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