Egypt’s 2030 updated Vision

1. Human-Centered Development Diverse countries face varied challenges in their developmental processes, shaped by the distinct nature of each nation and era. The developmental journey evolves with the different variables, yet it universally revolves around one central principle; that the ultimate goal of development is the well-being of humanity. Therefore, Egypt’s Vision 2030 is anchored in a fundamental tenet, with human development at the center. Consequently, Egypt’s Vision 2030 seeks to improve the living standards of all segments of society by ensuring access to quality education, training, and skill refinement necessary for future job prospects grounded in scientific research and innovation, along with providing adequate health insurance. Egypt’s Vision 2030 recognizes that the engine of development is propelled by the citizen, and that development strategies should align with the ambitions and desires of Egyptian citizens. The success of visions is measured by the degree to which every Egyptian reaps the benefits of the development process in an equitable and sustainable manner across all facets of life, irrespective of the divergent approaches employed to achieve the desired objectives, their differing levels across different phases, and the degree to which they align with global and domestic advancements and transformations. All the strategic goals in Egypt’s Vision 2030 are built on the principle of «Human Centered- Development» starting with: The first strategic goal “Improve Egyptians’ Quality of Life and Raise their Living Standards” which aims to eradicate poverty, achieve food security, ensure inclusive healthcare, guarantee the citizens’ rights to quality education, provide adequate housing for all, revitalize cultural activities, and enhance cultural participation. It also emphasizes fostering awareness, eliminating all forms of 13 intellectual bias and extremism, nurturing a spirit of tolerance, instilling patriotism, and promoting sports by providing necessary resources and capabilities. The significance of this guiding principle, also, becomes evident in the second strategic goal, “Social Justice and Equality” which seeks to narrow developmental gaps between geographical regions, address social and demographic disparities in resource distribution, and achieve equal opportunities through a framework of justice and fairness for all citizens. This principle is further affirmed in the third strategic goal,“Integrated and Sustainable Environmental System” by ensuring that each individual’s needs of water, air, energy, and mineral resources are met. It involves the conservation of biodiversity, the efficient management of waste, and the protection of natural resources and the environment in a way that upholds equitable utilization and safeguards the rights of future generations. As for the fourth strategic goal, “Diversified, Knowledge-based, and Competitive Economy” it aims to enhance Egypt’s capacity to build a robust economy capable of attaining development by providing decent employment opportunities, generating income, and increasing competitiveness, thereby positively impacting the quality of life for the Egyptian citizen. The fifth strategic goal, “Well-Developed Infrastructure” underscores the importance of modern infrastructure to stimulate and attract local and foreign investments, ultimately improving the quality of life for people. The sixth strategic goal, “Governance and Partnerships” targets eliminating corruption, ensuring transparency, progressing towards strengthening international and local partnerships, and guaranteeing citizen participation in decision-making processes concerning development and their well-being at all levels. This involves assigning a bigger role to the private sector, civil society organizations, and associations, alongside the public sector, to enhance the satisfaction of each individual and ultimately benefit the human beings who are at the core of development. 14

2. Equity and Accessibility One of the biggest and most critical challenges that countries face in achieving their development objectives is ensuring equitable distribution of the benefits of development among their citizens. While the development process may bolster the economy, foster growth rates, and enhance infrastructure, it often falls short of ensuring fair access to services for all citizens. Egypt’s Vision 2030 believes that the desired outcome of the developmental process can only be attained when all segments of the society reap the benefits. As one of the principles guiding this Vision, “Equity and Accessibility” has been selected to ensure the realization of the strategic goals and measure their success based on merit standards and the rule of law. This crucial guiding principle, “Equity and Accessibility” signifies that all citizens, especially the most vulnerable and in need of care, enjoy all their rights on all levels; political, economic, social, civil, and cultural. This involves ensuring equal opportunities for accessing all public services. “Equity and Accessibility” involves delivering high-quality educational, training, healthcare, and infrastructure services, along with opportunities for decent and productive employment and social security, in an equitable manner to all segments of society irrespective of income levels, gender, age, or geographical location. This approach enhances efforts to improve the quality of life for Egyptian citizens. The vision seeks to achieve its strategic goals in a manner that ensures gender equality by empowering women economically, socially, and politically. It also aims to achieve intergenerational equality by providing employment opportunities for youth and integrating persons with disabilities and the most vulnerable. This is accomplished by making various services available to them inclusively, and with high quality. 15

3. Resilience and Adaptability In the face of rapid changes in various aspects of life, it has become essential for countries to adopt a path characterized by “Resilience and Adaptability”, emphasizing the state’s ability to confront challenges arising from the impacts of economic fluctuations, natural disasters, pandemics, and climate change. This involves finding alternatives, exploring new solutions to capitalize on available opportunities, and maintaining productivity. Egypt’s Vision 2030, in achieving its strategic goals, relies on a crucial principle enhancing “Resilience and Adaptability”. This means the system’s capacity to effectively respond to abrupt international and regional shifts or unforeseen local developments; be they economic, political, social, or environmental. It involves anticipating swift and appropriate mechanisms to address issues and providing solutions that mitigate the adverse impacts of shocks or crises, ensuring the continuity of development and production. When designing the strategic goals, the vision places the principle of “Resilience and Adaptability” as a foundation that supports the level of readiness and raises it in emergencies. Resilience is the ability to face challenges and capitalize on new opportunities by creating a favorable environment for innovation and advancement. Whereas adaptability is linked to anticipating the future and developing scientific scenarios to manage and mitigate crises, providing data and information to identify suitable adaptation options, allowing all segments of society to respond rapidly to emerging conditions, and facilitating their continuous livelihoods, productivity, and employment. Conversely, these measures necessitate bolstering international partnerships to draw from experiences, whether for technical assistance or financing, alongside efforts to encourage private sector involvement due to its rapid adaptability and integration across all productive sectors. This principle was clearly exemplified when addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, which swept across the globe in record time, causing disruption to all healthcare, economic, and social systems, even 16 affecting robust ones. Egypt managed to effectively address the crisis through the professional utilization of its human and financial capabilities, thus mitigating the catastrophe and overcoming the challenges.

4. Sustainability This principle “Sustainability” stands as a fundamental pillar for comprehensive development across various sectors such as industry, agriculture, communications and information technology, tourism, transportation, logistics, water utilization, renewable energy, and the establishment of new communities and cities. “Sustainability”, in this context, refers to aligning the consumption of natural resources with production goals to enhance people’s well-being, applying social justice, and adopting responsible resource management to minimize pollution and protect biodiversity thereby mitigating environmental harm. All of this must be carried out within a robust governance framework that ensures transparency, accountability, and participation, allowing society’s needs to be reflected in light of rapid economic progress. In the execution of the strategic goals, Egypt Vision 2030 adopts this principle; emphasizing meeting present needs while safeguarding the rights of future generations. This involves transitioning towards a green economy, ensuring low-emission economic growth by enhancing resource efficiency and promoting sustainable production and consumption patterns. Additionally, the implementation of a circular economy is encouraged to maximize the utilization of all production outputs, including secondary ones, by resource sharing, recycling, and waste conversion to enhance resource efficiency. 17 Given critical issues in Egypt related to population growth, water security, environmental protection, and climate change, achieving long-term prosperity and fulfilling the ultimate goal of sustainable development necessitate ensuring the rights of future generations in natural resource utilization and providing better living conditions. This necessitates the implementation of the “Sustainability” principle when devising mechanisms to stimulate investment and production, involving collective participation in the development process, thereby supporting the economy and creating new employment opportunities. 18 19 Enablers: The enablers in the updated Egypt’s Vision 2030 represent the pre-requisites and proposed tools for implementing policies, initiatives, and programs to guarantee the effectiveness and efficiency of the implementation process, and smoothly achieve the Vision. They encompass: Data Technology Generation Financing and Digital Transformation and Innovation Availability Supportive Supportive Legislative Cultural Population and Values Growth Institutional System Control Environment 20

1. Financing Definition: Financing is the primary tool for any implementation steps to fulfil the growing development needs. It involves mobilizing financial resources in all their forms, both public and private, domestic and international to serve the targeted goals of the vision. Significance: Securing funding requires a sustainable increase in available resources to better meet the requirements of development. This is achieved by identifying the suitable types of financing for implementing each strategic goal, in accordance with the conditions, changes, and laws governing it, as outlined in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. This agenda adopted a new and binding framework for each country to establish a set of appropriate incentives that facilitate financing in vital areas of development, including social protection (poverty reduction, education, health, adequate food and housing), alongside infrastructure, scientific research, technology, digitization, capacity building, investment, and partnerships with the private sector and international institutions. Financing sources should not be limited to government expenditure or external funding through loans and official development assistance alone; they should also encompass private sector investments, contributions from civil society organizations, Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), and local banking and non-banking institutions. Additionally, new forms of financing, including innovative financial instruments like green bonds and others, should be explored. Current Landscape: Egypt recognizes the critical importance of financing as a fundamental factor in achieving sustainable development. This was evident in Egypt’s second Voluntary National Review (VNR) 21 presented at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (UN HLPF) in 2018. The report identified financing as a key challenge that could hinder the achievement of the SDGs. The significance of providing financing became more pronounced after the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a substantial decline in global investments. In response, the Government of Egypt (GoE) implemented a series of stimulus packages to mitigate the adverse effects of the pandemic on economic activities. Measures included deferring loan repayments for small and micro-projects, waiving certain sovereign fees, as well as expanding social protection networks to include irregular workers. Furthermore, support was extended to the most impacted sectors such as tourism. These measures included the provision of necessary credit facilities to meet the requirements for essential and strategic commodities. Initiatives were launched to finance private sector companies in industrial, agricultural, and contracting fields. Additionally, an initiative was introduced to finance Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) with low-interest rates and favorable terms. Despite the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of economic reforms since November 2016 have led to a noticeable improvement in various economic indicators, as outlined below: • A significant decrease in the total budget deficit as a percentage of the gross domestic product (GDP), recording 6.1% in 2021/22 [1] compared to 11.5% in 2014/15. [2] • A rise in remittances reaching approximately $31.9 billion in 2021/22, reflecting a 65% increase compared to 2014/15. [3] • Positive developments in FDIs during 2021/22, resulting in a net volume of around $8.9 billion compared to approximately $6.4 billion in 2014/15. This net foreign investment in non-petroleum sectors included investments for establishing new companies valued at $238.2 million and [1] The Ministry of Finance [2] The Ministry of Finance [3] The Central Bank of Egypt 22 investments aimed at increasing corporate capital with $3.2 billion, in addition to incoming transfers for the purchase of properties in Egypt by non-residents totaling $970.3 million, and a net profit from the sale of assets and surplus in receivables amounting to $4.9 billion. The proceeds from the sale of companies and productive assets for non-residents reached $2.3 billion. Looking at the key economic sectors, the services sector accounted for the largest share of net foreign inflows, comprising 68.7% (with the financial sector receiving 23.2% of the total inflows, and other service activities securing 23.8%), followed by the industrial sector, which captured 35.9% of the net foreign inflow. • The net international reserves of the Central Bank of Egypt rose to approximately $33.4 billion in 2022 compared to around $20 billion in 2015. [4] • The increased confidence of International Financial Institutions (IFIs) as well as bilateral and multilateral development partners in the Egyptian economy which is evident in concessional development financing agreements for diverse public and private sectors. Challenges: Despite the resilience of the macro-economic indicators due to Egypt’s effective economic measures, financing for development faces a multitude of institutional challenges that have been intensified by the repercussions of the global lockdown aimed at curbing the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges are exemplified by: • The deepening savings gap that grew following the pandemic due to the structural weaknesses in savings rates. • Limited FDIs. • The difficulties in administrative procedures and the persistence of informal payments. • Feeble tax revenues, especially direct revenues. [4] The Central Bank of Egypt 23 Objective: The aim is for the state to stimulate diverse financing sources, eliminate barriers, and promote unconventional methods to bridge financing gaps, with the objective of realizing Egypt’s Vision 2030 within a framework of transparency. It is important to consider the varying levels of ease in channeling different financing sources towards the Vision’s goals. Key Enabling Policies: • Raising the efficiency of mobilizing local financial resources by raising awareness of the importance of saving values, rationalizing expenditure, stimulating the private sector to participate, and improving the tax system, to ensure effective access for all categories of financiers. • Utilizing technology and supporting financial inclusion by providing a diverse set of innovative financing tools, integrating all segments of society into the financial system, including the informal sector and those not willing to engage with the traditional banking system. • Building strong partnerships and maintaining effective and continuous communication with the private sector and civil society by easing restrictions, reducing bureaucracy, enhancing the business environment, and creating an incentive system supporting the direction of private financing flows toward priorities and national goals. • Continuously improving the governance of the administrative and procedural system to secure developmental financing, and maximize the benefits from the available funds. • Developing clear policies and mechanisms to support external flows and their mobilization, especially remittances from Egyptians working abroad, and directing them towards development. • Reducing reliance on loans in favor of FDIs, helping increase the investment rate, alleviating budgetary pressures, and improving the balance of payments. 24

2. Technology and Innovation Definition: Technology and innovation evolved from being a rigid scientific term into a sophisticated and common approach for problem-solving across various development domains and daily activities, in order to cater to the needs of individuals and society, resulting in an abundance of information, enhanced communication methods, and greater efficiency in saving time and effort. Significance: Advanced technologies have demonstrated their valuable support to the development dimensions, such as elevating growth rates, increasing investment returns, minimizing production costs, and improving the efficiency of public expenditure. Both global and local technological platforms play a key role in stimulating participatory approaches, supporting administrative reforms, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies, enhancing governance, and achieving stability on both domestic and international fronts. Current Landscape: • In the Global Knowledge Index, Egypt reached the 53rd position out of 154 countries in 2021 [5], compared to the 72nd position out of 138 countries in 2020. This progress is attributed to the rise in most sector-specific indicators constituting the index, surpassing the global average (pre-university education, higher education, information and communication technology, enabling environment, technical education, and spending on research and development activities). [5] The Global Knowledge Index, The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), 2021 25 • Spending on scientific research, innovation, and development improved within government sectoral budgets to reach 1% of gross national income (GNI) in 2019/20. Challenges: Despite possessing the necessary factors and components to build a supportive scientific and innovative environment for technology, Egypt faces several challenges, the most significant ones include: • Limited financial and moral incentives for scientific research and innovation, leading to brain drain and skill migration. • Insufficient government funding for the technical and institutional support necessary to foster a conducive environment for scientific research. • Legal and institutional challenges associated with patents and intellectual property rights. • The gap between development plans and research priorities, and the lack of effective mechanisms to link technology and innovation with productive sectors. • Insufficient private sector participation and role in financing creative thinking and innovative projects, aligning with the rapidly evolving market needs, whether in research centers within government academic institutions or in private and non-governmental universities. • Insufficient social and cultural awareness of innovation, with a prevailing culture of replication and imitation that restricts creativity. Objective: The aim is for technology and innovation to make a significant contribution towards attaining the goals of Egypt’s Vision 2030 by fostering an environment that promotes innovation and enables the efficient and effective production, dissemination, and marketing of knowledge, thereby adding 26 value and promoting sustainable development that uplifts society and human well-being, all in the context of scientific competition rooted in excellence. Key Enabling Policies: • Supporting scientific research legislation by updating laws, legislation and regulations governing the management of the scientific research process and policies, as well as supporting intellectual property issues and professional standards, and broadening the application of various incentives. • Developing the institutional system for scientific research and formulating an effective organizational structure that clearly defines responsibilities and interrelationships among all stakeholders involved in scientific research, as well as encouraging the establishment of technological incubators and innovation parks within research institutions across cities and regions. • Setting scientific research priorities and guiding university theses and research towards specialized applied fields that align with the needs of the Egyptian economy, while considering social and environmental objectives, in return for receiving support from production sectors. • Encouraging the private sector and chambers of industry and commerce to collaborate with government research centers in establishing specialized research centers. • Diversifying the funding sources for scientific research by strengthening partnerships with technologically advanced countries, international financing institutions, and entities supporting scientific research both within and outside of Egypt. This entails maximizing the benefits of available regional and international funding programs dedicated to capacity building, technology transfer and localization within Egyptian research institutions. • Developing and introducing new financing programs with the participation of the private sector, research entities, and all development partners to stimulate innovation, particularly in the field of fundamental sciences and the development of Egyptian products. 27 • Preparing the community for innovation and fostering a culture of creativity and development by revitalizing centers for talents exploration and enhancing the system for identifying and nurturing gifted and talented students in schools, appreciating creative thinking, and instilling a spirit of competition among youth by launching competitions, offering incentive initiatives, and awarding prizes for the best creative ideas. • Establishing a fund to nurture talented individuals, especially in the field of innovation, with the participation of both the private sector and the state, to support and promote new productive ideas and emerging projects and their products. • Making use of the exceptional expertise and skills of scholars and Egyptians residing abroad to transfer knowledge and connect them with their home country.

3. Digital Transformation Definition: Digital transformation refers to relying on digital technologies in delivering public and private services and commercial operations, subsequently replacing paper-based transactions with electronic ones. This shift enhances the efficiency of service provision and improves production processes and transaction governance. Significance: Strengthening digital transformation is a key enabler that contributes to achieving all the goals outlined in Egypt’s Vision 2030, be it economic, social, institutional, or environmental. It strives to establish a flexible infrastructure for the government and institutions, enabling them to keep pace with the advancements of the technological revolutions. Additionally, this fosters continuous innovation and adaptation to rapidly evolving global changes and consumer requirements. 28 Ultimately, digital transformation plays a role in reducing transaction costs and enhancing institutional governance. By separating service providers from recipients, it ensures the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery, while also promoting transparency and citizen trust levels. Current Landscape: • Indicators for the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector have improved, leading the sector to maintain its position as the fastest-growing sector in Egypt. The growth rate of the communications sector reached 16% in 2020/21 compared to 15.2% in 2019/20. [6] • Egypt’s ranking improved in the Network Readiness Index for 2021, reaching the 77th position among 130 countries, compared to the 84th position among 134 countries in 2020. [7] The strengths of this index are reflected in the improvement of Egypt’s ranking in some of its sub-indicators, as follows: Egypt ranked 14th in international internet bandwidth, mobile tariffs, and 22nd in digital skills for handling modern technologies. Additionally, Egypt secured the 17th position in active mobile broadband subscriptions. • Egypt ranked 3rd among the most improved countries in the Digital Inclusion Index for 2020, according to Roland Berger. • An electronic government services portal has been launched, offering services such as supply, real estate, documentation, civil status, and vehicle licensing. • The expansion in digital transformation projects and the development of services to citizens have been achieved through the development of technological centers in neighborhoods and cities. By the end of 2022, 311 technological centers out of a total of 341 centers will offer 250 services across public offices in governorates, centers in cities, and neighborhoods, including the development of 250 mobile technological centers. [6] The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development [7] The Network Readiness Index Report, Portulans Institute, 2021 29 • Support for e-learning in schools and universities has been strengthened by providing devices, equipment, and programs to develop the necessary infrastructure. This has become especially important following the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to remote learning and hybrid teaching systems. Challenges: There are several challenges on the path to digital transformation, including the following: • The digital divide across different geographical regions and certain segments of society, as follows: - Weak digital infrastructure, especially in remote areas, leading to limited number of users. - Low income of certain social segments, resulting in limited purchasing powers that prevents them from acquiring smart devices and internet subscriptions. - Gender disparities in technology usage, affecting women’s participation in various technology activities. - Insufficient computer and internet literacy, resulting in a limited user base and difficulty in handling basic problems, especially among the illiterate. - Inadequate alignment of digital program and system designs with the actual needs of certain societal groups (such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with lower educational levels). • Insufficient awareness of security and privacy controls on the internet. • Continued reliance of some government entities on paper transactions, limiting the benefits of digital transformation. • Inadequate data management strategies, due to the lack of operationalization of the legislation on data security and ownership, as well as infrastructure unpreparedness to recover from network and system disasters in some government institutions. 30 • Shortage of skilled personnel required for digital transformation, resulting from the migration of digital technology professionals abroad due to low-income levels in the sector compared to other countries in the region. • Limited availability of e-waste collection and treatment companies, causing difficulties in properly disposing of obsolete servers, storage units, screens, computers, and mobile devices. Objective: The aim is for digital transformation to improve the effectiveness of government institutions in fulfilling the citizens’ needs, rendering them more transparent and inclusive, while also offering new tools and opportunities to address crises and surmount developmental obstacles. This entails innovation in production and consumption models, reorganizing economic sectors, introducing new conditions for competitiveness, and reducing transaction costs. Key Enabling Policies: • Developing digital infrastructure across all geographical regions, especially in remote areas. • Encouraging investments in digital infrastructure to meet present and future demands, and address digital divides. • Setting clear legislations and regulations to ensure the maintenance of data protection and user privacy. • Promoting competition mechanisms in information technology markets through effective enforcement of competition principles, limiting monopolistic practices, and economic concentration that restricts freedom of competition. • Embracing emerging technology companies by providing them with financial and technical support. • Reducing overall illiteracy rates, especially digital illiteracy, and increasing enrollment rates in all levels of education to equip citizens with essential digital skills. 31 • Expanding the establishment of specialized colleges in artificial intelligence and biotechnology, that use curricula aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). • Broadening training programs to enhance the efficiency of human resources operating in the ICT sector. • Promoting the digital economy as a value-added component in the national economy, accommodating various categories of the unemployed workforce, providing opportunities for professional mobility, and empowering women economically through flexible work arrangements, that help achieve a work-family balance. • Supporting women and persons with disabilities in using communications and information technologies, promoting the use of electronic applications in various fields such as health and education. • Supporting women in family care and care economics to empower those working in the digital economy to strike a balance between their caregiving responsibilities and digital work.

4. Data Generation and Availability Definition: The concept of data generation and availability entails providing information from various sources based on documented and updated data across all domains, enabling its storage and utilization in a manner that allows universal access. This encompasses sustaining the production of studies, analyses, reports, and statistics to facilitate decision-making and the development of present and future directions. Data can be released at two levels: the governmental level, represented by figures and information published by ministries, authorities, and government institutions; as well as the private level, which is made accessible by industry leaders, business owners, civil society, private projects and initiatives for viewing and deriving benefits from. 32 Significance: The availability of data and the frequency of its production are prerequisites for effective management of development in the era of information sharing and the utilization of big data. Projects in various fields rely on the accuracy of available information, enabling proper analysis and the generation of diverse alternatives to address problems. Moreover, this aids decision-makers in formulating policies that can effectively confront the existing challenges. From an economic perspective, creating a conducive business environment to attract investments and partnerships relies on having accurate knowledge of all the information that determines the competitive advantages of all parties, as well as assessing the impact and measuring performance. Therefore, data availability is a vital enabler that bolsters monitoring and evaluation systems, facilitating the seamless and efficient attainment of good governance. Consequently, this supports the achievement of all the strategic goals outlined in the Vision. The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) stands out as the primary partner for producing, gathering, organizing, and availing official data in Egypt, in addition to the specialized data issued by the Central Bank of Egypt, government institutions, the private sector, and civil society. Current Landscape: • Egypt has secured the top position among 9 Arab countries assessed for their reporting and publication mechanisms of national data on sustainable development. Egypt met 50% of the criteria set by Arab National Platforms for evaluating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These criteria include having Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) in place to facilitate data usage among government entities and the public, utilizing interactive visual tools for efficient data comprehension and analysis, ensuring data availability in multiple languages, and enabling data downloads. [8] [8] Arab National Reporting Platforms for the Sustainable Development Goals (Arab NRP), ESCWA, September 2020 33 • MPED launched the integrated system, called “Bayan platform,” for the compilation and calculation of national accounts. This platform collects required data from ministries, entities, and institutions electronically and immediately upon issuance. It adjusts Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data and expedites the calculation process while mitigating certain errors that may arise from manual data entry. • Egypt developed a comprehensive National Strategy for Development of Statistics, which aims to improve the national statistical system’s capacity to generate timely and high-quality statistical data required for the country. • Efforts have been made to link national databases to unify essential citizen data such as births and deaths records, beneficiaries of subsidies and health insurance, government employees and retirees, civil status, and government facilities...etc. • A data ecosystem was launched to produce sustainable development indicators. This ecosystem operates through a cohesive national statistical system that adheres to international standards, thereby promoting accessibility to credible and high-quality data. [9] Challenges: The limited availability of accurate and accessible data in a timely manner adversely affect the efficiency of decision-making processes regarding policies aimed at achieving the SDGs. This was emphasized in Egypt’s third VNR presented at the UN HLPF in 2021. The challenge in Egypt extends beyond the mere scarcity of data; it also encompasses: • The infrequency and inadequate quality of data generation, which hinders its utilization and analysis by experts. • The constant growth in the volume of required data at the national, regional, and international [9] Data Ecosystem Report to Enhance Sustainable Development in Egypt, CAPMAS, in collaboration with UNFPA, December 2018 34 levels. This is interconnected with the increased burden of generating multiple number of indicators or the inadequacy of available funding and trained personnel. • Outdated statistical and data collection legislations. • Difficulty in coordinating various data due to the existence of a dual system for data production frequency. Some rely on the fiscal year, while others are based on the Gregorian calendar year. • Weakness in the infrastructure and information technology for monitoring and collecting statistical data, particularly within the government sector. • Insufficient preparedness to handle big data using conventional data processing applications and the absence of modern advanced platforms that facilitate data collection and utilization. • Weak geographic information systems and cloud computing, along with the absence of unified definitions for indicators or standardized calculation methods. Objective: The aim is for the state to adopt policies that aid in the development of a robust, comprehensive, and sustainable statistical system, ensuring the generation and availability of data, and capitalizing on the support offered by financial institutions and international organizations to reinforce data systems, as well as foster coordination mechanisms between data producers and data users. Key Enabling Policies: • Supporting collective work and cooperation among all statistical data producers and organizations concerned with data availability. • Enacting a law for data provision for the purpose of scientific research and development. • Updating legislations related to data production and accessibility, and improving the information 35 infrastructure to monitor data and link between government databases. • Enhancing capacities and skills in data handling and utilizing advanced systems. • Involving specialized national experts in generating estimates for various indicators (economic, social, environmental, etc.) using approved statistical models. • Facilitating effective coordination and collaboration between national statistical systems and international organizations to enhance data availability and ensure good governance.

5. Supportive Legislative and Institutional Environment Definition: A supportive legislative environment refers to the role played by parliamentary councils in enacting legislations related to development goals. It also involves the parliamentary oversight over the executive authority’s activities and the overall performance of the state, to ensure the proper implementation of these laws. Significance: In order to achieve the strategic goals of the Vision, several policies and procedures require legislative and procedural adjustments. This may involve directing public spending towards specific sectors to improve citizens’ quality of life, introducing incentives and privileges in other sectors to empower women, supporting environmentally friendly behaviors, achieving spatial justice, or addressing conditions or decisions that do not support development and require facilitation or liberation to encourage investment. It may also involve supporting fair competition policies, increasing efficiency, and creating job opportunities. 36 Current Landscape: • The Egyptian Parliamentary Councils have accumulated considerable experience, being one of the oldest councils in the Middle East with a history spanning over 150 years. The first Parliamentary Council in Egypt was established in 1866 (the “Advisory Council of Representatives”), enabling parliamentarians to communicate with citizens and gain insights into local development needs, and affording them the expertise to engage in constructive discussions and approve development legislations. • Harmony between the Parliament and the Government to avoid institutional disputes between the legislative and executive authorities when approving laws and enacting legislation, as stipulated in the Egyptian Constitution of 2014 and its amendments. • The Egyptian Parliament has robust oversight tools that empower it to hold the Government accountable, enabling it to fulfill its role in improving the public sector performance. • Revitalizing the “ERRADA” initiative, which is a unit under the presidency of the Council of Ministers pursuant to the Prime Minister Resolution No. 998 of 2019. It aims to contribute to reforming the legislative and procedural system regulating the business environment, as well as building a legislative impact assessment system to support decision-makers in regulating the practice of economic activities. This is in addition to building a mechanism for consultation and societal dialogue with the concerned parties outside the decision-making process, to take into account different viewpoints when drafting new legislations or addressing legislative disparities. Challenges: Although the Parliament monitors the government’s performance, and development laws and legislations are approved in a timely and adequate manner, there are a number of challenges, namely: 37 • The obsolescence and contradiction of some legislations. This is a challenge faced by a country such as Egypt, which has a legislative legacy in which a number of laws date back to the 19th century, leading to the obsolescence of some laws as a result of social, economic, and political changes. This is in addition to the cultural changes accompanying the technological revolution, which renders old laws inefficient in achieving justice. • Inadequate societal dialogue and communication regarding new laws; limiting the positive impact of legislations and complicating its implementation. • Insufficient data, information, and technical studies available to parliamentarians, especially when reviewing proposed legislations from the executive branch or suggesting amendments, as well as evaluation studies of the effectiveness and efficiency of existing legislations. Objective: The aim is to build a legislative framework to support sustainable development efforts with the speed and efficiency necessary to improve performance and review all laws, implementing regulations, and ministerial decisions issued, to achieve structural reform, regulate the practice of economic activities, create a business climate, and support fair competition policies. Key Enabling Policies: • The Parliament as a Partner in Responsibility contributes to development by efficiently representing citizens’ demands and scrutinizing development-related parliamentary legislations to improve performance. • The transformation of the Parliament into a forum for discussing “Public Policy Alternatives” to achieve SDGs. It involves prioritizing discussions on policy alternatives and proposed solutions over specific legislative proposals. 38 • Designated number of parliamentary sessions should be dedicated to reviewing government performance within the framework of SDGs. This includes presenting working papers on developmental sectors before legislation is introduced. The aim is to provide background information and alternatives without obligating the government, allowing for practical discussions after the approval of appropriate policies, following evaluations of previous and current policies. • Periodic data and information are made available for the purpose of continuously updating the informational basis of the legislative process, so that policy alternatives are realistic when presented. The parliament’s effectiveness in fulfilling its role is hindered when elected representatives lack a proper understanding of reality due to an information gap between the government and parliament, hence undermining the accountability process by disconnecting it from actual circumstances. • Conducting objective technical studies for certain issues related to the proposed legislation, which requires increasing the efficiency of the secretariats of committees in the Parliament by investing in training their staff, in partnership with the private sector and development partners, to provide the necessary technical support with the aim of increasing the capabilities of parliamentarians to analyze information and data. • Priority in the legislative agenda for draft laws related to SDGs and the speed of issuance of implementing regulations for new legislations. It is crucial for this process to occur at a suitable pace, without compromising the thorough examination of the content, while aligning with the state’s objective of addressing developmental challenges in specific sectors promptly. It is important to acknowledge that the issuance of regulations can be intricate at times. • Conducting periodic evaluations of legislation impact and engage in societal dialogue on draft laws prior to their approval. • Seek guidance from the “ERRADA” initiative, which focuses on reforming the legislative system regulating the business environment and building a database of legislations that regulate the business environment, in a way that enables the implementation of similar initiatives in other sectors, such as social and service fields (health, education and transportation…etc.). 39

6. Supportive Cultural Values System Definition: Cultural values are principles that enable individuals to discern between right and wrong conduct. They significantly influence people’s actions in various circumstances. Similarly, development values are a set of fundamental positive principles and convictions that are prevalent in society. These values foster a spirit of progress, necessitating effective socioeconomic transformations to enhance the overall quality of life and attain sustainable social, economic, and environmental well-being. There exists a reciprocal relationship between these values and development, as they are prerequisites for achieving development and ultimately yielding the fruits of progress. Significance: Sustainable development requires supportive cultural values that stimulate behaviors that preserve the outcomes of development, establish respect for the law, spread respect for diversity, difference, and non-discrimination, and reject violent behaviors of all kinds. Supportive cultural values can make any boom in economic and human capital either capable of continuing, or subject to rapid decline and loss. To the extent that the Egyptian society enjoys positive values that define its personality and distinguish it from other people, it is also important to try to develop other values closely related to the development process. Among the most beneficial of these values are those associated with the importance of work (diligence, perfection, perseverance), participation (volunteering, cooperation, social responsibility), and transparency (honesty, truth, respect for the law, and the preservation of public funds). 40 Current Landscape: • Egypt has a large and influential youth demographic that is susceptible to instilling new values. According to the 2017 census data, around one-third of Egypt’s population is under 15 years old (34.2%), and another third falls between 15 and 35 years old (34.5%). This demographic composition indicates a “youthful society” where more than half represents a value system that can be shaped at any given moment, providing an advantage not readily available in societies facing aging issues. • A clear political will to develop the cultural system is evident in initiatives such as updating educational curricula and modernizing public discourse. Egypt has embarked on an ambitious program to develop and continuously update its educational curricula, coinciding with calls for renewing public discourse, especially religious discourse, to enhance positive values. • Egypt has a broad and diverse cultural and media system, including various publishing houses with a long history, geographically distributed cultural centers and theaters, talented artists, and cinema and television channels. Additionally, there is a wealth of human potential that supports this system. Challenges: Cultural values face several intellectual challenges stemming from the interaction with the effects of globalization and the declining role of societal institutions. Noteworthy challenges include: • Cultural heritage tends to reinforce certain negative values such as narrow-mindedness, extremism, and discriminatory attitudes based on gender, age, and social class. Additionally, there is an excessive consumption pattern, a perpetuation of the past, and a prevalence of opportunistic and negative values, including a culture of deception, individualism, and a reluctance to accept differing opinions. Addressing this heritage is essential to mitigate its spread. Conversely, fostering a positive cultural heritage is crucial to instill values of tolerance, justice, rationality, prudence, frugality, ambition, excellence, openness to the world, generosity, and social responsibility. This necessitates distinguishing between these two types of heritage and working to revive positive 41 cultural heritage to drive development forward while minimizing the influence of negative cultural heritage in its various forms to safeguard and sustain developmental achievements. • Potential resistance to change due to negative cultural heritage and entrenched customs, compounded by the prevalence of illiteracy. This phenomenon is observed across various age groups, necessitating careful consideration and intervention, despite the fact that the majority of the Egyptian population is under 40 years old. • Spread of certain anti-modernization, anti-progress, and anti-development tendencies, along with resistance to innovation within some social segments, is evident, particularly in popular literature through expressions, sayings, stories, and proverbs that reinforce stagnation, despair, inertia, and insufficient belief in individuals’ and society’s self-capabilities. Objective: The aim is to reinforce a set of positive values that amplify the influence of the country’s development endeavors, while simultaneously addressing values that hinder progress. Key Enabling Policies: • Promoting a culture of respecting the law and preserving public funds by incorporating this value into educational curricula and highlighting positive models in society. • Stimulating values of loyalty and belonging by bringing youth—whether in schools or educational institutions— closer to the national institutions, introducing them to these institutions, and widely disseminating cultural content to acquaint individuals of various age groups with Egypt’s history. • Preserving the Egyptian identity for the children of Egyptians residing abroad and promoting values of coexistence, acceptance of others, and tolerance. • Enhancing social capital by strengthening values of cooperation and trust among individuals. Social capital is indispensable for progress, strongly linked to achieving developmental breakthroughs in 42 any society. The values of social trust and cooperation contribute to a deeper connection among members of society, the establishment of strong institutions (whether governmental, civil, or private), the promotion of participation, and the reduction of transaction costs (thereby achieving higher economic efficiency). • Promoting social trust and cooperation to create a robust civil society capable of integrating a large number of citizens into its activities. This enables them to explore broader opportunities for interaction and voluntary work beyond the confines of official institutions. • Promoting volunteer work to achieve inclusive development, as it can only be achieved through the coordination of state efforts and their integration with the entire society. Emphasizing volunteer work values, raising awareness among youth, and integrating them into curricula and student activities at all educational levels is essential. • Effective coordination and integration between the GoE and the civil society play a significant role in clarifying societal needs and local variations. This collaboration contributes to implementing state development initiatives on the ground, fostering a dynamic national civil society that partners in the development process. It can express various public opinions, social priorities, and urgent social demands. • Upholding a culture that values scientific knowledge and facts is crucial for promoting rationality in public discourse, policy alternatives, and enhancing the scientific approach in public discussions and dialogues. This starts with the commitment of official state institutions to these values in their rhetoric and behavior. Additionally, confronting alternative narratives that promote myths and rumors. • Addressing intellectual bias and extremism involves deepening tolerance and acceptance of others. Development in any society is unattainable without increased openness to the world, people, and cultures, whether in economic transactions, knowledge exchange, or collaboration in solving common problems. A society aspiring for development must embody tolerance and acceptance of others, regardless of their differences. It is equally important to promote values of 43 religious and racial tolerance, acceptance of others, and openness to different cultures through educational channels, awareness tools, and official public discourse.

7. Population Growth Control Definition: Population growth control aims to align population growth rates with the natural resources and economic growth of the state while considering its fiscal space. This is crucial to prevent negative impacts on the average per capita share of natural resources (especially water, energy, and agricultural land) and government expenditure. Significance: Egypt has been facing population growth issue for several decades. If left unaddressed, continuous population increase can undermine any additional progress achieved in development. The persistent population growth contributes to social instability due to resource competition, creating a sense of relative deprivation despite increased development rates. This situation hinders the expected benefits, even with higher economic growth rates and investments in infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, roads, and transportation. Current Landscape: According to the 2021 Egyptian Family Health Survey: • The rate of usage of family planning methods increased, reaching around 66.4% in 2021 compared to approximately 58.5% in 2014. • The unmet need for family planning methods is increasing reaching about 41%, presenting an opportunity for efforts to control population growth, especially as there is a significant number of 44 women who want to use family planning methods but face obstacles such as unavailability or high cost. • The total fertility rate decreased by about 0.8 child compared to the level recorded in 2014, reaching 2.7 children per woman in 2022 . [10] • The GoE has initiated the implementation of the Executive Plan for the National Project for the Development of the Egyptian Family (2021/2022 – 2023/2024), focusing on two main aspects: controlling population growth and enhancing population characteristics in education, health, job opportunities, economic empowerment, and culture. The plan revolves around five pillars: Women’s Economic Empowerment; Availability of Family Planning Methods; Cultural, Media, and Educational Interventions to raise awareness about the population issue; Utilizing Digital Transformation to reach the targeted population; and Legislative Interventions to establish a comprehensive framework for population-related policies. Challenges: • The persistence of the high fertility rate threatens that Egypt’s population will reach 130 million in 2030, which places enormous pressure on the state’s resources, mainly the per capita share of water. • Cultural factors, influenced by popular heritage promoting traditional values, play a role in the preference for larger families and the prioritization of males over females. Additionally, religious discourse supporting higher fertility rates poses obstacles to development goals in both the short and long terms. • An increase in the percentage of the age group that is less than one year to 9 years, followed by the age of marriage and childbearing during the period from 2030 to 2042, which may result in a boom in births starting from 2030 if the population problem is not dealt with seriously and proactively. [10] Egyptian Demographic Observatory 45 Objective: To reduce population growth rates, in order to create a balance between economic growth rates and population growth rates. This contributes significantly to increasing the per capita share of public spending, especially in education and health. Consequently, enhance the ability to improve population characteristics and achieve a significant increase in individuals’ income levels. Key Enabling Policies: • Increasing the usage rates of family planning methods by targeting women of childbearing age. This involves providing these services free of charge in all health institutions and establishing mobile clinics to cover remote areas. • Allocating a provision in the state’s general budget to ensure the continuous and long-term availability of family planning methods, guaranteeing their free provision. This should also cover the training of medical teams, the cost of mobile clinics, and community awareness programs. • Increasing knowledge and awareness of the small family model through community mobilization that relies on prominent figures of fame and status who have the people’s trust, with the ability to influence public opinion. Additionally, encourage local leaders and religious figures to adopt family planning issues in their speeches, along with the continuous development of media messages based on scientific studies, opinion polls, and innovative content that deepens their impact on behavior. • Incorporating population issues into school curricula to instill the importance of family planning in young minds. • Effectively implementing laws setting the minimum age of marriage and considering a harsher punishment for underage marriage. • Expanding the pre-marital screenings and counseling programs. 46 47 Strategic Goal 1: Improve Egyptians' Quality of Life and Raise their Living Standards Dive r rate d and Know sified, Integ inable l base edge- Susta ntal Com d, and onme pe Envir em Syst Econ titive omy Imp nce erna r n c Egyp ove ua d e Gov and ips lit Qua tia y lity o ns’ ners h f Life Part Eq and l- d R ais el e re thei r Liv e W lop ctu Stan in S ve ru dard g Ju ocia De rast s s f a ti l In 48 General Goals: Access to Poverty Food Distinct Eradication Provision Health Services Enriched Quality Access to Cultural Education Adequate and System Housing Sports Life 49 Alignment with the SDGs: Alignment with the Africa Agenda 2063: (1) A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development. (2) An integrated continent, politically united and based on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance. (5) An Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, shared values and ethics. 50 Introduction: The strategic goal of “Improve Egyptians’ Quality of Life and Raise their Living Standards”, positioned at the forefront of the strategic goals of Egypt’s Vision 2030, aims to provide the basic requirements of life for every Egyptian. Egypt’s Vision 2030 interprets the concept of “Poverty Eradication” beyond merely reducing material poverty. It encompasses a multidimensional approach by creating the basic conditions for all segments of society to lead a dignified life in their homeland. The vision recognizes that comprehensive development should not only focus on reducing poverty rates but also extend to providing the citizens’ needs of education, healthcare, housing, food, and decent work, along with other vital aspects like cultural and sports activities. It’s essential to note that these components are interconnected, influencing each other significantly. Egypt has witnessed slow progress in its quality of life ranking, standing at 97th among 191 countries in the Human Development Index issued by the UNDP in the 2021 report. This index relies on crucial aspects of quality of life, primarily health, education, food, and poverty. In the poverty domain, for instance, nearly one-third of the population still falls below the national poverty line. Regarding education, approximately 17.5% of the population lacks literacy skills [11] . Additionally, around 13.2 million people reside in informal settlements as of 2021. [12] Moreover, about 5.5 million citizens faced food shortages in 2020. [13] In response to these challenges, the GoE adopted an integrated development approach through collaboration among national institutions, civil society, and the private sector. This collaborative effort aims to unify and coordinate actions to provide essential services for most vulnerable social groups, ultimately raising their living standards in all aspects of life by adopting huge initiatives, such as the presidential initiative “Hayah Karima” (Decent Life Initiative). [11] Labor Force Survey, Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), 2022 [12] Urban Development Fund [13] The World Bank 51 Within this framework, the strategic goal aligns with the global SDGs; namely SDG 1: “No Poverty”; SDG 2: “Zero Hunger”; SDG 3: “Good Health and Well Being”; SDG 4: “Quality Education”; SDG 8: “Decent Work and Economic Growth”; and SDG 11: “Sustainable Cities and Communities”. Additionally, it resonates with the Africa Agenda 2063, aligning with the first, second, third, fourth and fifth goals of the first aspiration “A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development”, the tenth goal of the second aspiration “An integrated continent, politically united and based on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance”, in addition to the sixteenth goal of the fifth aspiration “An Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, shared values and ethics”. Furthermore, this strategic goal reflects the set of social rights guaranteed by the Egyptian constitution for all citizens, mainly “every citizen has the right to education with the aim of building the Egyptian character, planting the roots of scientific thinking, developing talents, and promoting innovation” and “every citizen is entitled to health and to comprehensive health care with quality criteria”. This goal, with its various determinants, aligns with the Guiding Principles that form the framework of Egypt’s Vision 2030. Anchored in the principle of “Human-Centered Development”, the GoE commits to improving lives of the Egyptian citizens through the application of the principles of “Equity and Accessibility” to achieve sustainable development characterized by “Resilience and Adaptation” to international and local exigencies. It also upholds environmental preservation and ensures “Sustainability”. The set of enablers also facilitate the achievement of the general goals of this strategic goal. The availability of “financing” to provide services and the existence of more advanced and efficient solutions to challenges in various dimensions through “technology and innovation”, “digital transformation,” and “data generation and availability,” in light of a “supportive legislative and 52 institutional environment” along with the presence of “supportive cultural values” allow the formation of highly efficient programs to achieve the desired goals. This, in turn, is related to “controlling population growth” and limiting the steady increase in the size of the population because of the pressure it generates on the demand for basic services, and its clear challenge to any efforts to improve the quality of life. The strategic goal of “Improve Egyptians’ Quality of Life and Raise their Living Standards” is achieved through six general goals: Poverty Eradication; Food Provision; Access to Distinct Health Services; Quality Education System; Access to Adequate Housing; and Enriched Cultural and Sports Life.

1. Poverty Eradication No developmental process succeeds unless it addresses the eradication of poverty, not only financial or material poverty but also multidimensional poverty. Egypt’s Vision 2030 emphasizes that eliminating multidimensional poverty is a pivotal goal, aiming to provide the minimum essential needs for individuals and families, including food, housing, clothing, education, health, and transportation. This is to enable them to lead a dignified life in their homeland. Current Landscape: Despite the development efforts that reduced poverty rates in Egypt for the first time in two decades, as it decreased from 32.5% in 2017/18 to 29.7% in 2019/20, [14] thanks to improved economic growth on the one hand and the direct support provided to families through social protection programs, national projects that provided new job opportunities, and economic reform policies, on the other. However, there is still a need for effective policies and plans to eradicate poverty and address its various dimensions and negative consequences, in addition to reducing the disparities between   [14] The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). 53 different regions and rural and urban areas. Although poverty has significantly declined in Upper Egypt’s governorates since 2018, they remain among the poorest regions. Additionally, rural poverty has increased and now accounts for two-thirds of the poverty rate in both Upper and Lower Egypt. As for the extreme poverty rate; indicating the percentage of citizens unable to meet their basic humanitarian needs, it decreased to 4.5% during the fiscal year 2019/20 compared to 6.2% in 2017/18.[15] Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to elevate the average income of families to meet their needs, reduce multidimensional poverty, and provide a dignified and civilized standard of living for all Egyptians. This will be achieved within a framework of geographical justice through an inclusive developmental system, focusing on investing in human capital while adopting social inclusion to ensure the success of sustainable development. Means for goal attainment: • Control Population Growth through regulating increasing population growth is essential, as poverty is often linked to larger-sized families, which burdens the capacity to provide basic needs. • Establish an integrated protection system for those below the poverty line. • Expand exceptional social protection programs to include those living below the poverty line and the most in need groups, even in challenging circumstances. • Introducing additional social protection programs to combat poverty, and offer conditional cash assistance. • Promoting private sector investments to foster the creation of more decent employment opportunities.   [15] The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). 54 • Coordinate civil efforts through facilitating the collaboration between the private sector, civil society institutions, and the government to execute developmental projects effectively.

2. Food Provision Efforts to eradicate poverty and provide an advanced educational system, inclusive healthcare, and decent housing for all Egyptians are fundamental. However, these objectives cannot fully enhance human lives if citizens do not receive sufficient, healthy, and safe nutrition from an early age. Egypt’s Vision 2030 recognizes the importance of providing adequate and healthy food for all Egyptians in reducing susceptibility to communicable and non-communicable diseases, in addition to the significance of ensuring that all Egyptians enjoy good physical health enabling them to enjoy life, work, and be productive. Accordingly, Egypt’s Vision 2030 has designated “Food Provision” for all Egyptians as a crucial goal, considering it one of the pillars of quality of life. Current Landscape: Numerous factors, mainly population growth, inadequate healthcare services, and sufficient social protection system, have led to a decrease in food levels among Egyptians, posing a threat to food security, particularly for lower-income individuals. Approximately, 5.4% of the population still suffer from malnutrition, while 27.8% experienced moderate to severe food insecurity in 2019. [16] The shortage of food brings forth a host of problems, such as deteriorating health conditions, weakness, emaciation, and decreased productivity. Access to healthy food is a fundamental human right that should be guaranteed to all, especially children. Malnutrition in children often leads to various associated illnesses that hinder their proper growth, including anemia, obesity, and conditions affecting proper growth, like stunting and chronic diseases.   [16] The World Bank 55 Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to guarantee food provision and food security by ensuring the availability of food commodities and establishing a comprehensive nutrition system for all Egyptians. This will be pursued by modernizing the agricultural sector, improving the living standards for rural communities, increasing agricultural productivity, and investing in geographical resources across different agricultural regions. Means for Goal Attainment: • Reviewing policies and legislations prohibiting encroachment on agricultural lands and address food safety concerns to achieve sustainable agricultural development. • Formulating a policy for the preservation of agricultural lands through regular updates and analysis to agricultural soil records and incorporating the results into digital maps accessible to all agricultural stakeholders. • Doubling agricultural productivity and income of food producers. • Increasing the agricultural land area and implementing flexible farming practices as part of the “one and a half million acres” project, to achieve self-sufficiency in multiple crops. • Expanding production of key crops with high nutritional value, such as wheat and corn, while improving productivity and adopting new varieties and technical recommendations. • Fostering scientific research, technology, and innovation in soil enhancement, soil degradation prevention, and the production of healthy and safe food. • Embracing environmental considerations, promoting sustainable and organic farming, and providing organic and mineral fertilizers and non-synthetic foliar fertilizers while rationalizing their use. • Supporting agricultural human development and building farmers’ capacities in adopting good agricultural practices to minimize post-harvest losses and enhance marketing skills. 56 • Encouraging private sector investment in sustainable and organic agriculture and food processing activities through incentivized packages and financial support. • Implementing genetic improvement programs to enhance the productivity of livestock and poultry. • Allocating investments for the development of fisheries. • Raising awareness about healthy consumption patterns to improve nutrition levels and food quality and safety. • Educating citizens on proper nutrition methods and the importance of changing harmful dietary habits, especially mothers, for the healthy nutrition of children, thereby reducing cases of obesity or malnutrition. • Expansion and development of School Nutrition Programs.

3. Access to Distinct Health Services Enhancing the quality of life lies in ensuring the well-being of citizens and offering them adequate care for both communicable and non-communicable diseases [17] all the while minimizing the burdens imposed upon them. To enable every individual to embrace a wholesome lifestyle, Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to elevate the healthcare sector, improve citizens’ health status, foster preventive measures, facilitate treatment, and proactively combat the propagation of diseases and pandemics. Various dimensions come into play to attain this goal, necessitating the collaboration of multiple stakeholders - along with the Ministry of Health and Population’s role in delivering appropriate healthcare services - to address health concerns. This is done through an approach encompassing   [17] According to the World Health Organization, noncommunicable diseases are chronic diseases that last for long periods and result from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioral factors, while communicable diseases are infectious diseases. 57 economic, social, and cultural policies, which directly and indirectly impact the challenges and opportunities encountered within the healthcare sector, ultimately driving the desired development. Current Landscape With the steady rise in Egypt’s population over the past decades, the disease landscape has transformed. Both communicable and non-communicable diseases have started to proliferate, leading to increased healthcare costs for citizens. This is coupled with a decline in the number of doctors, nursing staff, and hospital beds per thousand people at the governorate level. There has been a significant drop in healthcare quality, exacerbated by insufficient funding for the government health sector, resulting in a rise in private expenditure on healthcare. According to the WHO standards, Egypt was ranked 63rd out of 191 countries in terms of its healthcare system in 2020. According to the WHO in 2019, Egypt stood out among the nations with the highest out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure as a percentage of current health expenditure, with 26.3% of the population spending over 10% of their income on health. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical need to enhance the capacity to handle outbreaks and unexpected health crises. It has emphasized the importance of establishing a robust healthcare system capable of managing such crises. Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to provide healthcare for citizens, promoting their well-being and nutrition starting from an early age to maintain their health, identify any chronic illnesses at an early stage, and provide appropriate treatment. This requires an increase in efficient healthcare spending across all areas of the sector, as well as ensuring accessible healthcare for everyone. This is besides bolstering the preparedness of the healthcare system to mitigate disease prevalence and combat pandemics and communicable diseases by enhancing the capabilities of medical research centers nationwide. 58 Means for Goal Attainment: • Increasing the available funding for the healthcare sector to enhance the availability and quality of medical services in a balanced manner across different geographical regions. • Implementing health insurance laws and standardizing insurance coverage to ensure comprehensive health coverage that meets the needs from both genders. • Improving governance of the healthcare sector and restructuring it to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in healthcare service management. • Improving infrastructure and activating digital transformation to ensure a unified health information system. • Increasing the number of doctors, nursing staff, and beds per 10,000 people, and enhancing the efficiency of human resources while re-evaluating financial incentives for doctors, nursing staff, and technical team. • Increasing preparedness for pandemics and expanding intensive care unit capacities, especially in emergency departments. • Activating laws and procedures to reduce pollution and emissions resulting from disease-causing production activities and limit the circulation of substances harmful to human health. • Supporting research and development related to vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing to achieve the highest levels of medical technology and establishing high-level medical and clinical research centers. • Encouraging Private Sector Investment in healthcare services, pharmaceuticals, serums, and vaccines. • Raising awareness about public health and proper nutrition, especially among females, to positively influence the nutrition and health of their children. • Increasing awareness and disseminating information about family planning services, and the availability of contraceptive methods, according to the needs of different regions. • Encouraging domestic medical tourism to benefit from Egypt’s natural healing environment. 59

4.Quality Education System Education stands at the forefront of Egypt’s Vision 2030; recognizing its vital role in elevating people’s standard of living and developing quality of life. Therefore, the Vision prioritizes efforts to achieve a notable progress in education, aiming to produce highly competent professionals capable of serving the nation, each in their respective areas of specialization. The significance of early childhood and pre-university education is no less important than that of university education. Educating children and nurturing their skills at a young age shape their future capacity to learn, innovate, and uphold civilized and cultural values. Meanwhile, university education complements this foundation by ingraining the scientific approach to thinking and fostering the acquisition of knowledge and technical competencies necessary for individuals to enter the labor market. It acts as a bridge between traditional education and the fast-paced technological advancements of our contemporary world. Current Landscape: The rapid population growth and the stagnation of the education system, which has lacked development for several decades, led to a decline in the quality of education in Egypt. This has resulted in an outdated educational system that emphasizes indoctrination, rote memorization, and a lack of stimulating critical thinking and analytical skills among students. As a result, the country has experienced high rates of illiteracy and a low educational ranking. Furthermore, the university admission system has created an imbalance within the education system and the labor market, further exacerbating the gap between education and the labor market. According to data from CAPMAS, illiteracy rate in Egypt is 17.5% in 2022, compared to 25.8% in

2017. These rates were notably higher among females reaching 22.8% compared to12.4% in males. Likewise, in rural areas, illiteracy is more prevalent than in urban areas, with rates of 21.8% and 12.1%, respectively, according to the 2022 Labor Force Survey. Moreover, Egypt falls below the world 60 average in quality education indicators, according to the World Bank standards, with an average literacy rate of 73.1% in 2021, compared to the global average of 86.8% in 2020. However, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the GoE launched several e-learning platforms to ensure the continuity of remote learning. Approximately 10.5 million electronic exams were conducted, allowing access to 20 million students on the educational platforms provided by the Ministry of Education and Technical Education. “Education 2.0” system, introduced in 2018, has accelerated the adoption of such reformative measures. Additionally, a hybrid education system has been implemented in universities, combining remote learning and its technologies with traditional in-person learning in educational institutions. This approach aims to ensure the readiness of the education system for any crises. Moreover, the Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB) has also been launched, serving as a comprehensive repository of knowledge accessible to all Egyptians. Believing in the importance of transforming the Egyptian society into a learning, thinking, and innovative community to equip a cadre of scientists capable of solving Egypt’s and the world’s challenges, Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to enhance the quality of education and expand access to quality education for everyone, with no discrimination. It emphasizes fostering creativity and innovation by integrating technology as a fundamental component of education. This ultimately leads to the development of Egypt’s human capital; with a special focus on children and youth, empowering them to excel in various fields of the labor market. Means for Goal Attainment: • Increasing investment in education and linking all aspects of expenditure to the quality of educational outcomes. 61 • Increasing the average funding allocated to education per student, while redistributing public spending on education across different levels of education (pre-primary, primary, university, and technical education) to improve the overall quality of the education system. • Building human capital capacity and enhancing the efficiency of teachers at all educational levels. As well as enacting a legislation that links teacher evaluation results to incentives, and establishing a system of encouragement and rewards to foster their continuous professional development. • Aligning local quality and accreditation standards with international benchmarks for teaching and learning systems. • Developing curricula that instill sustainable development values and principles among students, whether children, adolescents, and youth, across all educational stages. • Designing curricula and educational materials within the framework of the “Education 2.0” system, which has proven successful at the primary level. • Connecting university, technical, and vocational education curricula with the needs of the labor market. • Strengthening the capacity of educational facilities (pre-university, university, and technical education) to provide adequate classrooms for all social groups in both rural and urban areas, with particular consideration for the needs of individuals with disabilities. • Providing an integrated system for remote education (basic infrastructure for electronic platforms and educational television channels) to cater all levels of education. • Establishing a mechanism to encourage private sector and civil society to participate in literacy programs, providing schools and universities with incentives. • Linking social protection programs to literacy among the beneficiaries, in addition to providing incentives for those who succeed in literacy programs (such as teaching them a vocational skill needed in the job market). 62 • Upgrading the infrastructure of educational institutions (pre-university, university, and technical levels) and equipping them with the latest necessary facilities for student training and education. • Developing incentive programs to encourage higher education institutions to apply for international accreditation. • Providing financial support to establish research centers, and expanding scientific research in various fields. • Increase awareness and improve societal perception of the importance of education in general, and technical education in particular. • Building exceptional academic staff and expanding scholarships and foreign opportunities to advance scientific research and knowledge transfer. • Conducting continuous evaluations of scientific research institutions and centers and developing local evaluation criteria that consider their contribution to the implementation of Egypt’s Vision 2030. • Revising recruitment laws and university regulations to facilitate the mobility of scientific personnel.

5. Access to Adequate Housing The provision of adequate housing and creating sustainable cities is a crucial aspect of development in every country. The quality of housing directly impacts the quality of life. In fact, decent housing in civilized areas that are free from health hazards and an environment characterized by clean air, water, and sanitation, influences every aspect of a citizen’s life. Egypt’s Vision 2030 addresses the housing issue at both individual and societal levels. At the individual level, the Vision strives to guarantee access to adequate housing for all Egyptians at affordable prices that cater to all groups. At the societal level, the Vision aims to develop cities characterized by modern infrastructure and abundant green spaces. 63 The GoE has initiated housing projects in new cities to increase the individual’s share of green spaces, eliminate building on agricultural land, which persisted over previous decades, and explore opportunities for expansion and better utilization of Egypt’s land. Current Landscape: For decades, Egypt has relied on a limited land area, not exceeding 8% of its total area. With the absence of strict enforcement of building regulations and penalties for violations, coupled with continuous population growth and high migration rates from rural to urban areas, the capacity of this limited space has been incapable of accommodating the surging population. Consequently, unplanned residential areas and unsafe housing have become prevalent. Therefore, the state adopted various policies to address this phenomenon. The results have been positive, with a reduction in the percentage of people living in informal (unsafe and unplanned) urban areas to 36% by 2019. [18] Nonetheless, this matter continues to pose a challenge for the state and a primary goal to ensure a civilized life for all citizens. Within this framework, Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to provide decent and civilized housing for all Egyptians without exception. Additionally, the Vision seeks to eradicate the phenomenon of unsafe and informal housing, while offering legitimate alternatives that align with the development agenda. Likewise, it seeks to enhance the quality of basic services in all residential areas and increase the availability of open spaces and green areas for individuals. Means for Goal Attainment: • Expansion of New Cities in Governorates to alleviate pressure on housing and public facilities.   [18] Urban Development Fund 64 • Educating citizens about the advantages of moving to these new cities and the distribution of population in new urban communities within their governorate. • Provide incentive packages for the private sector to expand new urban clusters to generate employment opportunities and services in these areas. • Development and enhancement of Egyptian villages and centers in Rural Areas. • Vacating unsafe housing classified as informal settlements and transforming dilapidated buildings into habitable structures. • Developing existing housing that lacks basic services, providing sanitation services, and ensuring access to clean water. • Increase open and green spaces in residential areas. • Enacting legislation to support building laws, address building violations, and compensate vacated areas. • Halt urban expansion and encroachments on agricultural lands and prevent encroachments on the Nile River.

6.Enriched Cultural and Sports Life Developing the cultural and sports life is a pivotal element in the goal of improving Egyptians’ quality of life and raising their living standards. Recognizing the intrinsic value of culture and sports, and their essential role in shaping the Egyptians’ identity throughout history, Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to preserve and enrich Egyptian culture and sports, while raising awareness among Egyptians about their significance in achieving a decent life. Culture is a lifestyle encompassing the set of values, ethics, ideas, knowledge, habits, traditions, beliefs, worldviews, customs, arts, and various forms of individual creativity, both material and 65 immaterial, as well as everything an individual acquires as a member of society. On the other hand, sports involve physical effort and skills practiced for entertainment, competition, excellence, health improvement, and bodily strength. Sports contribute to individual development, fostering mental, physical, and social adaptation. Undoubtedly, Egypt’s wealth lies in its tangible and intangible cultural heritage, as well as its soft power derived from its abundance of intellectuals, writers, scientists, thinkers, authors, artists, and creators in fields such as music, visual arts, cinema, and theater. To uplift the Egyptian people, it is imperative to harness this rich cultural capital in nurturing an Egyptian citizen firmly rooted in their cultural identity, cognizant of their history and cultural heritage, capable of confronting contemporary challenges, ensuring access to avenues of knowledge acquisition, respecting diversity, fostering the ability to make free choices, as well as engaging in cultural practices and production. Positive elements within culture serve as a source of strength for development, an added value to the national economy, and the foundation of Egypt’s soft power on regional and global scales. Current Landscape: With the population growth over the past decades, accompanied by a rise in poverty rates, citizens’ interest in cultural centers and sports facilities has declined. Simultaneously, the ability of cultural institutions in various governorates and sports centers to meet the cultural and sporting needs of individuals has been reduced. This has resulted in a clear gap in the establishment and accessibility of these institutions across different geographical areas and social segments. Consequently, a lack of cultural awareness has emerged, leading to various problems related to thinking, education, and knowledge. Limited interest in reading, the absence of students’ ability for critical thinking and analysis, and a decline in the desire of the youth to educate themselves have all been observed as consequences of this cultural gap. On the sporting front, there has been a decline 66 in championships across various team and individual sports, accompanied by a deterioration in physical and mental health levels, evidenced by the prevalence of obesity and non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and depression. Additionally, there has been a rise in drug use among the youth. Therefore, Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to support and enrich cultural life in all its forms, enhance citizens’ awareness of sports, and provide inclusive sports facilities without discrimination based on financial capability or geographical location. Means for Goal Attainment: • Increase the percentage of funds allocated to culture and sports within the total state budget. • Develop governmental cultural institutions by enhancing administrative capacities and human resources, equipping them for cultural and artistic work. This will allow them to broaden their reach to various social segments while preserving identity and foster openness to other cultures. • Enhance the role of non-governmental cultural institutions through community partnerships involving the government, civil society, and the private sector. • Expand cultural facilities, cultural palaces and centers, public libraries, museums, heritage sites, opera houses, art galleries, theaters, and cinemas in various governorates and new cities, ensuring accessibility for all residents. • Encouraging the preservation, protection, and accessibility of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, and harnessing its potential for sustainable development, creativity, and the promotion of cultural identity. • Instill awareness of the importance of culture and sports, as well as heritage preservation among youth by emphasizing them in education curricula. • Establish an integrated information system for cultural work, enabling accurate data-driven 67 planning and full access to cultural and heritage information. In addition to digitizing cultural work as a whole. • Support cultural industries as a source of economic strength. • Support and activate measures to protect intellectual property rights including registering trademarks for cultural industries and products. • Adopt unconventional tools to raise cultural awareness using information technology for all age groups and communities. • Support the digital transformation of cultural processes to ensure broad accessibility of cultural products, enhance public taste, and promote positive values. • Provide an enabling environment for implementing innovative ideas, making cultural products available in remote and underserved areas, achieving cultural equity, and combating intellectual extremism. • Encourage domestic tourism as a means to enrich cultural life, instilling citizens’ pride in their identity and unity within the context of cultural diversity, and leveraging Egypt’s diverse environment for various sporting activities. • Combat all forms of bias and intellectual extremism by promoting a culture of moderation, broad- mindedness, respect for differences, and embracing change, while actively countering extremism and intolerance that perpetuate violence and terrorism. • Rehabilitate all forms of cultural and sports facilities to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities across all governorates. • Ensuring availability of sports facilities, such as centers, arenas, sports cities, and stadiums in proportion to the population in different geographical regions. • Discover and nurture talented, gifted, creative, and innovative individuals to build the human capital that empowers Egypt to achieve regional and global leadership and competition in various fields of scientific, literary, artistic, cultural, and sports creativity. 68 69 Strategic Goal 2: Social Justice and Equality Dive r Know sified, l base edge- Com d, and pe Econ titive omy 70 General Goals: Social Gender Gap Protection Reduction Provision Promotion Inclusion of Spatial and Equal and Local Opportunities Development 71 Alignment with the SDGs: Alignment with the Africa Agenda 2063: (1) A prosperous Africa, based on inclusive growth and sustainable development. (6) An Africa whose development is people driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children. 72 Introduction: The achievement of sustainable development in any society is intricately tied to the successful realization of the strategic goal of “Social Justice and Equality”. Social justice is the equitable distribution of income, enabling citizens to meet their basic needs and progress economically and socially. This distribution must ensure equal opportunities for all, free from discrimination based on age, gender, disability, religion, or geographical location. This principle of equality ensures that all public resources, benefits, and services, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure, are accessible to every citizen. It also encompasses the enjoyment of fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression and the right to work, and civil rights like private property, without any form of discrimination. The strategic goal of “Social Justice and Equality” within Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims at fostering active citizenship and meaningful participation across political, economic, cultural, and social aspects for all societal segments, especially the most vulnerable groups who require positive discrimination in their favor. This aligns with Egypt’s Vision for sustainable development and resonates with key issues emphasized by the SDGs, namely SDG 5 “Gender Equality” and SDG10 “Reduced Inequalities”. Moreover, this goal is closely tied to the aspirations of Africa’s Agenda 2063, specifically within the first goal of the first aspiration “A prosperous Africa, based on inclusive growth and sustainable development”, and the eleventh goal of the third aspiration “An Africa of Good Governance, Democracy, Respect for Human Rights, Justice and the Rule of Law” and the seventeenth, and the eighteenth of the sixth aspiration “An Africa whose development is people driven, relying on the potential offered by African People, especially its women and youth, and caring for children”. At the national level, the Egyptian constitution emphasizes that “the state commits to providing the means to achieve social solidarity and equal opportunity without discrimination to ensure decent life for all citizens”, in addition to “achieving equality between women and men in all civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights”. 73 Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to bridge developmental gaps, particularly in rural areas and specifically Upper Egypt. These regions face high poverty rates and low levels of employment, income, and access to basic services, such as education, healthcare, culture, and sports, in comparison to urban areas. These disparities are evident in women’s struggle to secure job opportunities, high rates of female illiteracy, and limited access to certain social services compared to males. With regards to children, a significant percentage continues to experience various dimensions of poverty, stemming from factors such as large family sizes or early marriages, leading to an inability to meet the basic needs of the child. This results in health issues associated with malnutrition, such as stunting and obesity. For youth, mismatched educational outputs with labor market needs lead to higher unemployment rates. Similarly, individuals with disabilities encounter numerous challenges in the field of education, such as the prevalence of illiteracy due to the lack of suitable schools catering to their specific needs. Moreover, they face difficulties in finding appropriate employment opportunities, considering the lack of jobs that accommodate their diverse disabilities. Additionally, they face difficulties accessing transportation services equipped to meet their needs and services tailored to their requirements. Lastly, the elderly face obstacles in accessing their rights, including public services, healthcare, and psychological support, compounded by technological barriers arising from the digitization of transactions and services. It is evident that the integration of the national Vision for sustainable development, which Egypt committed to achieve, with implemented policies and reforms, is the key to bridging developmental gaps across diverse geographic regions and reducing disparities among social groups, particularly for the most vulnerable categories: women, children, youth, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly. 74 The achievement of this goal aligns with the fundamental guiding principles of Egypt’s Vision 2030, emphasizing the placement of “Human-Centered Development” at the core of all endeavors to elevate the living standards for all Egyptians in various geographic regions. This involves applying the principle of “Equity and Accessibility”, ensuring equal opportunities for everyone in rights and public services. Additionally, the principle of “Resilience and Adaptation” facilitates people’s ability to adapt through social protection programs. Moreover, the principle of “Sustainability” further underscores the importance of natural resource access for all societal segments while preserving the needs of future generations. Several enablers contribute to the realization of this strategic goal, namely “Financing” that supports providing the necessary financial resources to empower vulnerable groups economically; “Digital Transformation” that facilitate citizens’ access to basic services and improve the subsidies system, particularly targeting and strengthening communication channels between all societal segments; a “Supportive Legislative and Institutional Environment” aids in activating laws and strategies to enhance active participation for all segments and uphold their rights; in addition to the “Supportive Cultural Values System” that also contributes to spreading awareness of values, promoting tolerance, acceptance, respect, and rejection of bullying, discrimination, and arrogance. This system also corrects misconceptions related to women and early marriage, particularly in rural areas and villages; lastly, “Population Growth Control” helps maximize the benefits of development. The strategic goal of “Social Justice and Equality” is achieved through four general goals: Social Protection Provision; Gender Gap Reduction; Inclusion and Equal Opportunities; and Promotion of Spatial and Local Development. Each general goal encompasses a set of targets, enabling policies to achieve them, along with quantitative indicators for monitoring and evaluating performance. 75

1. Social Protection Provision Social Protection Provision encompasses a set of policies supporting men, women, and children in achieving and maintaining a decent standard of living and good health throughout their lives. These policies consist of three elements: A. Social and health insurance that mitigates risks associated with unemployment, health issues, disabilities, work-related injuries, and aging, such as health insurance or insurance against unemployment. B. Social safety nets that provide cash or in-kind support to individuals or families living in poverty. C. Labor market interventions that aim at implementing programs to enhance effective employment in labor markets and protect workers. The pursuit of justice is closely tied to the existence of an interconnected network of social protection programs, which cater to the most vulnerable groups experiencing poverty due to various circumstances. Such programs not only elevate the economic well-being of impoverished families but also shield other groups from sudden shocks and fluctuations. Therefore, social protection programs play a crucial role in reducing inequality, promoting social cohesion, and fostering peace, particularly in the short run and in times of unexpected crises. Current Landscape In light of the current status of social protection programs, the total expenditure on subsidies, grants, and social benefits reached EGP 343 billion in 2021/22, constituting 19% of the total expenditure, reflecting the growing interest in increasing the financing for these programs. In recent years, the GoE has reviewed health and social insurance systems to overcome deficiencies in both systems and broaden the protection coverage to include more categories. 76 In the field of health insurance, the Universal Health Insurance Law was issued in 2018, as a social solidarity system providing healthcare services to everyone without discrimination. The Government covers those unable to pay. Subsequently, in 2019, the Social Insurance and Pensions Law was enacted with new features such as setting a minimum pension, adjusting the relationship between the pension amount and inflation rates, entitlement to unemployment benefits, encouraging incentives for insuring irregular workers, and the gradual increase in retirement age, and more. Furthermore, the state issued “Aman” certificates for irregular workers to provide temporary social protection for them and their families in the event of disability or death, serving as an interim solution until a comprehensive regulatory law is enacted. The GoE has also taken several measures to enhance and improve social safety nets, including the food support system, targeted cash support, social housing, school nutrition programs, and more. However, the main challenges include insufficient financial resources to cover social safety nets amid an increase in poverty rates, limited human and logistical capacities of institutions overseeing social protection, and the failure to link cash support to inflation rates, resulting in a gradual decrease in the real value of assistance. Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to expand the scope and coverage of social protection networks, enhance the benefits received by individuals, and improve the targeting mechanisms and institutional arrangements to maximize their effectiveness. 77 Means for Goal Attainment: • Developing accurate electronic databases that capture the conditions of vulnerable groups and its development in society, then designing policies that enhance programs effectiveness and improve targeting methods. • Work towards increasing the real value of assistance for each beneficiary/family, or at least maintaining their stability. Consider reducing population growth rates and focusing on transitioning from support programs are essential factors in achieving this objective. • Expand the coverage of targeted social protection programs for poor families in Egypt, with a focus on women below the poverty line and rural areas especially in Upper Egypt. • Ensuring sustainability for social protection programs by training and qualifying beneficiaries, along with expanding conditional cash transfer programs to alleviate the burden on social safety nets. • Expand the coverage of social and health insurance by encouraging the workforce in both the formal and informal sectors to participate in social security systems, providing protection against the risks of aging, disability, unemployment, and others. • Distributing food and healthcare cards for children from birth and expanding and improving the nutritional standards of school meals to reduce the percentage of children suffering from multidimensional poverty. • Promote partnerships among all stakeholders concerned with children’s rights and enhance the child protection mechanism especially for children at risk. • Strengthening institutional partnerships among local authorities, the private sector, and civil society; to set the developmental map for each governorate and agree on the distribution of roles and responsibilities thus ensuring the success of these partnerships. 78

2.Gender Gap Reduction Achieving social justice is closely interlinked with the genuine pursuit of gender equality, supporting equal opportunities, and enhancing women’s participation in the development process leading to empowering women economically, socially, and politically. This encompasses the eradication of all forms of discrimination and violence against women in addition to bolstering women’s right to education, access to healthcare services, employment, and political participation. Current Landscape: Studies examining status of women reveal a gap in women’s participation compared to men in various aspects of life, particularly economically. This is evident in the low rate of women’s participation in the labor force, which reached 13.5% in 2020/21. Along with the significantly higher unemployment rate among women, reaching 15.2% compared to 5.8% among men. [19] Despite the advancements achieved for women through the implementation of the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Egyptian Women 2030, especially in education, healthcare, life expectancy rates, and political empowerment, the economic gender gap remains unaltered, as per most indicators measuring gender inequality. The Gender Gap Index published by the World Economic Forum in 2021 positioned Egypt at 129th out of 156 countries, compared to its previous rank 134th out of 153 countries in 2020. Moreover, Egypt’s ranking in the Economic Participation and Opportunity Index in 2021 was 146, compared to 140 in

2020. The decline in women’s participation in the labor market, especially in the private sector, is attributed to various factors, including social norms and values, inadequate childcare facilities, mismatched transportation, violence against women, and a misalignment between educational outcomes and the needs of the labor market.   [19] The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) 79 Regarding education, despite achieving some progress, females still suffer from higher illiteracy rates compared to males, especially in rural areas of Upper Egypt. The illiteracy rate among females exceeds 30.8% for those above ten years old, compared to 21.1% for males in 2017 . [20] As for healthcare, the main challenges include the lack of some healthcare services in rural areas, in addition to issues such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and the impact of early marriage on women’s physical and mental health. Regarding FGM, although the percentage has decreased from 21% in the age group (0-19 years) in 2014 to 14% in 2021, according to the Egyptian Family Health Survey, it remains a cultural challenge. The 2017 Egypt Census results indicated that 0.6% of female marriages involve individuals below the legal age, with 61.5% of these marriages occurring in rural areas, and the percentage increases in the poorest governorates. [21] Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to narrow the gender gap by empowering women to actively participate in all social, cultural, economic, and political aspects. The Vision emphasizes women’s involvement in the workforce, enhanced political empowerment, reduction of female illiteracy rates, and provision of healthcare specifically for women in rural areas. Means for Goal Attainment: • Raise awareness of the risks of gender-based discrimination against women, change prevailing negative cultural norms and perceptions regarding frequent childbearing, early marriage, and limited access to education for girls in various regions of Egypt. • Facilitate women’s access to job opportunities, enhance mechanisms for home-based work and flexible working hours, and develop codes of conduct in collaboration with the private sector to   [20] The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS)   [21] The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) 80 provide a safe work environment free from all forms of violence and discrimination against women. • Develop the care economy as a facilitator for women’s employment, creating new job opportunities and allowing a balance between their productive and social roles. • Provide funding with lenient conditions and guarantees for women to establish small and medium-sized projects, and financial literacy through financial inclusion programs for women in rural and remote areas. • Provide technical support for female entrepreneurs, and establish business incubators for small and micro-projects. • Expand training programs to enhance women’s skills in industries required in the job market, as well as in technological and digital fields to increase women’s future job opportunities. • Enhance women’s participation in decision-making processes at both the central and local governments. • Develop women’s shelters to protect them from all forms of violence and abuse. • Eliminate harmful practices against girls (FGM and child marriage) by enforcing laws and raising awareness in all educational, cultural, media, and religious institutions. • Provide healthcare for women during pregnancy and raise awareness of the importance of family planning and reproductive health. • Promote accurate and effective dissemination of information regarding incentive measures available to governmental and non-governmental institutions to bridge the gender gap and enhance women’s empowerment. 81

3. Inclusion and Equal Opportunities In the pursuit of justice and social security, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities emerge as essential prerequisites. This entails ensuring fairness and non-discrimination in providing opportunities for all citizens across various domains. The sole criteria for social and economic mobility should be merit and entitlement. Consequently, a societal transformation is needed to enhance greater inclusion and activate a larger role for more social, economic, and political participation, especially for vulnerable groups, including women, children, youth, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. Equal opportunities encompass granting these groups their rights to a dignified life, health, education, and employment without discrimination. Current Landscape: Despite recent progress in certain indicators over the past two decades, such as the reduction in child mortality and improved access to basic education, and reducing gender gap in education enrollment, some indicators still point to challenges in fulfilling children’s rights. For instance, the low enrollment rate in pre-primary education, reaching approximately 28.5% in 2019/20, implying that more than two-thirds of children aged 4-5 years do not enjoy their right to early education. [22] As for youth, this group faces high unemployment rates, with an unemployment rate of 15% for the age group 15-29 years, compared to the national rate of 7.4% in 2021. [23] This is attributed to the mismatch between the outputs of the education system and the requirements of the job market, coupled with the reduction in government and public sector jobs since the mid-1980s. Finally, persons with disabilities face challenges due to the lack of adequate schools, leading to a prevalence of illiteracy among them. In terms of employment, the majority experience forced   [22] Egypt’s Human Development Report 2021.   [23] The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) 82 unemployment, lacking appropriate job opportunities. Additionally, their salaries and wages are lower compared to their able-bodied counterparts. Moreover, the infrastructure and public facilities, such as roads and transportation, do not adequately accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities, hindering their right to mobility and movement. Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to address these disparities and empower all segments of society— economically, politically, and socially. The objective is to reduce the illiteracy rates for both females and males, decrease youth unemployment, protect children, and ensure their rights to proper nutrition, education, and healthcare. Furthermore, the vision seeks to integrate persons with disabilities into society and provide necessary care services for the elderly. Means for Goal Attainment: • Ensuring equitable geographic distribution of schools based on the number of school-age children and providing nutritious meals for students. • Enhance children’s nutrition and health by developing mechanisms for early detection of nutrition- related diseases such as stunting and obesity, and raising awareness among their parents about proper nutrition methods. • Protecting homeless children, providing rehabilitation programs, and collaborating with the civil society to support orphaned groups lacking care. • Support the rights of children and adolescents and considering their best interests in all decision- making processes. • Facilitate the access of people with disabilities to public places and facilities, and adapt services to facilitate their movement using transportation in urban and rural areas to cater to their specific needs. 83 • Facilitate the issuance of smart cards for integrated services for people with disabilities, and ensure their access to banking services. • Provide all rehabilitation, training, educational, and health services for people with disabilities easily. • Educating families about early detection methods of disabilities, providing psychological, social, cultural, and physical rehabilitation for disabled children to integrate them into society, and educational and cultural systems, as well as offering suitable job opportunities that align with their physical or cognitive abilities. • Deepen political participation mechanisms for youth and all social groups and encourage youth to engage in collective and volunteer work to serve the community. • Increase the availability of services for age-related diseases and services provided to the elderly, in addition to improving health and preventive medical services for them.

4.Promotion of Spatial and Local Development The pursuit of spatial and local development is a pillar of social justice that the state aims to achieve by bridging the gaps in geographical development, particularly in rural and border areas. This involves targeting low-income groups, empowering communities both economically and socially, and preparing the local environment for development based on productivity and sustainability standards, to minimize the disparities between different regions. Spatial and local development ensures making available and improving basic services in all regions and governorates, especially in healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, and increased investment opportunities in the most in need regions. 84 Current Landscape: Disparity and inequality in Egypt are closely tied to specific geographic regions, particularly in rural areas, specifically the countryside of Upper Egypt. While the overall poverty rate in Egypt stood at approximately 29.7% in 2019/20, it significantly rises to 48.2% in the countryside of Upper Egypt. [24] It is important to note that the fundamental areas that necessitate radical attention in these geographic regions are linked to three key rights: the right to education, the right to healthcare, and the right to employment; in addition to the disparities in per capita public investment among different governorates. Thus, addressing the shortcomings related to social service coverage and the distribution of public investments will boost the ability of societal groups in these areas to enjoy other closely related rights, such as equal participation, regardless of the governorate. Moreover, there is a clear disparity between rural and urban areas in terms of access to educational and healthcare services, income levels, wealth, employment rates, and gender equality indicators. Development in Upper Egypt is considered the most challenging among Egypt’s geographic areas in terms of opportunities inequality, and limited available investment projects, which impacts the creation of high-yield jobs. This is manifested in the stark difference in the annual household income between rural and urban areas, reaching EGP 59.7 thousand in rural areas compared to EGP 80.9 thousand in urban areas in 2019/20 . [25] Additionally, rural areas suffer from a shortage of qualified human resources due to the weakness of educational institutions and the decreased efficiency of institutions providing basic services, especially in education and health. There is inequality in the quality of life in rural areas, particularly concerning the ease of access to various services.   [24] The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS)   [25] The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) 85 Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to achieve spatial justice, reduce geographic disparities, and empower local communities economically and socially. It seeks to provide basic services in all geographic regions, fostering genuine development throughout society. Means for Goal Attainment: • Increase investment opportunities in the most in need areas and border governorates. • Reduce the development gap between different regions in Egypt, adhering to the principle of justice in the development process. • Ensuring equitable distribution of public expenditure across Egypt to ensure sufficient resources for improving education and healthcare. • Encouraging the private sector to increase investments that generate employment opportunities in rural areas and lead to creating high-revenue jobs, particularly in the industrial and tourism sectors, as well as integrating the environmental aspect according to the nature of each governorate, to ensure sustainable utilization of local resources and enhance competitiveness. • Promoting the attractiveness of rural areas to prevent irregular migration and internal migration from villages to cities. • Improve the efficiency of institutions providing basic services in rural areas, especially in education and healthcare, to develop qualified cadres who can contribute to the development of their local environment. • Implementing comprehensive decentralization measures and encouraging collaboration between governorates, leveraging their respective competitive advantages. • Providing services of cultural centers, youth and sports facilities in all governorates. 86 87 Strategic Goal 3: Integrated and Sustainable Environmental System Dive r Know sified, l base edge- Com d, and pe Econ titive omy 88 General Goals: Facing Climate Sustainability Change of Natural Challenges Resources Preserving Biodiversity and Ensuring Waste the Sustainability Management of Ecological Systems 89 Alignment with the SDGs: Alignment with the Africa Agenda 2063: (1) A Prosperous Africa, based on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development 90 Introduction: The third strategic goal “Integrated and Sustainable Environmental System” acknowledges the importance of safeguarding the rights of future generations to the same natural resources. This is in light of the vested interest of Egypt, along with the rest of the world, in environmental preservation, sustainability, and integration. Egypt’s Vision 2030 recognizes that the Egyptian identity has been historically linked to various local environmental systems. Egypt’s natural resources have been the foundation of development and civilizational enhancement. Through the ages, the Nile River, the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, the valleys and mountains, the abundant resources on land and underground, the variety of living things, as well as the climate have been sources of livelihood, prosperity, and civilization. This goal reflects the global developmental trend that calls for preserving natural resources in their ecological and biological diversity. It emphasizes the need to curb excessive use and raises concerns about the consequences of unsustainable consumption linked to development activities in sectors such as agriculture, fishing, mining, tourism, and transportation. Consumption in these sectors has grown due to the increase in production and advances in technology, leading to air, water, and soil pollution as well as harm to all forms of life. Within this framework, this strategic goal is intricately linked and intertwined with the SDGs on a global scale. It considers the preservation of the environment and natural resources against depletion or degradation while promoting the reliance on alternative renewable resources. This aligns with SDG2: Zero Hunger; SDG6: Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13: Climate Action; SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land. It is also consistent with goals six and seven of the first aspiration of Africa Agenda 2063 “A Prosperous Africa, based on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development”. Moreover, this strategic goal aligns with Egypt’s environmental policy safeguarded by the Egyptian constitution that stipulates 91 “Every individual has the right to live in a healthy, sound, and balanced environment. Its protection is a national duty. The state is committed to taking the necessary measures to preserve it, avoid harming it, rationally use its natural resources to ensure that sustainable development is achieved, and guarantee the rights of future generations thereto”. Thus, there is an international, regional, and national consensus on the crucial role of the sustainable management of environmental systems and natural resources. This is evident in Egypt’s commitment as a party to numerous international agreements concerning the environment and addressing climate change, as well as the resulting obligations. Several factors underscore the necessity of incorporating this strategic goal into the development agenda, including the rapid population growth and the mounting pressure it exerts on natural resources, as well as environmental degradation. Other factors comprise the escalating impacts of climate change and the harm inflicted on various environmental systems. In addition to advancements in modern technologies, innovations, and scientific knowledge, allowing for more efficient natural resource utilization and promoting sustainability. Furthermore, the emergence of natural disasters and pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, vividly demonstrates the critical need to protect vulnerable sectors and environments and build resilience. Egypt’s Vision 2030 relies on Guiding Principles to achieve this strategic goal. Firstly, it places “Human-Centered Development” at its core, considering the surrounding environment of the Egyptian citizen in all its forms. Secondly, it aims to achieve “Equity and Accessibility” by ensuring that all citizens benefit from the fruits of development even across generations. Thirdly, it emphasizes “Resilience and Adaptation” acknowledging the importance of promptly addressing and handling any emergent or unexpected changes. Lastly, it strives for achieving “Sustainability” to support economic growth while preserving and optimizing the use of natural resources. 92 The Vision offers a number of Enablers to accomplish this objective, mainly “Financing” through incentive policies aimed at encouraging private sector investment, production, and consumption, and involving the adoption of economic models like the circular economy and the green economy to enhance added value. Furthermore, “Technology and Innovation” utilizes modern scientific tools, training, and qualification to enhance environmental products and boost the competitiveness of local goods. “Supportive Legislative and Institutional Environment” is also important for formulating necessary legislation to improve natural resource management and implement effective control measures for rationalizing utilization, in line with international standards. Another enabler is “Data Generation and Availability” which involves the ability to analyze historical data and generate future scenarios that inform the country’s plans. The strategic goal of achieving “Integrated and Sustainable Environmental System” is realized through four general goals, namely: “Facing Climate Change Challenges”; “Sustainability of Natural Resources”; “Preserving Biodiversity and Ensuring the Sustainability of Ecological Systems”; and “Waste Management”. These general goals encompass a set of targets and enabling policies, along with quantitative indicators for performance monitoring and evaluation.

1. Facing Climate Change Challenges Climate change refers to the global alterations in weather phenomena characterized by the rise in average temperatures, coupled with changes in the statistical distribution of weather patterns. International organizations have paid significant attention to climate change issues due to their profound developmental implications, affecting various aspects of life. The consequences of climate change manifest in the increased frequency of extreme weather events, including changes in rainfall patterns, heightened storm intensity and frequency, droughts, floods, and fluctuating rainfall rates. This directly impacts water resource availability, contributes to sea level rise, extensive 93 coastal inundation, and desertification. Moreover, climate change negatively affects biodiversity and, consequently, disrupting the ecological equilibrium. Climate change is associated with numerous adverse impacts on economic sectors. In the short term, these effects arise from the increased frequency of extreme weather events that lead to human and material losses. In the medium and long term, climate change disrupts global agricultural production areas, affecting livestock and food and water resources; leads to the flooding of low- lying areas; and causes a decline in tourism rates. Subsequently, this results in unemployment, job loss, and various health consequences like the spread of pandemics and diseases that hinder productivity. Current Landscape: Egypt is considered one of the most vulnerable countries to the risks of climate change, due to its geography and location within the arid regions. Egypt is almost fully reliant on the water of the Nile River because of limited rainfall and the densely populated Nile Delta. The northern parts of the Delta face the threat of submersion from rising sea levels in the Mediterranean, as they are particularly vulnerable to the effects of global warming from the planet’s high temperatures and the consequential threat of a relative rise in sea levels. Consequently, climate change poses several challenges, notably intensified heatwaves and cold spells, which further strain energy demands and exacerbate the existing gaps in food and water availability. As for the food gap, climate change is likely to lead to a decline in the productivity of key crops for various reasons. These include the impact of extreme weather events, the type of crops, and environmental factors interacting with them. In addition to shifts in agro- environmental conditions. Regarding the water gap, the temperature rise increases evaporation, resulting in reduced water availability and high irrigation demands. Additionally, climate change is expected to contribute to 94 changes in water sources caused by decreased rainfall and the rising sea levels affecting aquifers in the Nile Delta regions. Consequently, the increased salinity of water renders it unsuitable for use, alongside the construction of dams by upstream countries along the Nile River. These factors disrupt the flow patterns and volume of water reaching Egypt as a downstream nation, thereby adversely affecting its water supply for various purposes (agriculture, drinking, industry, etc.), posing a significant threat to the country’s national security. It is noteworthy that Egypt’s per capita water share dropped to 599 cubic meters annually in 2017 for its population of approximately 95 million, [26] which falls nearly 50% below international standards. Consequently, Egypt finds itself below the threshold of water poverty. The climate change issue attracted significant attention with the establishment of the National Council for Climate Change, presided by the Prime Minister. Moreover, Egypt launched in 2021 the National Climate Change Strategy 2050, which serves as the guiding framework for addressing the adverse consequences of climate change. Egypt’s Vision 2030 prioritizes addressing and adapting to the potential repercussions of climate change. This includes implementing essential measures, offering ecosystem services, and establishing financing mechanisms to effectively monitor and mitigate the impact on natural resources, coastal regions, and biodiversity. Means for Goal Attainment: • Supporting institutional development, capacity building, and technical expertise enhancement in the field of climate change. In addition to, improving the efficiency of modern technology utilization. As well as, developing skilled personnel and technical expertise in environmental departments across the governorates.   [26] The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. 95 • Developing a national program dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This program shall include monitoring and control plans to ensure that power plants and factories adhere to stipulated standards. • Formulate a national program to monitor the impacts of extreme weather events and their negative effects on sectors vulnerable to climate change. These sectors to be include: coastal areas, water resources, agriculture, and urban communities. • Regularly updating environmental legislation and standards to align with advancements and abide by international environmental agreements in the energy, industry, transportation, tourism, and housing sectors. • Integrating environmental standards and measures related to climate change into national policies, strategies, and development plans. • Preparing national plans to adapt to climate change, especially in the agriculture, water resources, and integrated coastal resource management sectors, in addition to formulating a low-emissions development strategy. • Expanding the implementation of adaptation projects in the most vulnerable sectors, such as safeguarding beaches and low-lying areas in the Nile Delta. In addition, cultivating crops resistant to drought, soil deficiencies, salinity, and temperature, recycling water, and utilizing non-traditional water sources. • Prioritizing support for infrastructure in areas most vulnerable to adverse effects of climate change. This is to protect individuals and properties from climate-related disasters such as floods, storms, and heavy rainfall. • Activating interactive maps of climate change risks, threats, and expected impacts across various sectors and regions. This involves establishing an early warning system, preparing risk assessment plans for vulnerable areas, and managing climate-related disasters. 96 • Enhancing the role of universities and research centers in developing agricultural methods that target climate-adaptive crops and water conservation techniques. • Utilizing financial incentives to reduce the tax burden on low-emission projects and facilitating financing for environmental projects. • Raising public awareness about the risks and impacts of climate change. In addition to, involving local communities - at both the individual and institutional level - in the development and implementation of policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. • Implementing and activating environmental sustainability standards to increase the proportion of green projects in the national investment plan.

2. Sustainability of Natural Resources Sustainability of natural resources refers to the ability to continue utilizing these resources efficiently in the long run without compromising the rights of future generations. This is directly tied to the overarching objective of sustainable development reflected in meeting the present generation’s needs while preserving the rights of future generations to natural resources and development. Moreover, the availability of energy and water resources is fundamental for providing the components for attaining national sustainable development. Current Landscape: Over the past two decades, Egypt has placed significant attention to the preservation of natural resources. Measures have been taken to legislate the conservation of these resources and affirm the integration of the development sectors. The key elements related to the sustainability of resources are water resources, natural and artificial lakes, agricultural resources and lands, and fossil fuels including petroleum and natural gas. These resources are closely and directly linked to water, food, and energy security. 97 With regards to water resources, Egypt is currently suffering from water scarcity. The country’s total annual water needs amount to approximately 114 billion cubic meters, whereas the available water resources only reach around 60 billion cubic meters annually. Consequently, Egypt experienced a water deficit about 21 billion cubic meters in 2020. In addition, Egypt imports crops equivalent to approximately 34 billion cubic meters of virtual water. This brings the total water gap to 55 billion cubic meters annually. [27] This gap is expected to further widen due to population growth, economic development, and insufficient renewable water resources. Egypt has already crossed the water poverty threshold of 1,000 cubic meters per person annually, as the per capita allocation of renewable freshwater reached around 599 cubic meters annually in 2017 for a population of approximately 95 million people. [28] If Egypt’s population reaches 150 million people by 2030, per capita share is expected to decrease to 400 cubic meters annually. [29] Hence, there are two approaches to enhance the efficiency of Egypt’s water resources. Firstly, the rationalization of water usage and recycling, especially in the agricultural sector, which accounted for approximately 76% of water usage in the year 2019. [30] Secondly, explore alternative water sources such as desalination, wastewater treatment and reuse, and rainwater harvesting. Measures have already been implemented to reuse good quality drainage water to meet water needs, with the estimated total volume of reused water currently standing at approximately 21 billion cubic meters annually.[31] Natural and artificial lakes are sources of fisheries that ensure food security and offer employment and income opportunities for the residents of nearby areas. However, the majority of the northern lakes (Maryut, Idku, Burullus, Manzala) are shrinking in size and suffer from excessive pollution from   [27] The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, 2021   [28] The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation   [29] The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation   [30] The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS).   [31] The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, 2021. 98 drainage systems due to urban expansion, depletion, and land reclamation for agriculture. This has led to increased sedimentation from drains, blockage of straits, and rising lakebed levels. Similarly, many southern lakes (Qarun, Wadi El Rayan, among others) are also suffering from encroachments, resulting in a significant loss of their ecological value. Concerning agricultural lands, preserving their area can be achieved by halting encroachments, addressing land degradation and erosion, and upgrading the irrigation and drainage systems. According to official data from CAPMAS, Egypt’s total cultivated area reached 16.2 million feddans in 2018/19. If properly cultivated, this area can contribute to achieving a higher rate of self-sufficiency. Moreover, agricultural lands suffer from deterioration caused by intensive farming practices, driven by policies that overlook the rational and regulated use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, in addition to increased rates of construction and encroachment. Regarding traditional energy sources, the petroleum sector has developed reserves by intensifying research and exploration activities, as well as increasing the production of crude oil and natural gas. The peak production of petroleum wealth was reached in Egypt in August 2019, and self-sufficiency in locally produced natural gas was achieved by the end of September 2018. Egypt emerged as one of the leading suppliers of liquefied gas between 2015 and 2017. Additionally, it successfully solidified its position as a major player in the gas sector, ranking second in North Africa and the Middle East and 14th globally in natural gas production in 2020, after ranking 18th globally in 2015. Electricity production witnessed continuous growth after the introduction of new combined- cycle power plants, the enhancement of power generator efficiency through natural gas, and the increased utilization of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, both in electricity production and seawater desalination. This in addition to the nearly full exploitation of hydroelectric energy potential and exploring the feasibility of incorporating various new energy sources like hydrogen (blue and green). These efforts have led to an abundance of electrical energy. 99 Egypt also aims to enhance energy efficiency by developing networks and lighting systems, promoting the use of energy-saving devices among citizens, and providing incentives for the private sector. Therefore, Egypt’s Vision 2030 prioritizes the efficient utilization of all natural resources of the country, both traditional and renewable, including beaches and natural reserves, while maintaining their sustainability and adopting practices that safeguard the rights of future generations. This Vision necessitates a transformative adaptation of natural resources to effectively respond to various environmental advancements. Means for Goal Attainment: • Developing an integrated water resource management system and expanding treated wastewater reuse to diversify supply sources, increase water resources, rationalize water use, and enhance agricultural and irrigation water quality. • Exploring non-traditional water sources like desalination for tourism and domestic purposes and utilizing rain and flood for irrigation. • Enhancing electricity generation, transmission, and distribution efficiency to reduce fuel consumption and emissions from power plants. • Implementing sustainable transport concepts to reduce fuel consumption in the transportation sector, and transitioning to cleaner technologies like natural gas, electricity, and hydrogen. • Rationalizing the consumption of petroleum products and expanding the utilization of natural gas as an energy source for residential, transportation, and industrial purposes, complying with local environmental standards, legislation, and international norms for government facilities management. 100 • Supporting necessary infrastructure for the development of marine docks, liquid bulk terminals, storage facilities. As well as, enhancing the national natural gas network, crude oil, and petroleum products’ pipelines to optimize their utilization and reduce their emissions. • Boosting local energy reserves by intensifying research and exploration activities, increasing crude oil and natural gas production, ensuring supply to various consumption sectors. In addition to, advancing refining and petrochemical industries while gradually transitioning to clean alternative energy sources. • Supporting legislative frameworks regulating the relationships between the private sector and the government in energy production, sales, and water desalination. • Improving the investment climate for research and exploration, encouraging private sector participation. As well as, attracting Arab and foreign investments to the energy sector. This includes promoting legislative and regulatory frameworks that support local manufacturing of energy equipment. • Setting a conducive environment for the private sector to invest in projects that support the security of natural resources, including organic and sustainable agriculture and renewable water resources, adopting alternative technologies to reduce industrial pollution of air, water, and soil, and expanding renewable energy infrastructure. • Providing legislative support and activating laws encouraging technological solutions and applications, to promote efficient use of agricultural land, prevent erosion and degradation, and facilitate the division of agricultural holdings. • Strengthening the effectiveness of scientific research to reinforce crop diversity, rationalize mineral fertilizer usage, double agricultural productivity, increase the added value of reclaimed lands, and prevent soil degradation. 101

3. Preserving Biodiversity and Ensuring the Sustainability of Ecological System Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing diverse living species of plants and animals found on land and in water as a cohesive unit that connects the environment and society, where humans play an active and complementary role to ecosystems. Ecosystems, in turn, are dynamic equilibria within a community of organisms to maintain the relationship that shields their existence against changes or disturbances that lead to the disruption of the entire ecological system. Biodiversity is the foundation that sustains all life forms by providing clean air, water, and food. It also impacts human health and helps combat natural diseases; in addition to being a source where medicines derive from. It also contributes to the mitigation of climate change. Current Landscape: Egypt is recognized as a leading nation in protecting biodiversity, whether by actively participating in international agreements aimed at protecting and preserving natural resources, or by adopting and implementing a national strategy and action plan dedicated to the preservation of biodiversity over the past two decades, with active involvement from the government, civil society, and the general public. Egypt possesses exceptional environmental resources and natural reserves, which are home to a multitude of plant and animal species, some of which have existed for millions of years. Numerous economic sectors, such as agriculture, industry, fishing, and tourism, directly and indirectly contribute to the country’s GDP through biological resources and genetic assets that are exclusive to Egypt. 102 Egypt, like the rest of the world, faces risks associated with the decline of biodiversity across multiple ecosystems. Despite numerous national efforts to preserve natural and biological resources and set sustainable use controls, global indicators have shown that about 25% of animal and plant species – which have been assessed in the recent global evaluation on biodiversity – are at risk of extinction. [32] The existing global biodiversity faces the imminent threat of extinction within the next two to three decades. Egypt is renowned for being home to a massive number of plants and animals thriving in diverse ecosystems, but many animal species are currently endangered by extinction, with many more expected to follow in the future. Therefore, it is crucial to protect this diversity from any form of pollution or degradation caused by climate change, population growth, unsustainable practices in agriculture and industry, urban expansion, and tourism and marine activities, posing an accelerated threat to biological species. Therefore, Egypt’s Vision 2030 is committed to conserving its diverse ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, sustaining the ecological balance of Egyptian lands and waters, and maintaining endemic and endangered species. Means for Goal Attainment: • Advocating for the preservation and sustainable use of resources, minimizing the disruption of biodiversity. As well as, focusing on ecosystems with limited adaptability and susceptible to external pressures worldwide, such as highly significant coral reefs and migratory birds, which serve as essential attractions for ecotourism.   [32] According to the Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, issued by Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). 103 • Integrating biodiversity issues into both sectoral and non-sectoral developmental strategies and plans. Along with, establishing and implementing national programs to protect and restore endangered and endemic species. • Raising awareness of laws prohibiting poaching and advocating for nature protection. • Promoting responsible fishing practices and sustainable harvesting techniques in the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, lakes, and the Nile River. In addition to, developing and expanding fish farms in and around Egyptian lakes. • Protecting and preserving pastures due to their significant economic importance and clear impact on ecosystems. • Developing and expanding a network of natural reserves, and prioritizing and effectively managing sites that are particularly important for biodiversity and ecological processes. In addition to, preserving these reserves from main threats such as land-use changes, urban development, fishing, invasive species, pollution, waste, and inappropriate economic activities expansion. • Improving the efficiency of managing natural reserves to ensure their viability and financial sustainability. • Engaging local communities in managing natural resources within reserves, encouraging and training them to improve the quality of their environmental products, and supporting their marketing to create job opportunities and increase income for community members. • Encouraging school trips to natural reserves and transforming them into cultural, educational, and recreational centers. • Documenting and protecting the traditional knowledge of local communities, along with maintaining their intellectual property rights, as outlined in international environmental agreements signed by Egypt. 104 • Increasing economic return by supporting and expanding investment opportunities in biodiversity- related fields and organizing tourism in natural reserves. • Encouraging private sector investments responsible for providing services including entertainment and education within the natural reserves, as per the laws and regulations set by the Ministry of Environment. The goal is to transform reserves into attractions for both international and domestic tourism, connecting them to surrounding and local communities, and boosting their income to ensure financial sustainability. • Enhancing scientific and technical capabilities to support research efforts, and ensuring the availability of data for environmental and ecological impact assessments, particularly in relation to economic projects.

4.Waste Management Waste management is the monitoring, collection, transportation, treatment, and recycling or disposal of waste resulting from human activities. Countries adopt waste management to mitigate the adverse impacts of waste on the environment, health, and overall appearance. While also aiming for economic benefits through the implementation of a hierarchical concept, i.e., reducing waste through recycling and innovative utilization methods to recover its economic value. Waste management is linked to the concept of circular economy that relies on waste management not only as a crucial resource for recycling operations, but also as a means to combat resource depletion and continuous consumption of natural resources. It also creates opportunities for new job opportunities, known as green jobs, and reduces the use of resource inputs to the bare minimum. This minimizes pollution, waste generation, and carbon emissions that lead to global warming and ultimately climate change, and it diminishes the volume of waste disposed of in sanitary landfills, 105 thereby extending their lifespan. Moreover, circular business models offer products and services with higher profitability, in contrast to the linear models commonly employed in manufacturing processes. Current Landscape: Solid waste sector is divided into six sub-sectors, sharing similar features while differing in treatment methods. Waste includes municipal solid waste, construction and demolition waste, waste from healthcare facilities, non-hazardous industrial waste, hazardous waste, and agricultural residues. Each waste type is further categorized into sub-systems in terms of collection and transportation methods, recycling systems, and final disposal systems. The informal sector and certain civil society organizations undertake the collection of all waste types and stages, with a predominant presence of young workers. Law No. 202 of 2020 on Waste Management and its Executive Regulations was issued to serve as a general framework for planning and preparing relevant strategies, ensuring that planning is closely linked to financing, and establishing necessary policies. A key policy is the implementation of extended responsibility for waste generators to handle specific types of waste, as well as clearly defining the roles, responsibilities, and stakeholders involved in integrated waste management, and ensuring the continuity of required financial resource . [33] According to estimates from the Ministry of Environment, 14.8% of collected municipal solid waste is recycled using environmentally sound methods (biomechanical treatment).   [33] Law No. 202 of 2020, Environmental Affairs Agency, The Ministry of Environment, 2020. 106 Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to enhance the efficiency of the waste management system throughout the value chain, starting with collection methods, transportation, handling to waste reduction. In addition to fostering a collaborative environment between local authorities, the private sector, and civil society in managing the recycling and the transformation of the informal waste sector into a formal one. Furthermore, expanding the production of energy derived from agricultural waste and garbage, while ensuring their safe treatment for use in irrigation and agricultural processes. Means for Goal Attainment: • Supporting the essential infrastructure at different stages of the waste management cycle. This includes expanding the establishment of intermediate stations for waste storage, collection, and transportation. As well as, supporting governorates in the rehabilitation of municipal waste sorting centers for recycling, organic waste recycling and sanitary landfills. • Limiting hazardous waste handling practices, such as disposing of municipal solid waste in random dumps, burning of agricultural waste, and improper disposal of waste in water bodies. • Reducing the quantity of waste and garbage disposed in landfills. This can be achieved by improving resource utilization efficiency, waste reduction, recycling and reuse. • Leveraging modern technological tools to enhance the efficiency of all types of waste treatment and recycling systems. 107 • Expanding projects for wastewater recycling and generating energy from agricultural and municipal waste. • Improving transportation and storage services for agricultural and food crops for the private sector, to reduce losses. • Supporting private sector involvement and encouraging entrepreneurship in all aspects of the green and circular economy. As well as, establishing recycling facilities near sanitary landfills. • Motivating investors to handle waste management and reduction in the production processes across various economic sectors. This is to maximize practical benefits derived from products and minimize waste generation. • Encourage the informal sector to transition into the formal sector that adopts environmentally sound methods. • Encouraging community participation in awareness raising and enhancement of public hygiene systems through educational, cultural, media, and religious institutions, fostering a harmonized collaborative effort. 108 109 Strategic Goal 4: Diversified, Knowledge-based, and Competitive Economy Dive r Know sified, l base edge- Com d, and pe Econ titive omy 110 General Goals: Fostering Improving Increasing the Business Productivity, Decent Environment Diversity, and and Enhancing Employment Value Added Competitiveness Opportunities Supporting Shift towards Manufacturing Small and Attaining Fiscal Financial Revitalization Medium-sized Sustainability Inclusion Enterprises 111 Alignment with the SDGs: Alignment with the Africa Agenda 2063: (1) A Prosperous Africa, based on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development (7) Africa as a strong, united, resilient and influential global player and partner. 112 Introduction: The strategic goal of a “Diversified, Knowledge-based, and Competitive Economy” embodies the economic perspective of Egypt’s Vision 2030. A diversified economy signifies the capacity of various sectors to generate income, manage resources, and create employment opportunities across industrial, agricultural, and service fields. This approach ensures that growth and development are not confined to a single sector; thus providing multiple income sources and granting the country the flexibility to confront diverse crises and disruptions. A knowledge-based economy is an economy built on innovation driven by research and development. It relies on an efficient system that connects educational and scientific research institutions with economic sectors. To achieve this, the presence of information infrastructure is vital to enable the integration of modern technologies and their adaptation to local requirements. Competitiveness involves the state’s ability to produce goods and services that meet local demands while also competing in regional and global markets. This hinges on crucial elements for a robust economy, including infrastructure, a supportive macroeconomic environment, and factors enhancing efficiency such as education, training, scientific research, technological readiness, and innovation. Consequently, competitiveness serves as a key accelerator for growth and fosters effective and efficient integration with global markets. Hence reflecting the strength of the national economy and its regional and international standing in maximizing both apparent and latent strengths, confronting diverse challenges, and capitalizing on available opportunities. The pursuit of a “Diversified, Knowledge-based, and Competitive Economy” aligns with the SDGs, and underscores Egypt’s vision with the global perspectives, thereby bolstering the state’s endeavors 113 to align with international visions and strategies. Specifically, this strategic goal correlates with SDG8: “Decent Work and Economic Growth”, SDG9: “Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure” and SDG12: “Responsible Consumption and Production”. Moreover, it aligns with the fifth, sixth, and seventh goals of the first aspiration in Africa Agenda 2063, “A Prosperous Africa, based on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development”, as well as the twentieth goal of the seventh aspiration, “Africa as a strong, united, resilient and influential global player and partner”. In the national context, the strategic objective aligns with the economic goals stipulated and safeguarded by the Egyptian Constitution, mainly “achieving prosperity in the country through sustainable development and social justice to guarantee an increase in the real growth rate of the national economy, raising the standard of living, increasing job opportunities, reducing unemployment rates and eliminating poverty,” in addition to “Economic production, service-based and information-based activities are key components of the national economy. The state commits to protecting them, increasing their competitiveness, providing an environment that attracts investment, and works on increasing production, encouraging exports, and regulating imports”. This strategic goal reflects as well recent developments witnessed in the Egyptian economy in recent years, which have influenced various facets of life, particularly the implementation of the National Program for Economic and Social Reform. This program embraces financial, monetary, and structural reforms, all aimed at bolstering confidence in the Egyptian economy and facilitating inclusive and sustainable growth that generates positive impacts on citizens by reducing poverty rates, boosting productivity, increasing income levels, enhancing living standards, and creating adequate and decent employment opportunities, while achieving financial and monetary stability. The realization of Egypt’s Vision 2030 is closely linked to the imperative of empowering the private sector to support the development process and foster sustainable economic growth. This involves the government providing robust infrastructure, enhancing the legislative environment, 114 advocating for fair competition policies, and stimulating and diversifying investments to enhance job opportunities. Additionally, integrating the informal sector into the formal economy by offering various incentives, including facilitating access to financing, fostering innovation, and raising awareness of non-cash transactions. The general trends of economic indicators show that despite the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Egyptian economy, similar to economies worldwide, the policies implemented under the National Program for Economic and Social Reform have equipped the economy to withstand and mitigate the crisis repercussions. This is evident in the coherence and positive outcomes of economic indicators during 2019/20. Consequently, Egypt’s international standing in terms of diversity, knowledge, and competitiveness has improved, with the country’s ranking rising in the Economic Complexity Index to 68 out of 133 countries in 2019, compared to 71 in 2018, [34] implying that the Egyptian economy has become more diverse. Moreover, the country’s position in the Global Knowledge Index improved by ten places in 2020 compared to the previous year, reaching 72 out of 138 countries. [35] Moreover, Egypt has maintained its position in the Global Competitiveness Index, while making progress in ease of doing business, global innovation, entrepreneurship, and budget transparency indicators. To enhance the Egyptian economy’s diversification and competitiveness, as well as improve macroeconomic indicators, it is crucial to address this strategic goal within the Guiding Principles governing Egypt’s Vision 2030, namely -”Human-Centered Development”, “Equity and Accessibility”, “Resilience and Adaptation”, and “Sustainability”, which are closely intertwined with the general goals. The various targets of this strategic goal can be achieved through a number of enablers, such as   [34] Economic Complexity Index, the Atlas of Economic Complexity, the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.   [35] The Global Knowledge Index, The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF). 115 “financing”, “technology and innovation”, “digital transformation”, “data generation and availability” and “supportive legislative and institutional environment”. These enablers play a crucial role across various productive, industrial, and service-related sectors, including the financial and monetary domains. The strategic goal “Diversified, Knowledge-based, and Competitive Economy” is accomplished through seven general goals, namely, “Fostering Productivity, Diversity, and Value Added”, “Improving the Business Environment and Enhancing Competitiveness”, “Increasing Decent Employment Opportunities”, “Shift towards Financial Inclusion”, “Manufacturing Revitalization”, “Supporting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises”, and “Attaining Fiscal Sustainability”. Each of these general goals include a suite of enabling policies, coupled with quantitative indicators for performance monitoring and evaluation.

1. Fostering Productivity, Diversity, and Value Added The most advanced nations are highly capable of diversifying their production structures to include industries, agriculture, and services that yield significant added value. This diversity allows them to attain numerous economic advantages and evenly distribute them across various geographical regions. The Egyptian economy demonstrates a variety of activities encompassing industry, agriculture, trade, tourism, and mining. However, attaining effective economic resource allocation and equitable distribution of development benefits to all segments of society and geographic areas necessitates both vertical depth within different sectors and horizontal expansion across diverse locations. Taking into consideration, environmental and social aspects, as well as the rights of future generations. 116 Current Landscape: A scrutiny of the sectoral structure of the Egyptian economy in 2021/22 reveals that manufacturing takes the lead in economic activity, constituting approximately 15.3% of GDP. It is followed by wholesale and retail trade accounting for 13.1%, then agriculture, forestry, and fishing at 10.8%. While real estate activities make up for 10.4%, and extractions at 8.8%. Moreover, social services (education, health, and other services) represent 6%, followed by transportation and storage, communications, the Suez Canal, restaurants, and hotels. In terms of total investments, commodity activities (including agriculture, manufacturing, extractions, construction, and utilities services) capture about 43.5% of total investments, while social service activities (real estate, education, health, and other services) account for 28.5%. In addition, productive services (including transportation, trade and finance, ICT and tourism) make up 28%. However, there is a pressing need to boost private sector investment and its engagement in these sectors alongside government expenditure. The proportion of private investment as a percentage of total investments has been declining in the previous period, dropping to 28.3% in 2020/21 from 54% in 2015/16. [36] Encouragingly, there has been a resurgence in private investment, reaching 28.7% in 2021/22. Hence, Egypt’s Vision 2030 outlines seven promising sectors that will serve as catalysts for growth, guided by a set of principles and criteria. Foremost is the potential to achieve inclusive growth, enhance private sector engagement, promote interconnectivity with other economic sectors. In addition to generating both direct and indirect employment opportunities, and concentrating on sectors where Egypt possesses distinct competitive advantages. These sectors are:   [36] The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development. 117 a) Manufacturing industries sector, given its role as a highly tradeable sector with a significant impact on export growth. b) Extractive industries sector, given its crucial role in enhancing the competitiveness of the industrial sector. c) Agricultural sector, for its strategic importance and Labor-intensive nature, hence contributing to reducing unemployment and poverty rates. d) Communications and technology sector, given its consistent growth and association with other sectors’ business cycle. e) Logistics sector, given its ability to facilitate among and link economic sectors. f) Tourism sector, for its intricate backward and forward linkages with several other sectors, thereby creating novel employment opportunities. g) Construction and real estate activities sector, given its unique support to other sectors and its substantial employment generation capacity. Means for Goal Attainment: • Transitioning local economic structures from low-added-value industries to modern and diversified sectors, while ensuring the horizontal expansion of industry. This can be achieved through the development of existing industrial zones and finalization of the construction of industrial complexes, alongside vertical expansion. • Facilitating private sector investments in targeted sectors through offering incentives that prioritize digital transformation, green economy, and renewable energy. • Bridging scientific research with developmental sectors to foster innovative and creative production methods. In addition to, converting knowledge and innovation into high-value economic products or services. 118

2. Improving the Business Environment and Enhancing Competitiveness Given the swift economic fluctuations and intense competition that characterize both regional and global economies, along with the inherent challenges faced by the Egyptian economy in integrating into the global market. It becomes imperative to support the business climate to foster competitiveness, enhance market efficiency, promote economic flexibility, create more employment opportunities, support existing investments, and attract both domestic and foreign investments. Current Landscape: Egypt maintained its rank of 93 out of 141 countries in the Global Competitiveness Index in 2020. [37] However, there was an improvement in the economic complexity index, a comprehensive measure of the country’s productive characteristics and knowledge assessing the diversity and development of the industrial and export products. Egypt improved its ranking to 68th out of 133 countries in 2019, compared to 71st in 2018, [38] demonstrating that the Egyptian economy has become more interrelated and diversified. Furthermore, Egypt demonstrated progress in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index, ascending six positions to rank 114 out of 190 countries, compared to 120 in 2019. However, there remains room for improvement in the Global Innovation Index, where Egypt experienced a slight setback in 2020, slipping four positions compared to 2019, placing it at the 96th position out of 131 countries. To bolster investment, the GoE has implemented various measures, activating incentives outlined in Investment Law No. 72 of 2017. These measures are strategically designed to stimulate both   [37] Global Competitiveness Report, The World Economic Forum (WEF).   [38] Economic Complexity Index, the Atlas of Economic Complexity, the Harvard Kennedy School of Goverment. 119 domestic and foreign direct investments in targeted sectors and most in need governorates. The establishment of investment service centers across different governorates, coupled with automated services, reflect a proactive effort to streamline procedures for investors. Regarding Egyptian exports, despite a decrease in the trade balance deficit to GDP ratio from 12.6% in 2018/19 to 10.1% in 2019/20, the expected surge in exports following the currency devaluation did not materialize. The ratio of total exports and non-petroleum exports to GDP, declined to approximately 7.3% and 4.9%, respectively, in 2019/20, compared to 9.4% and 5.6% in 2018/19, due to the global pandemic. [39] However, there has been a noteworthy enhancement in the performance of both commodity and service exports, constituting over 15% of the total GDP during 2021/22, a substantial improvement from the 10.6% recorded in 2020/21. Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to boost highly competitive exports, facilitate access to international markets, and encourage a shift towards exports with high value-added and advanced technological components. Additionally, it seeks to diversify exports, thereby increasing resilience to foreign market fluctuations and positively impacting the trade balance and balance of payments. Moreover, the Vision adopts the expansion of economic activities into global value chains in modern production sectors and leverages technological advancements to access new regional and international markets. Means for Goal Attainment: • Establishing robust procedural and legislative frameworks coupled with adopting an effective and fair competition policy. This is to create a favorable and conducive environment for both local and foreign investments.   [39] The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) 120 • Encouraging digital transformation, services automation, and data accessibility. • Promoting economic partnerships at regional levels, both within Africa and the Arab region. • Advancing production and exports based on green and circular economies. • Marketing the competitive advantages of green and eco-tourism. • Supporting the formation of clusters and integrating their projects into value chains across various economic sectors. • Optimizing the utilization of each governorate’s comparative advantages and linking them to the competitiveness index on the governorates’ level, reflecting their unique competitiveness and productivity compared to other governorates. • Promoting new investment opportunities across the country, particularly in regions such as the Suez Canal, the Golden Triangle, the New Administrative Capital, Al Galala City, and New Alamein City. This contributes to attracting local, Arab, and foreign investments. • Overcoming barriers that hinder Egyptian exports in international markets, while actively working on accessing new markets for Egyptian products and developing the export support system. • Encouraging high added value sectors, in order to develop a conducive business environment and enhance the overall attractiveness of the country for investments.

3. Increasing Decent Employment Opportunities: The targeted increase in growth rates is intrinsically linked to a corresponding rise in employment and decent work rates, aiming for an inclusive and sustainable economic vision. Decent work 121 embodies a commitment to upholding the fundamental rights of workers, incorporating safety rules, fair and rewarding wages, and social insurance. Moreover, it entails considerations for both physical and mental well-being of individuals in their occupational roles; as well as offering better opportunities for the workers’ capacity building and thus social integration. Given recent technological advancements and their impact on the production process, many current jobs are projected to become obsolete in the future. Technological applications, particularly artificial intelligence, are expected to significantly influence the job landscape. However, it is anticipated that new employment opportunities will emerge to compensate for those that will be phased out. Therefore, knowledge economies play a crucial role in affirming that humans remain the driving force behind technological development. By continuously developing and building capabilities, and enhancing and aligning skills with development needs, it becomes possible to attain a stronger position in research and innovation within the production process. This, in turn, necessitates increased investment in education, raising the qualifications of graduates of technical schools and universities, and expanding vocational training to supply skilled workers equipped for new jobs, thus contributing to the provision of decent employment opportunities. Current Landscape: The examination of Egypt’s labor market structure shows that despite a commendable reduction in the unemployment rate to 7.2% in the final quarter of 2022, [40] marking its lowest point in over a decade, there persist several challenges tied to this metric. Paramount among these challenges are the dwindling labor force participation, a surge in unemployment rates within females and higher education qualifications, an increase in informal sector employment, and irregular forms of employment.   [40] The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) 122 Unemployment, notably concentrated among individuals with higher education levels and the youth category, remains a concern. A noteworthy portion of the Egyptian workforce is entrenched in sectors characterized by low value-added activities, further compounded by the expanding informal economy. This informal sector often fails to meet the conditions for decent work, encompassing safety, occupational health, job security, and social and health insurance. Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to provide secure, decent, and productive employment opportunities. It strives to increase employment rates, particularly among youth, women, and people with disabilities. It also seeks to establish a work environment that ensures safety and security for all workers, safeguards their rights, and extends health and social welfare to irregular workers. Furthermore, the vision focuses on reducing the size of the informal sector in the economy, all in the context of strengthening the flexibility and effectiveness of the labor market, as well as improving the efficiency and skills of Egyptian workers and enhancing their competitiveness. Means for Goal Attainment: • Enhancing the efficiency of the educational process by developing programs and curricula that closely align with the dynamic needs of the labor market. • Supporting investment in human capital and developing technological skills in accordance with the latest educational and vocational systems. • Encouraging the contribution of the private sector and civil society in enhancing the vocational training system’s efficiency. • Increasing public expenditure on research and development while leveraging the outcomes of research and studies. • Supporting partnerships between the business sector and academic institutions to harness academic innovations, thereby positively influencing the labor market. 123 • Supporting the institutional and legislative environment for intellectual property and encouraging patents. • Increasing collaboration and connections with Egyptian scientists abroad to tap into their wealth of expertise. • Regulating the employment of Egyptian workers abroad, and safeguarding their rights. In addition to, facilitating international accreditation of certificates and professional qualifications for Egyptians seeking work abroad. • Raising awareness about the significance of occupational safety and health to foster an informed society and prevent severe injuries and accidents. • Supporting the transition from the informal sector to the formal sector.

4. Shift towards Financial Inclusion Financial inclusion stands as a pivotal objective within the realm of inclusive and comprehensive economic growth, commanding the attention of policymakers, regulatory bodies, and development institutions. This imperative emphasizes the provision of a spectrum of financial services accessible to all segments of the society through formal channels, ensuring both quality and affordability. At its core, financial inclusion strives to safeguard the rights of beneficiaries, empowering them to adeptly manage their financial affairs. The purpose of financial inclusion is to ensure that no individual, institution, social segment, or those with limited income, as well as owners of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), are left out of the state’s financial system. It enables individuals and institutions to access a diverse array of affordable financial products and services tailored to their specific needs. 124 Current Landscape: The state is actively spearheading extensive initiatives to achieve financial inclusion across the country. These endeavors have yielded remarkable results, notably reflected in the burgeoning number of financially included citizens within the banking sector, reaching approximately 36.8 million citizens as of December 2021. Notably, the financial inclusion rate in Egypt has surged to 56.2% in December 2021, [41] marking an impressive growth rate of 115% compared to 2016. Moreover, there has been a substantial uptick in the loan portfolio designated for medium, small, and micro-sized projects, reaching a substantial EGP 315 billion between the end of December 2015 and December 2021. [42] The state is also committed to providing non-banking financial services and introducing new financing options, like venture capital funds, to support small business owners and start-ups. Nevertheless, these commendable efforts are not without challenges, particularly concerning the status of infrastructure and technology for mobile networks and the internet. These challenges hinder the application of financial services in financially-excluded sectors, particularly in remote areas. Consequently, these challenges impede the optimal efficiency of attaining comprehensive financial inclusion in Egypt. Adding to the complexity, is the prevalent low level of financial literacy, evident in insufficient awareness and certain societal beliefs that dissuade certain segments from engaging with the financial or banking sector. Instead, they often resort to informal arrangements for their financial transactions. Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to further enhance financial inclusion rates and achieve economic empowerment through a system that offers fair, high-quality, and cost-effective financial products and services to all segments of society.   [41] It represents the proportion of citizens aged 16 and above, who use transaction accounts, as defined by the World Bank (For Egypt, these include bank and post accounts, prepaid cards, and mobile wallets)- The Central Bank of Egypt.   [42] The Central Bank of Egypt 125 Means for Goal Attainment: • Raising awareness about the importance of financial technology (fintech) and its capacity to cater to targeted financial and banking service customers and addressing their needs in a more convenient, flexible, and cost-effective manner. • Enhancing financial literacy while fortifying financial protection measures for the rights of customers and stakeholders in the financial and banking sector. • Reducing reliance on cash outside the banking system and promoting the utilization of alternative payment methods and electronic channels. • Expand financial access and provide electronic financial services to diverse sectors and categories within society. • Strengthen the capacity of financial institutions to reduce the cost of banking services and broaden their reach to encompass a wider demographic. • Ensuring continued accessibility to credit facilities. • Activate new and innovative financing tools to seamlessly integrate microfinance customers, startups, and entrepreneurs into the formal banking sector. • Supporting fintech in financing, payment, lending, insurance, and fund transfers sectors. • Encouraging the non-banking financial sector to innovate new financial products tailored to the needs of various consumers and citizens from low-income segments. • Financing agricultural cooperatives and providing financial support to small-scale farmers and livestock breeders. • Enhance the infrastructure and technology of mobile and internet networks to optimize the provision of financial services across different segments. 126 • Safeguarding organizations, employees, and individuals against cybersecurity risks. • Diversify the array of financial products and services, both within banking and non-banking sectors, tailored to the evolving needs of customers. • Embed gender equality principles in the utilization of banking financial services, fostering an inclusive approach devoid of discrimination.

5. Manufacturing Revitalization The state places paramount importance on the industrial sector, viewing it as a pivotal catalyst for economic development. Its development is seen as a cornerstone for diversifying production sources, income streams, and exports, while concurrently boosting productivity levels. The foundations of economic growth hinge on fostering an environment conducive to industrial expansion, characterized by increased diversity, knowledge infusion, innovation, and heightened competitiveness. Simultaneously, the focus is on creating decent and productive employment opportunities. Current Landscape: For the fiscal year 2021/22, investments in the manufacturing sector constituted approximately 8.1% of the total executed investments. Notably, oil investments accounted for 18% of the sector’s total investments, with non-oil investments dominating at 82%. The growth rate of manufacturing industries experienced fluctuations from 2015/16 to 2021/22, culminating in a growth rate of 9.6% in 2021/22. The manufacturing sector’s contribution to the GDP reached around 15.3% in 2021/22, 127 exhibiting an increase from approximately 14.9% in 2020/21. This underscores the manufacturing sector’s pivotal role as one of the leading contributors to the national added-value. [43] The state is poised to leverage numerous opportunities for furthering industrial development and capitalizing on Egypt’s diverse and relatively advanced industrial base. The landscape encompasses a multitude of industrial companies spread across various governorates, as evidenced by the comprehensive industrial investment map covering the available investment opportunities. According to the economic census of 2017/18, the number of establishments in the manufacturing sector witnessed a remarkable 36% increase compared to the previous economic census of 2013/14. [44] Furthermore, the number of industrial companies established in 2021, under the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), experienced an impressive 83% growth compared to those established in 2013. [45] Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to deepen the local industry and encourage technology-and knowledge-driven industries and enhance their growth rate. Emphasis is placed on sectors with high labor-density potential, including chemical, food, spinning and textile, engineering, construction materials and craft industries. Furthermore, the Vision advocates for strengthened interconnections among small, medium, and large enterprises, coupled with a strategic shift towards green industries brimming with promising opportunities.   [43] The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MPED)   [44] The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS).   [45] The General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI). 128 Means for Goal Attainment: • Upgrading local manufacturing standards by maximizing the benefits of technology transfer opportunities from foreign companies and entities operating in Egypt. • Developing and modernizing the pharmaceutical industry, especially in vaccine production, in response to the COVID-19 crisis. In addition to, expediting drug registration procedures, and incentivizing factories for industry development and expansion. • Localizing industrial activities for key products, expanding the establishment and development of industrial zones and complexes, and supporting the growth of supply chains to meet domestic demands and boost exports. • Attaining a balanced geographic industrial development, with a special focus on border regions and underprivileged governorates. • Establishing industrial complexes in governorates with lower investments, while offering additional incentives for investment in these regions. • Rationalizing resource utilization in the industrial sector, providing mechanisms to improve energy efficiency, and setting consumption standards. • Shifting towards sustainable industry by fostering the creation of new green industries that produce environmentally friendly goods and services. Additionally, converting a number of existing industries to environmentally compatible practices, while introducing and providing relevant incentives. • Promoting innovation by encouraging new ideas and offering incentive and financing packages to support young talents, and aligning sector needs with innovative and creative solutions for industrial challenges. • Simplify industrial licensing issuance procedures and embrace digital transformation in service delivery for streamlined processes. 129

6. Supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Medium-sized, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs), entrepreneurs, and startups stand as pivotal pillars supporting the country’s economic activity. Their distinctive feature lies in their adaptability to economic shifts and their evolution in tandem with technological advancements in production processes. No longer confined to traditional methods, these ventures embrace digital transformation and technology, incorporating innovative ideas from entrepreneurs and startups. This dynamic sector presents substantial and rapid growth opportunities, with the potential to access both local and international markets. The overarching goal is to foster the development of new products and services characterized by enhanced efficiency and heightened competitiveness. Current Landscape: In recent years, the contribution of MSMEs enterprises in the GDP has witnessed a significant surge, recording 43%. This comes in addition to an increase in its contribution to the workforce, specifically within wholesale and retail trade and the services sector. When considering the distribution of employment within these establishments, approximately 48% of employees are engaged in trading and services, while only 24.19% work in manufacturing. The sector exhibits a strong inclination towards the establishment of micro-enterprises (employing up to five individuals), along with a decline in the percentage of medium-sized enterprises. In the economic census of 2017/18, the number of non-governmental establishments totaled approximately 3.8 million, with micro-enterprises representing a staggering 92%, small enterprises accounting for around 6%, and medium and large enterprises constituting a mere 2%. This is associated with the weak connections between the sector and major projects, in addition to lacking the necessary linkages between these projects and large factories. Small and medium enterprises should ideally play a prominent role as complementary industries and production inputs for the 130 requirements of larger enterprises by supplying them with essential work components, thus helping in the integration of value and supply chains within the production process. This is also accompanied by a substantial presence of the informal sector, which encompasses approximately 53% of private sector establishments and primarily operates in economic activities with low added value and has limited export capacity. [46] The state is proactively engaged in the formalization of the informal sector, employing a multifaceted approach that includes facilitations, as well as tax and non-tax incentives outlined in the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) Development Law No. 152 of 2020. This comprehensive legal framework also incorporates incentives tailored for companies and establishments that contribute to the development of small, micro, and startup enterprises. In the realm of entrepreneurial ventures, Egypt has the fastest-growing environment for supporting entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa, as reported by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. Over four years, Egypt has ascended approximately 10 positions in the Global Entrepreneurship Index released by the International Institute for Entrepreneurship Development, moving from a global ranking of 91 in 2015 to 81 in 2019 among 137 countries. Despite these commendable advancements, persistent challenges related to opportunity realization, risk-taking, competitiveness, and innovation, along with limited financing options, often prompt entrepreneurs to stop operating. Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to establish a clear and consistent policy that creates an enabling environment for these projects to achieve high growth rates. Additionally, it seeks to foster a culture of entrepreneurship, offer technical support to enhance administrative, productive, and innovative capabilities, facilitate access to credit and financing guarantees, and assist   [46] The MSME and Entrepreneurship National Strategy. 131 in accessing foreign markets while bolstering competitive human, and technical capacities. These objectives are intricately intertwined with the broader goal of financial inclusion, striving to amplify economic diversification and integration into both local and global value chains. Means for Goal Attainment: • Fostering integration into global and local value chains to augment the value added and enhance competitiveness. • Directing scientific research and innovation towards aiding small and medium enterprises, to enhance their productivity, production processes, and innovation. • Encouraging and motivating enterprises to opt for working in the formal sector from their inception. • Aligning public policy tools with the needs of MSMEs, facilitating their participation in public procurement, and enabling them to benefit from programs supporting small enterprises. • Enhancing support services, including marketing and accounting, to empower entrepreneurs in navigating the complexities of business. • Supporting the enhancement of technical and institutional capacities to elevate SMEs’ contribution to exports and increase their access to foreign markets. • Encourage a conducive environment for the growth of micro enterprises, facilitating its transformation into small ones, and small enterprises into medium-sized ones. • Enforcing policies that ensure fair competition, eliminate entry barriers, expand market reach, and safeguard SMEs from monopolistic practices. • Introducing innovative financial services alongside traditional banking loans, including alternative 132 sources like venture capital funds, securitization, leasing, invoice trading, and transferable guarantees, known for their agility, accessibility, and operational efficiency. • Eliminating financial illiteracy and raising awareness about transitioning to non-banking financial services and alternative modern financing tools. • Facilitating increased access to capital markets, empowering SMEs to register on the Nile Stock Exchange and tap into broader financial avenues. • Encouraging the geographic and sectoral dispersion of business incubators and growth accelerators, particularly in priority sectors outlined in the national development agenda. • Supporting a regulatory environment and appropriate financing opportunities for startups to develop and transform innovative ideas into tangible products and services. • Providing professional training for workers in SMEs, including those in the informal sector, to support these enterprises, enhance their productivity, and improve their working conditions. • Fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among school and university students, as well as youth and citizens, to promote a culture of self-employment that encourages the transformation of ideas and innovations into products and projects.

7. Attaining Fiscal Sustainability The state’s fiscal sustainability reflects its capacity to adopt a durable financial strategy that stands as a foundation for economic stability. It entails the ability to sustain existing spending and revenue policies in the long run without compromising financial solvency or risking the inability to meet future financial obligations. The primary sources of funding for the country’s SDGs are derived from taxes, non-tax revenues, and domestic savings. 133 Current Landscape: The GoE prioritizes achieving fiscal sustainability through setting priorities and working on enhancing investment efficiency and government spending. This serves as the main source of financing for education, health, infrastructure, and social security networks, while increasing revenues, particularly real revenue. Notably, the total public revenues from the GDP constituted 17% in 2021/22, exhibiting an increase from previous year’s value of approximately 16.1% in 2020/21. In addition, public spending, stood at 23.1% of GDP in 2021/22, slightly up from 22.9% in 2020/21. This contributed to a decrease in the overall deficit as a percentage of GDP, marking 6.1% in 2021/22 compared to 6.8% in 2020/21. [47] Regarding public debt, a notable reduction occurred over the past four years, with the debt-to-GDP ratio diminishing from 101% in 2016/17 to 84.6% in 2020/21, experiencing a slight uptick to 87.2% in 2021/22. Undoubtedly, tax revenues have been the most significant, stable, and sustainable sources of government income, surpassing 70% of total revenues [48] since 2015/16. In comparison, grants and foreign aid are limited options, and semi-rentier revenue sources are unstable and susceptible to external factors. Recent data indicate a downward trend in tax revenues over the past years. Data shows a declining trend in tax revenues over the past years from 14.2% in 2017/18 to 13.8% in 2018/19, then to 12.6% in 2019/20. These percentages are below both the emerging markets’ average (19.7% in 2020) [49] and the average across African countries (16.6% in 2019), where data shows an upward trend in Africa’s tax revenue-to-GDP ratio since 2010. [50]   [47] The Ministry of Finance (MoF)   [48] The Central Bank of Egypt: Monthly Statistical Bulletin – Government Financial Sector Indicators.   [49] The International Monetary Fund (IMF)   [50] Revenue Statistics in Africa 2021-Egypt-OECD 134 This was accompanied by a slight rise in the ratio of income taxes to GDP, which reached 1.7% in 2019/20, compared to about 1.6%. [51] Egypt also made progress in the international index of budget transparency, climbing to the 61st position out of 117 countries in 2019 from its previous rank of 65th in 2017. [52] Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims at enhancing the current tax management system and increasing its efficiency, raising the contribution of real resources to total government resources, and curbing tax evasion. That is in addition to mobilizing local resources, introducing new revenue sources, fostering private sector engagement, and simplifying rules to attract more small enterprises into the formal sector. Means for Goal Attainment: • Raising tax awareness and expanding the tax base by simplifying the tax system, reducing the informal sector, and increasing the contribution of SMEs to tax revenues. • Enhancing the digital transformation system for electronic collection of all tax types, customs, insurance, pensions, and real estate monthly proceeds in order to minimize tax evasion. • Extending the implementation of the gender-responsive program and performance budgeting, to ensure public spending efficiency, and foster inclusive welfare for all societal groups without discrimination. • Encouraging innovative financing methods and diversify funding sources for state projects. • Rationalizing Government Expenditure to generate additional resources without compromising essential spending priorities.   [51] The Ministry of Finance. (MoF)   [52] Open Budget Survey - International Budget. 135 • Establishing a system to monitor, evaluate, and manage financial risks, including the issuance of government guarantees to ensure oversight of their financial impact on the public treasury and identification and early mitigation of potential risks. • Organizing impactful awareness campaigns promoting financial literacy, while highlighting the significance of savings, fostering financial inclusion, and tailoring diverse financial products to cater to the needs of various savers. • Encouraging banks to diversify their credit portfolio and extend financing to the private and family sectors. 136 137 Strategic Goal 5: Well-Developed Infrastructure Dive r Know sified, l base edge- Com d, and pe Econ titive omy 138 General Goals: Providing Providing Basic Secure and and Adequate Sustainable Services. Transportation Systems. Promoting Developing Sustainable Communication Energy and Information Resources Systems. and Systems. 139 Alignment with the SDGs: Alignment with the Africa Agenda 2063: (1) Prosperous Africa based on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development. (2) An integrated continent, politically united and based on the ideals of Pan Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance. 140 Introduction: The strategic goal of “Well-Developed Infrastructure” underscores the pivotal role that Egypt’s Vision 2030 assigns to addressing the needs of the household sector and all economic sectors. These needs include basic necessities like energy, electricity, water, sanitation, as well as networks such as, roads, bridges, ports, and airports. The ambit also extends to communication and information systems, fostering an investment-friendly environment, establishing an advanced industrial base, and bolstering the competitiveness of the national economy. Infrastructure is defined as the internal facilities that enable economic activity, and promote economic development by streamlining production and distribution processes. Overtime, the concept of infrastructure has evolved. Previously, it was limited to roads and some essential public goods, while currently it transformed into a holistic paradigm of state-provided high-quality services aimed at elevating living standards and ensuring equal opportunities. This encompasses sustainable energy, safe transportation networks, communication systems, and digital infrastructure fostering connectivity across all geographic regions. The strategic goal of “Well-Developed Infrastructure” aligns seamlessly with the SDGs, particularly SDG6: “Clean Water and Sanitation”, SDG7: “Affordable and Clean Energy”, and SDG11: “Sustainable Cities and Communities”. Furthermore, it resonates with the first goal in the first aspiration of Africa Agenda 2063, “A high standard of living, quality of life, and well-being for all”, and the tenth goal in the second aspiration “World class infrastructure criss-crosses Africa”. Within this context, Egypt places paramount importance on optimizing the advantages of its unique geographical location. This involves facilitating international trade and establishing cutting-edge logistical, commercial, and industrial zones. The objective is to propel economic growth, promoting both domestic and foreign investments by ensuring the requisite infrastructure readiness for projects, whether in expansive industrial complexes across various Egyptian governorates, or in new cities. 141 Furthermore, Egypt has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its infrastructure landscape over the past five years. This evolution is evidenced by a twofold increase in electrical capacity, the fortification of water and sanitation networks. As well as, the strategic execution of projects within the national road network to interconnect Egypt’s governorates and establish transverse axes along the Nile, and concrete bridges as viable alternatives to ferries. That is in addition to substantial expansions in Greater Cairo’s subway lines, and the development of an electric train system. In parallel, significant improvements have been implemented in the control networks governing transportation, traffic, as well as air and maritime navigation. Concurrently, vast tracts of land have been allocated with utilities in new communities such as the New Administrative Capital, New Alamein City, New Mansoura City, and New Damietta City. This strategic allocation extends to industrial complexes like Robiki and the Murgam Complex in Alexandria, alongside other industrial hubs distributed across Egypt’s governorates. Moreover, the strategic implementation of major projects in communications, information technology, and both submarine and terrestrial cables has played a pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This underscored the imperative for an advanced digital infrastructure, aligned with the transformative needs of diverse state sectors during lockdowns, necessitating the adoption of precautionary measures to curtail the virus’s spread. These concerted efforts have resulted in a substantial elevation in Egypt’s global standing. Notably, Egypt ascended 12 positions in the Access to Markets and Infrastructure Index of the Global Economic Openness Index, securing the 88th position globally out of 157 countries in 2020. [53] Additionally, strides have been made in the Infrastructure Index in the Global Competitiveness Report, progressing from the 56th position out of 140 countries in 2018 to the 52nd position out   [53] Legatum Institute. 142 of 141 countries in 2019. [54] This positive trajectory serves as a pivotal factor in attracting foreign investments. The pursuit of a “Well- Developed Infrastructure” harmonizes with the guiding principles underpinning the national Vision, underscoring “Human-Centered Development”. It emphasizes that the enhancement of quality of life and the elevation of living standards hinge on the promotion of justice in service distribution through the principles of “Equity and Accessibility”. This necessitates a proactive approach in elevating readiness by fostering “Resilience and Adaptation” while adhering to the principle of achieving “Sustainability”. These guiding principles ensure the provision of all services at a commendable quality without compromising the needs of future generations. Several enablers contribute to achieving this strategic goal, mainly “financing” that ensures the necessary financial resources for implementing infrastructure projects. In addition, “technology and innovation” that calls for embracing modern sciences, such as using artificial intelligence and the green economy to provide essential services and “digital transformation” that supports the automation and accessibility of services while enhancing their quality. As well as, the “supportive legislative and institutional environment” that contributes to activating modern contractual frameworks that support partnerships between the government and the private sector in infrastructure projects. Moreover, “population growth control” to strike a balance between development and population growth. The strategic goal of “Well-Developed Infrastructure” crystallizes through the pursuit of four general goals: “Providing Basic and Adequate Services”, “Providing Secure and Sustainable Transportation Systems”, “Promoting Sustainable Energy Resources and Systems”, and “Developing Communication and Information Systems”. Each general goal is delineated by a set of targets and requisite enabling policies, accompanied by quantitative indicators meticulously designed to monitor and evaluate performance, ensuring the systematic progress toward the envisioned outcomes.   [54] The World Economic Forum (WEF). 143

1. Providing Basic and Adequate Services Within the framework of Egypt’s Vision 2030, the intrinsic link between the availability of basic and adequate services—such as energy, electricity, water, and sanitation—and the fulfillment of the diverse needs of citizens and productive sectors across all geographical regions is acknowledged. This nexus bears direct and indirect economic and social ramifications. Current Landscape: The past four years have witnessed substantial strides in the electricity sector’s capacity to ensure that the requirements of all developmental and service sectors are met. This was particularly imperative following the energy supply shortages experienced between 2012 and 2014. A comprehensive enhancement of the electricity infrastructure unfolded across the nation, interconnecting regions of production and distribution with those of storage and consumption. New stations were established, and transmission and distribution networks underwent significant upgrades and fortification. The sources of fuel for electricity production were diversified, coupled with improved investments in research and exploration to augment reserves and amplify production. These concerted efforts yielded marked improvements in the availability and quality of electricity services. As of 2019, approximately 99.7% of the population benefited from electricity services, [55] and instances of power outages were substantially reduced in various regions of the country. Nevertheless, there remains a need for further diversification in the structure of electricity production. Around 88.2% of electricity was generated from thermal systems in 2021/22, with only approximately 11.8% originating from renewable energy sources during the same period. [56] Consequently, the state is committed to elevating the share of renewable energy in electricity generation, aligning with environmental sustainability imperatives.   [55] The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS).   [56] The Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy. 144 To catalyze investment in renewable energy sectors, regulatory, technical, and contractual frameworks have been introduced. This includes operation codes for electricity transmission and distribution networks, regulations for connecting wind and solar power stations to the national grid, and the implementation of the independent producer mechanism in contracts with investors. Additionally, strides have been taken to initiate the electricity interconnection project with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aimed at exchanging 3000 megawatts between the two nations. Furthermore, there has been a notable expansion in the provision of natural gas to houses as a viable alternative to gas bottles. Since the commencement of operations in 1981, approximately 13.5 million housing units have been connected, benefiting over 60 million citizens. The last four years witnessed a record annual rate of providing natural gas to houses, achieving an impressive 1.2 million units annually. The number of fueling stations for liquid fuels (gasoline and diesel) has surged across governorates. A remarkable upswing and rapid proliferation of natural gas fueling stations have occurred, quadrupling in numbers over the past year and a half. The construction of 850 stations has been completed, with preparations and implementation underway for the remaining stations, aiming to reach a total of 1000 stations. To further serve the local market and enhance infrastructure investment, marketing companies are actively encouraged to establish new refueling stations. The water sector, a key priority of Egypt’s Vision 2030, poses a challenge to comprehensive development efforts, especially in the face of persistent population growth and the resulting competition for limited water resources. Consequently, this impedes the realization of economic and social development plans. Egypt’s total water needs are estimated at around 114 billion cubic meters annually, whereas available water resources stand at approximately 60 billion cubic meters annually. The water deficit reached about 21 billion cubic meters in 2020, compounded by the importation of crops equivalent to water usage (virtual water) estimated at around 34 billion cubic meters annually, resulting in a total water gap of 55 billion cubic meters annually. [57] This state is   [57] The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. 145 categorized as water scarcity, intensifying with the rise in population growth rates. As highlighted in the third strategic goal, the per capita share of renewable freshwater was 599 cubic meters annually in 2017 for a population of approximately 95 million people. [58] However, this led to a decline in Egypt’s rank in the Water Supply Reliability Index -as part of the Global Competitiveness Index- from the 69th position in 2018 to the 73rd position in 2019. [59] Projections suggest that the per capita share of water will continue to decline. It is expected to reach 444 cubic meters annually, surpassing the water poverty threshold, if Egypt’s population reaches 128 million people by 2030. [60] As part of the state’s efforts to address water-related challenges, a long-term strategy has been developed to enhance water resources and ensure their availability across all sectors. This strategy has successfully accomplished: • Around 200 projects aimed at harvesting rainwater and floods in Sinai have been established, along with artificial ground reservoirs and dams, to collect precipitation. These measures will contribute an additional 100 million cubic meters of water to reach a total of 1.4 billion cubic meters by 2030. • To enhance the performance of water supply systems and ensure access to clean drinking water for citizens, a network of 2,730 drinking water stations has been put into operation. Additionally, 582 cranes have been installed at 3,293 locations nationwide. Together, these facilities have a collective daily production capacity of 30.1 million cubic meters, which corresponds to 85.8% of surface water, 11.7% of groundwater, and 2.5% of desalinated water. These improvements have resulted in the expansion of the water network to a length of 166,000 kilometers, with approximately 98% of   [58] The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.   [59] The World Economic Forum (WEF).   [60] The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. 146 residential areas now having access to safe drinking water, reaching 100% coverage rate in urban areas and 97.7% in rural areas in 2019. [61] • Seawater desalination plants have been expanded in coastal regions with a high concentration on resorts and tourist villages, capitalizing on Egypt’s extensive coastline spanning approximately 2,400 kilometers. These plants utilize solar energy to meet their electricity requirements. To date, 58 stations have been completed and 16 more are under construction, with a total capacity of 640,000 cubic meters per day and a cost of EGP 9.5 billion; while an additional 16 stations with a total expenditure of EGP 12.8 billion will be operational by 2022. By motivating private sector participation and encouraging the implementation of desalination plants, it is projected that an extra 650 million cubic meters of desalinated water can be added to the water balance, ultimately reaching 1 billion cubic meters by 2030. • The canals have been lined and the efficiency of drainage network has been enhanced to cater to the agricultural and industrial sectors’ requirements and combat pollution to improve and safeguard water quality. As a result, Egypt’s ranking in the percentage of the population exposed to unsafe drinking water index improved from 71st position in 2018 to 53rd position in 2019. [62] • Regarding the sanitation sector, nationwide coverage in 2019 reached approximately 68%, with 96% coverage in urban areas and 40% in rural areas. The goal is to implement several projects to install domestic septic tanks and sewage connections, while simultaneously improving and enhancing the efficiency of sanitation services, to achieve 100% coverage in urban areas and increase the coverage rate in rural ones. [63]   [61] Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities.   [62] Global Competitiveness Report, The World Economic Forum.   [63] The Ministry of Housing, Utilities & Urban Communities. 147 Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to diversify electricity production sources, increase reliability on new and renewable energy, develop water resources, rationalize consumption, and enhance the availability and quality of sanitation services across all geographical areas. Means for Goal Attainment: • Fostering a conducive environment to investment in the energy sector to encourage a more substantial Egyptian role in regional markets. Moreover, attract partnerships with international, regional, and national entities, facilitating both technical and financial support. • Continuing the program to establish service and supply stations for petroleum products and compressed natural gas, while continuously developing and expanding existing stations across the entire country. • Improving the efficiency of refineries, transforming them into highly efficient economic units. Enhance work, security, safety, and environmental protection systems within these facilities. • Activating the involvement of the private sector in infrastructure investments for renewable energy and irrigation projects in new lands, as well as expanding the construction of seawater desalination plants along coastal cities. • Designing public utilities services with a focus on reducing the individual’s environmental footprint, aligning with the principles of sustainable development. • Reinforcing the role of civil society to raise awareness about the responsible management of public utilities, reduce waste, and facilitate water delivery to rural households. • Ensuring the regular maintenance of basic services projects to foster continuous development to guarantee sustained efficiency. 148 • Expanding the establishment of new drinking water facilities to accommodate population growth and urban expansion. • Implementing a comprehensive plan to optimize the use of available groundwater, preserving this vital source for the benefit of future generations. • Extending the coverage of sewage networks, particularly in areas with pressing needs, and discontinue unsafe sewage practices to improve overall sanitation.

2. Providing Secure and Sustainable Transportation Systems The transportation sector stands as a pivotal pillar for the success of development plans, acting as a catalyst for economic and social activities, by providing comprehensive and secure transportation networks to bolster investment projects. The infrastructure of the transportation sector includes a diverse range of components, including the road network, railway system, and electric traction transport network (comprising the Greater Cairo Metro network, monorail, electric high-speed train, light electric train, and tram). This is besides the internal river transport lines, maritime and land ports, dry ports, logistic centers, and specialized ports catering to mining, petroleum, fishing, tourism, and the Suez Canal. Furthermore, the civil aviation sector assumes a significant role in managing both domestic and international transport, contributing substantially to international trade through a network of domestic and international airports. The significance of ensuring safe transportation systems is twofold. Firstly, it underscores the state’s commitment to enhancing citizens’ access to transportation services while concurrently reducing costs and ensuring safety. Secondly, it emphasizes the imperative of connecting urban expansion with extensive transportation networks to facilitate movement, citizens’ transportation, and to catalyze local and foreign investment, drawing them to these emerging complexes. 149 Current Landscape: The Global Competitiveness indicators [64] underscore an upswing in the performance of the transportation sector. Egypt has ascended ten positions in the Infrastructure Level Index, progressing from 54th in 2018 to 44th in 2019. Notably, there has been a substantial enhancement in the International Shipping Network Connectivity Index, soaring to the 18th position in 2019 from the 39th position in 2018. Additionally, the ranking in road quality has improved, reaching the 28th position in 2019 compared to the 45th position in 2018. Regarding the availability and connectivity of paved roads, Egypt achieved the 48th position in 2019, a notable ascent from the 54th position in

2018. The efficiency of train services also witnessed improvement, progressing to the 50th position in 2019 from the 58th position in 2018. The substantial progress in Egypt’s transportation sector is a result of ambitious national projects implemented across 5 main axes from 2016 to 2019, with a cumulative investment of EGP 143 billion. These transformative initiatives span various dimensions. In the railway sector, a comprehensive development initiative has unfolded, encompassing the establishment of a 10,000-kilometer railway network. Simultaneously, major efforts have been directed towards the rehabilitation of the four main Nile axes, as well as the existing road network, covering an extensive 25.5 thousand kilometers. The landscape has witnessed the realization of significant bridge projects and the construction of five tunnels beneath the Suez Canal, fostering connectivity and streamlined transit. This comes in addition to the adoption of a green economy methodology, that promotes the utilization of electricity, thus implementing the Light Rail Transit (LRT), East and West Nile Monorail, the three lines of the high-speed electric train, besides the expansion of the Greater Cairo Metro network. In river and waterlines transport, strategic upgrades have been applied to four main inland water   [64] The World Economic Forum. 150 transport axes: Cairo-Alexandria, Cairo-Damietta, Cairo-Aswan, and Cairo-Ismailia, along with the enhancement of locks (water navigation). These improvements are gradually being operationalized, with future plans including a logistics area in Lake Nasser to connect the navigational channel of Lake Victoria-Alexandria to the Mediterranean Sea. Navigational links and river ports, fortified by information systems, aim to augment the share of river transport. The maritime ports network, comprising 15 commercial ports, in addition to specialized ports in mining, petroleum, tourism, and fishing, has undergone substantial development. New quays totaling 35 kilometers in length -with depths ranging from 15 to 18 meters- have been constructed, bringing the total length of quays to 76 kilometers. This is in parallel to enhancements in cargo handling and unloading efficiency to reduce ships waiting time, better utilization of available space and storage areas by the Maritime Ports Authority, along with the establishment of logistics zones and the promotion of electronic connectivity, seeking to optimize freight transport. Regarding the Suez Canal, a strategically significant water passage for international trade, the recent expansion has enabled the accommodation of numerous colossal vessels, effectively avoiding previous hindrances to movement and providing benefits that accompanied the development of specialized industrial areas catering to transit ships. Additionally, five tunnels have been constructed to connect the Nile Delta and the Sinai Peninsula via the Suez Canal. The revenues generated by the Suez Canal have significantly contributed to the balance of payments, reaching USD 7 billion in 2021/22, [65] and its contribution to the GDP amounted to 2.4% in the same period. [66] Within the aviation sector, Egypt currently boasts 27 airports, encompassing both international and domestic facilities. This is in addition to Marsa Alam and Alamein airports operating through partnerships with the private sector under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) system. The establishment of three new airports and ongoing development projects at Cairo Airport to increase   [65] The Central Bank of Egypt.   [66] The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development. 151 its capacity, signal a concerted effort to accommodate the escalating demands of air traffic—be it passengers, cargo, or tourism. Crucially, Egypt’s commitment to safety and security standards is evident in its classification within the green zone for worldwide accident rates. In 2018, the country ranked 98 out of 183 countries in road accident fatalities. [67] Notably, the total number of road accidents decreased by 23.6% in 2018, totaling 8,480 accidents compared to 11,098 in 2017, [68] as a result of the National Roads and Bridges Project, implemented in adherence to international standards. In addition, the state is actively addressing impediments to road safety systems, including organizational complexities, interconnection challenges among relevant authorities and ministries in public transport, congestion on internal road networks, as well as underutilization of smart transportation systems. Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to establish safe and sustainable transport systems to improve the quality of life for individuals and enhance the efficiency of transportation services for all users. Moreover, it capitalizes on Egypt’s geographical position at the heart of the world and aims to leverage the economic benefits of river and rail transport and boost their competitiveness. These modes of transportation are known for their minimal fuel consumption, thereby reducing polluting emissions and contributing to the improvement of the surrounding environment and citizens’ health. Means for Goal Attainment: • Gradually transitioning towards clean modes of transportation, such as electric and hydrogen- powered vehicles that do not use fossil fuel, to minimize pollution and foster a culture of fuel conservation among all stakeholders.   [67] World Life Expectancy, based on data from the WHO.   [68] The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAMPAS). 152 • Establishing a smart and integrated transportation network to offer fair prices that balance the interests of all service providers and users. Moreover, encourage private sector investment in smart and integrated transportation systems. • Enhancing the competitiveness of maritime transport by improving and expanding maritime berths and creating logistics zones. • Improving the efficiency of locks and river routes to accommodate the movement of goods and reduce the burden on road transportation. • Expanding the use of smart transportation applications, leveraging modern technologies for managing and connecting transportation means with users and road networks. • Expanding passenger transport services with distinctive features, such as safety, accessibility, smart, air-conditioned, internet connectivity, and time-saving. This is to encourage private car owners to shift to public transportation in daily commutes, thereby reducing traffic congestion and emissions. • Providing smart car waiting areas and promoting public transportation policies. In addition to, accelerating the implementation of infrastructure projects for rapid public transportation, including electric trains, subways, and monorails, integrating with other means of transportation. • Developing railways for both passenger and freight services, connecting the capital to new urban communities and industrial areas. • Integrating sustainable transportation principles into urban planning, and promote non-motorized transport, including walking and cycling, in small cities and neighborhoods. • Facilitating the mobility of people with disabilities and the elderly using various transportation means, ensuring inclusivity. 153 • Developing the road safety system by raising driver awareness of traffic rules compliance and improving vehicle efficiency.

3. Promoting Sustainable Energy Resources and Systems Renewable and sustainable energy, heralded as the optimal and clean alternative to traditional energy sources, encompasses a spectrum of forms. It includes solar and wind energy among the most important renewable energy sources, tidal energy in seas and oceans, and energy derived from waste recycling. The pivotal role of renewable energy lies in being a primary source for curtailing GHG, thereby mitigating climate change effects by the activities of the energy sector. It also plays a crucial role in reducing air pollution and fostering improved air quality. Furthermore, the adoption of renewable energy sources aligns with broader initiatives for green economy promotion, attracting investment opportunities and catalyzing a shift toward environmentally conscious practices. Additionally, it addresses the energy needs of remote areas, distant from the national grid, while simultaneously tackling environmental concerns and energy generation sources. Current Landscape: As of 2019/20, the share of renewable energy in electricity production was estimated at approximately 12%. [69] The contribution of renewable energy technologies, including wind turbines, solar panels, and concentrators, accounted for about 4.4% of Egypt’s electricity generation sources. Notably, wind farms in the Gulf of Suez play a significant role in this production. Water sources contribute around 7.6%, primarily harnessed from the Nile River dams, with the High Dam being the most substantial contributor. [70]   [69] The Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy.   [70] Egypt Renewable Energy Map 2016, Friedrich Albert Foundation. 154 By the end of 2021, renewable energy constituted 20% of the maximum load. In 2021/22, new and renewable energy comprised 11.8% of the total generated electricity. [71] The production of biogas, an emerging energy source, has been successfully implemented in the wastewater treatment station in Al-Jabal Al-Asfar, while exploring the possibility of extending its use to Egyptian villages, enabling household-level biogas production. These advancements underscore Egypt’s commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio, embracing sustainable alternatives, and progressively increasing the share of renewable energy in its overall energy mix. In a significant move towards sustainable and renewable energy, Egypt enacted legislations, leading to the establishment of the New and Renewable Energy Authority in 1986. This Authority aimed to forge an institutional framework conducive to the development of renewable energy, with a specific focus on encouraging local manufacturing of related equipment. The authority also assumes a pivotal role as the national focal point for efforts exerted towards technology development and commercial exploitation of renewable energy sources. It has also played a crucial role in setting regulations to stimulate private-sector participation, in addition to the issuance of technical and contractual frameworks governing the operation of electricity transmission and distribution networks, the connection of wind farms and solar cells to the grids, as well as providing comprehensive guidelines for contracting with investors. With a vision to position itself as a regional hub for energy trade, Egypt has created a fertile ground for increased investments in electricity production from renewable sources, particularly from solar energy. The abundance of available land, benefiting from direct solar radiation reaching up to 3200 kWh/m²/year, presents a compelling opportunity for investors to engage in this promising market. This boosts economies of scale for the local industry, promising cost reductions and enhancing a skilled workforce essential for the growth of the renewable energy sector.   [71] The Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy. 155 As part of a gradual shift towards greater reliance on renewable energy sources, strategic plans are in place to elevate the contribution of renewable energy in Egypt’s electricity production mix (of the total electricity generated) to an ambitious 42% by 2035. [72] This percentage is expected to increase with a reduction in construction costs of renewable energy plants compared to the cost of traditional energy generation, thanks to ongoing technological advancements, thereby rendering a complete transition to renewable energy over the long term more feasible. Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims for the energy sector to be able to fulfil all developmental requirements of energy and optimize the efficient utilization of diverse energy sources, both traditional and renewable. This leads to making a significant and effective contribution to the advancement of the economy while preserving the environment. The Vision aims to mitigate the adverse effects associated with the depletion of natural traditional energy sources and increase reliance on renewable energy sources while striving for leadership in this domain. Means for Goal Attainment: • Improving the capacity of the electrical grid to accommodate electricity generated from renewable sources and addressing the resulting imbalance in energy supply. • Fostering an attractive investment environment for the new and renewable energy sector. Additionally, collaborating with research centers to address the issue of high-cost energy storage, to overcome the challenge faced by the network upon increasing storage load. • Monitoring advancements in energy storage technologies specific to renewable energy systems like lithium batteries, green hydrogen production, and thermal energy storage systems, and exploring their utilization in maintaining grid stability and expanding their implementation once they become more financially viable.   [72] The Renewable Energy Strategy 2035. 156 • Encouraging decentralized small-scale renewable energy use in industrial, touristic, residential, and service facilities. This is through supporting initiatives such as solar water heaters, rooftop photovoltaic stations, and biogas use in rural homes as alternatives to traditional gas bottles. Moreover, providing suitable financing mechanisms to empower energy consumers to transition into producers, meeting their own energy needs. • Stimulating private sector engagement in renewable energy projects for electricity production by creating a competitive electricity market to attract private investments, through issuing and updating feed-in tariffs and net metering systems to ensure a conducive environment for private sector involvement. • Disseminating energy-efficient technologies to reduce electricity and fuel consumption across various sectors, such as implementing energy management programs in facilities, transitioning the Egyptian market to energy-saving electrical and mechanical devices, activating energy-saving building laws, as well as converting vehicles to run on gas.

4. Developing Communication and Information Systems Communication and information systems are vital elements of a sophisticated infrastructure, and their significance arises from the fact that investing in digital infrastructure has a favorable impact on the business environment. This, in turn, results in reduced transaction costs, integration and automation of public services, and connecting the government, private sector, and civil society, ultimately leading to cost reduction and quality enhancement in services. Furthermore, digitizing resource management and providing a digital mechanism for complaints and responses enhance institutional efficiency and foster accountability. Additionally, the advancement of communications and information systems serves as a fundamental pillar supporting all aspects of technological development and facilitates the transition to a digital and knowledge-based economy. 157 Current Landscape: With Reference to the global knowledge index (GKI) [73], Egypt has seen notable progress in the pillar of information technology throughout the last years, with a ranking improvement from 74th out of 138 countries in 2020 to 57th out of 154 countries in 2021. Significant growth is observed in mobile phone subscribers (93%), fixed internet users (9%), and active internet users (65%) in 2020. The sector also contributed by about 4.7% of the GDP in 2020/21 [74]. Nonetheless, there are still some areas which need improvement such as using the internet in transactions between individuals and enterprises, fixed-line and internet subscriptions, the electronic public services index, and the quality of the legislative framework supporting information and communications technologies. Regarding the telecommunications infrastructure, institutional efforts are underway to establish a unified information system encompassing accurate and periodic data and statistics on the beneficiaries of all services, including education, health, transportation, and supply. This system aims to enable government entities to fulfil their roles with the utmost efficiency and effectiveness. Additionally, the National Payments Council and the Supreme Council of Digital Society were established to support the government’s transition to a unified mechanism for digital transformation for achieving integration between databases and facilitating the provision of automated services to citizens and different entities. Furthermore, the electronic government payments system and the electronic government procurement and contracting system were launched to simplify contracting procedures and promote transparency between government entities and the business community. In the same vein, technology centers were established in the governorates to facilitate services delivery to citizens. In fact, the automation of public services played a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of targeting recipients eligible for subsidies under social protection programs.   [73] Issued by Knowledge 4 All.   [74] The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. 158 Within the framework of developing communications and information systems and achieving technological convergence, a National Council for Artificial Intelligence was established in 2019. Additionally, a national strategy was adopted which seeks to encourage the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into government operations to make them more efficient and transparent, and to use the AI technologies in various economic sectors to support the achievement of SDGs. This strategy involves implementing pilot projects through local and international partnerships to promote technology transfer, foster competitiveness, and actively participate in international conferences focused on the ethics of artificial intelligence for development. This comes in addition to establishing Egypt as a regional hub for education and talent in the field of artificial intelligence to meet the demands of local, regional, and international markets, as well as encouraging innovation among start-ups and building the skills of youth at all levels of education. Furthermore, a Supreme Council for Cybersecurity was established, addressing threats and challenges in the field of digital transformation. This comes as a result of considering cybersecurity as a strategic priority area, to enhance confidence in the communications and information infrastructure, its applications, and its services in various vital sectors. This ensures information security, managing information assets, controlling access through user identity management, and auditing access rights regularly. Additionally, defensive mechanisms are being prepared to detect and prevent cyber intrusions. Such efforts are enhanced through the collaboration between private and public sectors in cybersecurity initiatives, to analyze digital evidence, protect and secure industrial control systems, build the capacities of the necessary human cadres, as well as encourage scientific research and development in this field. Despite the ongoing efforts, the activation of communications and information technology systems in different sectors faces challenges, particularly among lower-income segments, especially elder people, and women. Affordability and prioritization of life necessities hinder access to smart devices and the internet. Moreover, the high costs of establishing and maintaining technological infrastructure present barriers to widespread adoption. 159 Egypt’s Vision 2030 strives to achieve significant progress and widespread adoption of information technology systems by connecting all geographical regions to the internet and its related services. Furthermore, it aims to enhance reliance on big data and artificial intelligence across all sectors and promote the accessibility and development of these modern technologies for all segments of society to bridge the digital divide and ensure transition towards a digital society. Means for Goal Attainment: • Achieving digital equity through providing affordable internet services across all geographic regions. Ensure the necessary capacity and efficiency for individuals to engage with information technology. • Training government employees on best information and communication technology practices. • Disseminating a culture of cybersecurity and raising awareness about necessary digital skills and information preservation. • Developing clear legislations and regulations for data protection and user privacy. • Attracting global data centers for investment and working towards positioning Egypt as a regional hub for data and knowledge exchange, using artificial intelligence. • Expanding the reliance on big data across all sectors and in the decision-making process. • Creating an academic and scientific environment that fosters innovation and exploration. • Capitalizing on the rapid advancements in emerging technologies to unlock new investment opportunities in the communications and information technology sector. 160 161 Strategic Goal 6: Governance and Partnerships Dive r Know sified, l base edge- d Com , and pe Econ titive omy 162 General Goals: Reinforcing Promoting Empowering Administrative Transparency Accountability Local Reform and Combating and Administration Corruption Responsibility Enhancing Preserving Strengthening Regional and Stability and Partnerships International Security Cooperation 163 Alignment with the SDGs: Alignment with the Africa Agenda 2063: (3) An Africa of Good Governance, Democracy, Respect for Human Rights, Justice and the Rule of Law. (4) A Peaceful and Secure Africa. (7) Africa as a Strong, United, Resilient and Influential Global Player and Partner. 164 Introduction: Egypt’s Vision 2030’s sixth strategic goal, focused on “Governance and Partnerships”, crystallizes the national comprehensive plan for institutional development and enhanced collaborations with international organizations, private sector entities, and civil society, as outlined in the national agenda. Governance principles are embodied in the rule of law, justice, participation, accountability, transparency, and anti-corruption. Implementing these principles necessitates multifaceted reforms, encompassing institutional and legislative aspects. A pivotal facet involves enhancing human capacities and transforming organizational culture and behavior. Due to its intricate and interconnected nature, governance becomes a shared responsibility involving the government, private sector, and civil society, with each individual in society contributing through an effective monitoring and accountability system. This system ensures the efficiency of operations and compliance with regulations and laws, as well as fosters more productive performance at the state level. Effective governance of state institutions is indispensable for realizing all the goals of Vision 2030 and its targets. Therefore, the involvement of all relevant stakeholders in the decision-making process, both nationally and locally, within a legislative and institutional framework supporting transparency and accountability, is crucial. This inclusivity, alongside the delineation of rights and duties, contributes to reducing corruption and enhancing services provided to citizens. In 2019, Egypt made significant progress in various indicators issued by international organizations (like the World Bank and Transparency International), particularly those related to the quality of regulatory frameworks, government effectiveness, and corruption. Some indicators, such as the control of corruption index, showed a low ranking, underscoring the need for exerting further efforts to overcome the current challenges. 165 Partnerships among the government, donors, international and regional organizations, the public and private sectors, and civil society, are foundational pillars of the development process. Each partner brings unique advantages that, when integrated, allow for cooperative efforts in achieving sustainable development. For instance, donors provide technical assistance and material support based on the mutual benefits among different parties and without harming the interest of any of them. This avails different kinds of cooperation and assistance supporting the achievement of sustainable development on the one hand, and serves the state’s general policies in many areas on the other hand. The private sector plays a pivotal role in economic, social, and environmental development through investment and job creation. Civil society contributes through aid provision and voluntary work. This complementarity between different actors minimizes duplication of efforts, facilitating faster and more effective goal attainment. Thus, coordination among all stakeholders, coupled with effective communication channels, is imperative to ensure the integration of plans and policies to address development challenges. Egypt’s Vision 2030 envisages regional and international cooperation, which necessitates rigorous efforts to address cross-border challenges threatening development, such as terrorism, climate change, and emerging pandemics like COVID-19. That is in addition to addressing the importance of strengthening relations and exchanging experiences between different parties of the international community, to maintain global peace. Undoubtedly, achieving sustainable development requires a high level of stability and security in all its dimensions. This includes, combating various forms of crimes and ensuring water and energy security, which are vital requirements for development, and fostering stability with neighboring countries, to enhance the quality of life, direct state investments towards development, and ensure long-term sustainability. 166 This strategic goal aligns with the SDGs, notably SDG 16: “Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions”, and SDG 17: “Partnerships for the Goals”. Moreover, it correlates with the aspirations and the goals of Africa Agenda 2063, specifically the eleventh goal of the third aspiration called “An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law”, the thirteenth goal of the fourth aspiration called “A peaceful and secure Africa”, and the nineteenth goal of the seventh aspiration called “Africa as a strong, united, resilient and influential global player and partner”. At the national level, the Egyptian Constitution stipulates that “the economic system is committed to the criteria of transparency and governance”, as well as that “information, data, statistics and official documents are owned by the people. Disclosure thereof from various sources is a right guaranteed by the state to all citizens”, in addition to “the independence of oversight bodies responsible for combating corruption and independence of the judiciary authority, while criminalizing any interference in legal matters to foster citizen trust in public services and contribute to the preservation of public funds”, and “support for administrative, financial, and economic decentralization and empowering administrative units in providing, improving, and managing public utilities well”. The pursuit of the strategic goal “Governance and Partnerships” aligns seamlessly with the guiding principles embedded in Egypt’s Vision 2030. This goal asserts the importance of “Human-Centered Development”, while recognizing that the desired development and envisaged institutional advancement hinge upon achieving “Equity and Accessibility”, fostering “Resilience and Adaptation”, and upholding the principle of achieving “Sustainability”. Several pivotal enablers contribute to realizing this goal, notably providing “Financing”, attaining a remarkable progress in the field of “Technology and Innovation”, propelling the “Digital Transformation”, “Data Generation and Availability”. In addition to, establishing a “Supportive legislative and institutional environment”. These tools play a critical role across diverse sectors, spanning productivity, industry, services, and the financial and monetary domains. 167 The strategic goal of “Governance and Partnerships” unfolds into seven general goals:“Administrative reform”, “Reinforcing Transparency and Combating Corruption”, “Promoting Accountability and Responsibility”, “Empowering Local Administration”, “Strengthening Partnerships”, “Enhancing Regional and International Cooperation”, and “Preserving Stability and Security”.

1. Administrative Reform The state’s administrative reform is strongly associated with reinforcing its commitment to good governance characterized by openness and responsiveness to citizens’ demands, and enhancing mechanisms for monitoring, evaluation, and accountability across all levels. To this end, the state has placed considerable emphasis on administrative reform by developing a comprehensive plan that targets the establishment of an efficient and productive administrative structure, which is accountable through effective monitoring and evaluation systems. It also contributes towards the state’s development objectives while enhancing citizen satisfaction. Current Landscape: Egypt’s administrative apparatus is characterized by its significant size in terms of the number of ministries, authorities, institutions and administrative units; employing approximately 5 million workers in the government sector. This excessive employment has led to several challenges including overlapping mandates and responsibilities, complex and intertwined administrative components, and the urge for standards in establishing and modifying organizational units that would ensure the efficiency and effectiveness in delivering public services. The state’s administrative apparatus is governed by an extensive array of legislations, decisions, and periodicals, with many being outdated. This has resulted in non-compliance with legal frameworks regulating public administration, an escalation of bureaucratic hurdles and irrational practices, and, in certain instances, a decline in the quality of public services provided to citizens. 168 In alignment with the state’s emphasis on data availability at both national and local levels, it supports providing financial resources and human capacities dedicated to the periodic generation of this data, to be available for use and analysis by specialists. In turn, this enhances the quality of monitoring, evaluation, and tracking systems, particularly given the existing challenges impeding effective monitoring and impact measurement of implemented projects. These challenges are mainly tied to the weak interlinkages between government databases, low data quality, and the scarcity of standardized definitions for performance indicators. Egypt’s Vision 2030 places a strategic focus on institutional development, aiming to elevate the internal performance of government entities. This, in turn, supports the decision- making process, instigates a shift in the mindset and behavior of government employees, and fosters highly skilled, qualified and competent human capital. Accordingly, the pillars of the administrative reform plan are designed to create a legislative framework that balances discipline and flexibility within government bodies, enhances the capabilities of state employees, and optimizes the data and information system. Means for Goal Attainment: • Consolidate all laws and regulations governing the state’s administrative apparatus. Conduct a thorough analysis and prepare alternative proposals for laws requiring review. • Issuing a legal framework that mandates all entities to prepare periodic progress reports. • Undertaking a comprehensive restructuring of the state’s administrative apparatus to enhance effectiveness and accountability, and address issues related to overlapping responsibilities. • Developing human resources by building the capacities of personnel and administrative leaders within the state’s administrative apparatus. 169 • Finalizing the unified automated system for digital transformation and continuously enhancing the electronic system, to foster seamless connectivity between the databases of various government entities. • Enhancing and developing state resource management systems to optimize government expenditure efficiency. • Establishing and activating mechanisms for community participation in policy development, while facilitating the evaluation of government performance through clear, announced, and electronic citizen complaint mechanisms, alongside feedback channels. • Provide funding for implementing advanced systems that enable the utilization of cloud computing and artificial intelligence in government operations.

2. Reinforcing Transparency and Combating Corruption Transparency contributes to providing the necessary information, data, and a conducive climate to support the decision-making process clearly and accurately. It attracts investments, enhances confidence in government institutions, and combats corruption. Egypt’s Vision 2030 is based on the understanding that combating corruption reduces the cost of transactions and uncertainty, leading to increased investment and reflecting on economic growth rates and the social distribution of its benefits. The state adoption of the Anti-Corruption Strategy in its first and second versions is a significant evidence of the state’s desire to combat corruption in all its organizational, political, economic and social forms. 170 Current Landscape: The state is committed to transparency standards and combating corruption across its various institutions. The implementation rate of the second phase of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2019-2022) reached 85.3% of the targets for the mid-term (in 2019-2020). Positive development is evident in the Administrative Corruption Perception Index in Egypt, issued by the “Information and Decision Support Center” affiliated to the Cabinet. The index increased from 37.3 in 2017 to 43.5 out of 100 in 2018, and it continued to rise in 2019, reaching 49.0 out of 100. [75] This reflects the state’s efforts in combating corruption by untangling legal complexities, coordinating between government entities, improving human and institutional resources, and addressing administrative bloat. However, challenges persist, particularly concerning the inadequacy of transparency in service applications and financial reports of some public sector and private sector companies. Additionally, there is limited awareness regarding anti-corruption efforts and insufficient financial resources allocated to this matter. Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to consolidate and strengthen the principle of transparency in policymaking. It also seeks to facilitate the accessibility and flow of information. This will help build public trust in the administrative apparatus and the fight against corruption. This is affirmed by the pillars of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which provides effective frameworks to promote integrity, not only in public institutions, but also in private sector entities and civil society organizations.   [75] Report of the “Administrative Corruption Perception and Combating Index” issued by the “Information and Deci- sion Support Center” at the Egyptian Cabinet, December 2020. 171 Means for Goal Attainment: • Accelerating the issuance of laws that support transparency and disclosure. • Activating internal audit units within the state administrative apparatus to limit corrupt practices. • Completing the development of the infrastructure and technology of the judicial system and oversight bodies. • Increasing awareness campaigns that highlight the dangers of corruption, in collaboration with media and religious institutions. In addition to, enhancing the efficiency of employees in the public and private sectors as well as civil society regarding transparency and anti-corruption efforts. • Incorporating the concept of corruption, its forms, manifestations, and risks into educational curricula at various levels. • Automating investor services to ensure corruption-free transactions. • Promoting and enforcing disclosure and transparency requirements for listed companies on the stock exchange. • Activating codes of ethical and professional conduct in both the public and private sectors. • Developing national indicators in collaboration with the private sector and civil society to monitor Egypt’s progress in governance across various areas and creating a website for tracking and monitoring governance indicators and related reforms in Egypt. • Strengthening the efficiency of civil society organizations. • Training journalists to uncover corrupt practices. 172

3. Promoting Accountability and Responsibility This goal is based on the premise that independent and effective judicial authorities are responsible for establishing and enforcing the law, including holding officials and state institutions legally accountable. Achieving this goal relies on the presence of independent oversight authorities capable of performing their responsibilities of accountability and supervision. Consequently, the importance of this goal manifests in updating fundamental laws and enhancing legal awareness among the majority of the population. Additionally, it is reflected in implementing diverse forms of official and social accountability systems through oversight entities, to establish the foundations for a successful judicial system in Egypt. Current Landscape: Egypt is characterized by a robust institutional regulatory framework consisting of independent bodies that exercise oversight and accountability roles, including the Administrative Control Authority, the Accountability State Authority, and parliamentary committees. On the other hand, the lack of availability of reports from some oversight bodies on the government’s performance to the public hinders the effectiveness of social accountability mechanisms in Egypt. Additionally, the delayed issuance of the Freedom of Information Act, which enables the disclosure of data and information, negatively impacts the accountability process of the executive authority. Furthermore, there is a weakness in the local accountability due to the absence of elected local councils since

2011. The state also lacks an adequate and developed number of judicial spaces, qualified judges, and lawyers, while most citizens lack awareness about the judicial system. Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to strengthen the principles of accountability and responsibility through the rule of law, which entails the presence of an independent judiciary that upholds justice, integrity, and equality. 173 Means for Goal Attainment: • Establishing the foundations of open government and accountability. In addition to, completing the transition towards performance-based budgeting. • Developing social accountability systems, such as participatory budgeting, monitoring government expenditures, and involving citizens in the planning process. • Strengthening accountability measures for local executive authorities through elected local councils. • Completing the development of courts’ infrastructure -including ICT infrastructure- and the automation of judicial services, in addition to raising public awareness about litigation procedures. • Strengthening constitutional and legal culture among citizens.

4.Empowering Local Administration The process of empowering local administration involves the development of the legal framework for the local governance system, which divides functions and activities between the central and local levels in a consistent manner. Capacity building, along with the restructuring of administrative and functional aspects of both central and local institutions, in accordance with their new mandates, are integral to this process. This includes the development of local planning and financing systems, alongside supporting financial control mechanisms at both the central and local levels. 174 Current Landscape: Local authorities in Egypt are predominantly viewed as implementers of central policies rather than decision makers at the local level. The central government plays a significant role in decision- making and local service provision, controlling the majority of financial resources. This dominance is reflected in the central government’s control over government revenues, thus limiting the role of local administration in spending on services. Empowering local administration serves as a key driver to improve the quality of public services provided to citizens and increase their satisfaction levels. In this context, the state has worked on preparing a legal framework the “State’s General Planning Law”, to empower local units to develop their developmental plans and sustainable development reports that identify developmental gaps. It also aims at granting local units greater freedom and flexibility in implementing these plans, while encouraging the mobilization of additional resources, and directing them towards developmental investment projects. Furthermore, the state aims through this legal framework, to promote participatory local decision-making by supporting the tasks of local councils. Additionally, the state seeks to expand local revenues, allowing local units to utilize them according to the priorities and requirements of local communities. To ensure the achievement of SDGs, regular reports are prepared for each governorate to monitor the progress of specific targets and compare the achieved values of indicators with national averages. The purpose is to provide support and suggestions for improving areas that require attention or addressing challenges, thereby contributing to achieving inclusive and sustainable growth, and balanced regional development, hence emphasizing the principles of “leaving no one behind”. Developing the first “Competitiveness Index for Egyptian Governorates” aims to leverage the competitive advantage of local communities, fostering their growth through regional integration 175 and contributing to overall development. Simultaneously, the “Financing Formula” for governorates seeks fair and objective distribution of public investments among them, considering the distinct social and economic characteristics and conditions of each, while acknowledging a non-uniform set of benchmark criteria. Therefore, Egypt’s Vision 2030 strives to empower local administration by granting it greater decision-making authority and focusing on the comparative advantages of each governorate. This empowerment shall enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of local entities, while ensuring the existence of oversight and accountability systems. Means for Goal Attainment: • Ensuring equitable allocation of investments – particularly those from the government – across diverse geographical regions. • Adopting a gradual strategy that empowers local administration and enhances local human and institutional capacities. • Improving infrastructure and information technology and establishing mechanisms for local accountability and oversight while amending local institutional frameworks. • Reinforcing local complaint mechanisms. • Empowering local administrations financially and establishing a system for intergovernmental fiscal transfers based on various indicators, such as population and poverty rates. • Activating the role of governorates and localities in generating data on SDGs. 176

5. Strengthening Partnerships Partnerships stand as a key gateway to achieving comprehensive and sustainable development. The responsibility of achieving goals extends beyond governments alone, including all development partners from the private sector, civil society, regional and international organizations, and youth initiatives. These partnerships are built on shared values, visions and objectives, leading to mutual benefits for all parties involved. By leveraging various forms of partnerships, be it financial, exchange of experiences, capacity-building, and/or participation in planning and implementation, the aim is to enhance collaboration in nation-building and shaping the future. Current Landscape: The state prioritizes enhancing international, regional, and local partnerships as pivotal elements for achieving sustainable development by adopting various patterns of partnerships. Egypt seeks to maximize the benefits from different forms of bilateral and multilateral development cooperation. The ongoing development finance portfolio includes 377 projects valued at USD 25 billion. Development finance has been aligned with the SDGs to provide a comprehensive perspective on main financing trends consistent with the state’s vision for achieving sustainable development and bridging the funding gap for goals implementation. Egypt has witnessed an increase in the value of Official Development Assistance (ODA), reaching USD 10.27 billion in 2021, compared to USD 9.8 billion in 2020 and USD 8.6 billion in 2018. [76] Net FDIs has shown variability in recent years, rising from USD 6.9 billion in 2015/16 to USD 7.4 billion in 2019/20, experiencing a minor decrease to USD 5.2 billion in 2020/21, followed by a renewed increase in 2021/22, reaching USD 8.9 billion. [77] The Egyptian government is keen on encouraging FDIs and places it among its priorities due to its positive impact on economic growth, job creation, technology transfer, and enhanced competitiveness.   [76] The Ministry of International Cooperation.   [77] The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE). 177 The number of regional and international offices for international organizations operating in Egypt reached approximately 51 offices in 2019. [78] This reflects Egypt’s interest in enhancing cooperation with these entities. This collaboration plays a crucial role in supporting integration and coordination in policy-making and implementation, providing technical support and best practices. The significance of this partnership model became evident during the COVID-19 crisis, that necessitated a high level of coordination between state entities and various international organizations operating in the country to address the various aspects of the crisis. On the other hand, partnerships with the private sector are characterized by considerable flexibility and the ability to innovate, extending beyond corporate social responsibility initiatives to encompass impactful investments in various fields. In this context, the establishment of the Sovereign Fund of Egypt serves as a mechanism to enhance effective collaboration between the public and private sectors, leveraging untapped or underutilized government assets. Partnerships with local and global civil society are highly significant, given their expertise and the trust they have earned within communities. Civil society’s role extends beyond voluntary and charitable contributions. It is crucial in monitoring, raising awareness, and capacity-building. The number of organizations, institutions, and civil unions in Egypt had reached approximately 52,383 by 2020. [79] Over the years, civil society in Egypt played a notable role by addressing various issues, such as poverty reduction, hunger eradication, gender equality, economic empowerment, and environmental preservation. Notably, civil society in Egypt embarked on a new journey when the President of the Republic declared 2022 as the year of civil society and emphasized the need for collective efforts to achieve sustainable development. Additionally, partnerships with youth initiatives have also been accorded more importance in the recent years. One notable example is Egypt’s annual organization of the World Youth Forum since   [78] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs.   [79] The Ministry of Social Solidarity. 178 2017, which serves as a significant platform for youth from around the world to exchange ideas, share experiences, and propose innovative policies that support decision-making processes. Moreover, Egypt has been selected as the first model in the Middle East to launch the local version of the international initiative “Generation Unlimited-GenU” in 2022 which was launched during the UN General Assembly in 2018, known as “Shabab El-Balad (Country’s Youth)”. The initiative is a partnership between the public sector, private sector, and youth; which adopts the concept of “learning to earning”. It also aims at accelerating progress in the fields of education, employment, entrepreneurship, skills development, training and effective community participation of youth. Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims for collaboration between all development partners, to ensure concerted and consistent efforts and avoid duplication by adopting a participatory approach, in order to achieve sustainable development more efficiently and expeditiously. Means for Goal Attainment: • Develop a national partnership database to facilitate data sharing among all stakeholders, ensuring consistency and synergy among efforts while avoiding duplication. • Preparing an integrated development map for the financing needs through ODAs, as well as priority sectors and geographical regions. • Conducting regular monitoring and evaluation of collaborations with regional and international development partners, to ensure the alignment of areas of cooperation with national priorities. • Developing legislative frameworks governing partnerships among all stakeholders and establishing an incentive system to foster active cooperation. 179

6. Enhancing Regional and International Cooperation Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims for the state to adopt a participatory approach to address regional and international challenges, where Egypt’s role is anchored in proposing new initiatives and ideas, as well as contributing to the consolidation of efforts towards achieving shared developmental interests for all. Current Landscape: Throughout its ancient and modern history, Egypt has played an active role in its Arab, regional and international spheres due to its geographic location, historical significance, and its demographic characteristics. This role has taken various forms. There were instances when Egypt took the lead in generating fresh ideas and directions, be it in politics, economics, or modernization. In other instances, it supported just causes on the Arab, African, and international arenas. Moreover, Egypt sought to establish and foster economic and commercial relationships based on mutual interests. In today’s world, the regional and international landscape poses challenges that can only be addressed through collective action on a global scale. Accordingly, confronting global threats through multilateral cooperation is a fundamental pillar of Egypt’s foreign policy. This includes a wide range of issues such as combating international terrorism and organized crime, preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, promoting international trade cooperation and exploration and trade of energy, addressing climate change and environmental pollution, managing natural disasters, and effectively responding to pandemics like COVID-19. Indeed, Egypt possesses several pillars that position it as a center for effective regional and international cooperation. These pillars include: 180 • A national character deeply rooted in cultural history. This character draws upon the historical foundations of the Egyptian state, fostering unity among people and cultivating collective awareness of crucial issues. • A melting pot of multiple and diverse civilizations and cultures throughout its history, fostering historical ties with cultures from various continents. • A long-standing history of bilateral and multilateral international engagement, allowing Egypt to leverage this experience in serving sustainable development issues and finding common solutions to global challenges. • Armed forces with high competence, readiness, and preparedness, contributing to maintaining regional peace and stability and supporting global efforts in maintaining international peace and security. • A geographical location hosting one of the world’s most vital international shipping passages, the Suez Canal. This integration into international trade networks positions Egypt as a vital element in international supply chains. Consequently, contributing to production and manufacturing processes which is closely intertwined with global growth rates. Means for Goal Attainment: • Egypt places the issues of development and the well-being of nations at the center of international cooperation and partnerships, especially considering the geographical disparities in global development, which are significant causes of instability, both regionally and globally. Therefore, Egypt’s Vision 2030 recognizes that development should be the ultimate objective of international cooperation, with each party contributing according to its level of economic development at any given time. 181 • Committing to sustainable and peaceful solutions to resolve conflicts. This principle is deeply rooted in Egyptian history as a founding member of the United Nations (UN) and a country that has taken a leading role, for over four decades, in upholding the option of peace as the foundation for resolving the longstanding Arab-Israeli conflict, based on the principle of returning occupied territories in exchange for a peaceful settlement. Egypt believes that peaceful dispute resolution is the only fair and balanced approach to addressing regional and international conflicts, with the Palestinian issue being a central concern causing instability in the Middle East. • Preserving the stability of national states and their institutions as a basis for economic development and progress, whether at the regional or international level. Ensuring security and peace for the people of a region and the world, as well as achieving significant strides in economic prosperity, are unattainable without maintaining national stability, while respecting the diversity and pluralism within each nation. • Confronting and eliminating extremism and terrorism. Terrorist groups are the opposite of everything Egypt seeks to achieve like stability, progress, knowledge, modernization, and prosperity. Egypt aims to consolidate regional and international cooperation, whether in predicting terrorist threats, exchanging information about their dangers, or pursuing those involved. • Committing to international resolutions and agreements signed between states and rejecting any attempt to impose a fait accompli while respecting international legitimacy. These include UN resolutions or agreements between states, whether this relates to the rights to divide international resources such as water, or the rights of self-determination. Egypt’s Vision 2030 confirms that this is a permanent goal for its external role. • Respecting the principle of national ownership of solutions. Past experiences have shown that each stage of development has its uniqueness, challenges, and specific solutions. The world has witnessed instances where countries faced difficulties due to importing ready-made solutions 182 to address problems that could have been better handled through national approaches. Egypt’s Vision 2030 firmly believes in the right, and indeed the necessity, for each country to have its own developmental model. • Egypt is committed to sharing its developmental experiences and human capabilities with its partners in Africa, Asia, and the global south that share a common pursuit of development. Egypt has a history of participating with Africa and other countries in the struggle for independence and in building national economies. Egypt seeks to further enhance this cooperation, benefiting all parties involved, and leveraging the successful development experiences of global south countries, stemming from the belief that all these countries have successful development experiences in specific sectors. • Supporting mechanisms for joint Arab action, both bilaterally and multilaterally, to address the challenges facing the Arab world, including development issues, political and security crises, conflicts, terrorism, as well as organized crime. These efforts contribute positively to the security, stability, and well-being of the Arab region and its people. • Reinforcing cooperation with African countries across all levels, considering it a fundamental aspect of Egypt’s foreign policy. This can be achieved through, actively engaging in African blocs and groups to address economic and security matters in the continent, and leveraging the extensive capabilities and resources available in Africa for its comprehensive development. 183

7. Preserving Stability and Security Egypt’s Vision 2030 aims to establish stable and secure internal environment that facilitates the efficient mobilization and allocation of resources towards human, economic, and social development. The concept of stability, in this context, encompasses securing the necessary resources for the development process, with a primary focus on water and energy. This goal is vigorously pursued by controlling population growth, crucial for maintaining a balance between population and resources, a necessary equilibrium for sustaining stability. Current Landscape: Egypt is positioned within a region that has faced challenges that threatened stable nation-states and affected its regional integrity and the security of its populations over the past decade. Terrorist organizations and extremist groups are on the top list of these threats. Egypt has witnessed periods of instability, notably in the 1980s and 1990s due to terrorist attacks. These instances have adversely impacted development indicators and economic growth rates, making it imperative to proactively confront these risks to provide the security and stability needed for directing resources toward investing in improving the quality of life. Egypt’s geographical location presents both challenges and opportunities regarding securing essential resources for the development process. As for water, which is crucial for sustaining life, 97% of Egypt’s drinking water resources are dependent on external sources, [80] primarily the Nile River. As for energy, Egypt has made significant natural gas discoveries in the eastern Mediterranean, necessitating the protection of energy resources that extend hundreds of miles from its coastline.   [80] The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. 184 Furthermore, Egypt has grappled with the issue of overpopulation for several decades. Failure to effectively address this problem could undermine any progress made in terms of development, thereby impacting stability and security. In the last 35 years alone, Egypt’s population has more than doubled, increasing from 48 million in 1986 to 101 million in 2020. [81] This steady population growth may have negative repercussions on stability, as it leads to resource competition and generates a sense of relative deprivation, even with high growth rates. Means for Goal Attainment: First: Securing essential resources for life and development requirements • Water Security: Egypt is working on two tracks to achieve water security: - Preserving existing water resources and improving their utilization efficiency by adhering to international agreements to secure Egypt’s allocated share of the Nile River waters. Egypt also seeks to enhance the cooperation with Nile Basin countries to reduce losses in the river’s flow to serve the mutual interests of these countries. The Vision also aims at raising awareness and promoting the culture of water conservation. - Strengthening the current water resources with new resources to bridge the gap between local production and actual needs. This involves investing in desalination of sea water and implementing the re-use strategies as per the scientific and environmental standards. • Energy Security: Egypt seeks to: - Increase reliance on renewable energy sources, targeting a 42% contribution to electricity production by 2035 in accordance with the 7th SDG.   [81] The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). 185 - Simultaneously, the Vision strives to reinforce its energy resources derived from fossil fuels. This will be achieved through intensified exploration and production of oil and gas, while ensuring the security of the fields located within Egypt’s political and maritime boundaries. - Egypt envisions becoming a regional hub for trading renewable and nonrenewable energy, fostering broader partnerships for discoveries in the region, and facilitating cross-border energy transactions through commercial agreements. The signing of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum charter in September 2020, which establishes a regional and international organization and a platform for structured political dialogue on natural gas, constitutes a milestone in this field. It contributes to developing a sustainable regional gas market that can unlock the potential of gas resources in the eastern Mediterranean region. • Cybersecurity and information security: The Vision aims to enhance Egypt’s capabilities in information security and fortify its ability to counter cyberattacks. This involves strategic investments in well-trained human resources and efficient information infrastructure. Second: Confronting Threats to the Security and Safety of Egyptians • Combatting Terrorism: Terrorism poses the most serious threat to societal security and development, violating the fundamental human right to life. Unlike ordinary criminals who act out of self-interest, terrorists -whether individuals or organizations- are driven by distorted beliefs and ideologies. To effectively combat terrorism, Egypt’s Vision 2030 focuses on three pathways: - Strengthening national efforts to anticipate terrorist threats by intensifying information gathering, launching proactive operations, detecting terrorist activities, and pursuing the perpetrators, all while adhering to relevant legal procedures. - Intellectually combating extremist rhetoric through a revitalized religious discourse, raising awareness to counter extremist ideologies, and incorporating values of tolerance and acceptance of others into educational curricula. 186 - Pursuing a path of development, as any advancements made towards the development goals outlined in the Vision directly bolster the growth of a society committed to safeguarding its developmental achievements and possessing the necessary human and economic resources to tackle extremist organizations and can effectively discern between misleading ideologies and enlightening initiatives. • Combating Organized Crime, Illegal Migration, and Criminal Activities: Egypt is waging this confrontation by working on two levels: - Internally: The National Strategy on Combating Illegal Migration (2016-2026) is a framework for efforts in this regard. It aims at raising public awareness of the dangers of illegal immigration and human trafficking, in addition to mobilizing necessary resources to enhance efforts dealing with this issue, as well as support development as a basis for combating it. Moreover, the strategy focuses on building the technical, technological, and human capabilities of the agencies responsible for detecting these crimes and prosecuting the perpetrators, in coordination with the civil police and the armed forces to secure the borders. - Externally: Regional and international coordination and cooperation with neighboring countries to secure borders, develop joint training operations, and maximize the benefits from the experiences and programs applied in the corresponding security agencies. 187 ANNEX Egypt’s Vision 2030 Numerical Targets for the Years 2025 and 2030 Note: Egypt’s Vision 2030 indicators are periodically reviewed, based on changes and the availability of data to ensure the effectiveness of the monitoring and evaluation process. 189 First Strategic Goal: Improve Egyptians’ Quality of Life and Raise their Living Standards Source of General Goals Indicators 2019 2025 2030 Targets Percentage of population living in Consultation with extreme poverty ($1.90 per day) 4.5 [1] 3.3 2.3 experts (%) Poverty Percentage of population living Eradication below the national poverty line 29.7 [2] Consultation with 25.8 21.9 in Egypt (EGP 857 per month per (2019/2020) experts capita) (%) Malnourished people, as a Consultation with 4.4 [3] 3.1 2.3 percentage of the population (%) experts Ministry Prevalence of stunting among 17.5 15.6 12.2 of Health and children under 5 years (%) (2019/2020) Population Food Provision Malnourished children, as a Ministry 2 percentage of children under the 1.64 1.21 of Health and (2019/2020) age of 5 (%) Population General Authority Total annual fish production in 2.5 3 [4] 2 for Fish Resources million tonnes Development   [1] World Bank   [2] Household Income, Expenditure and Consumption Survey (HIECS) 2019/2020 - CAPMAS   [3] Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)   [4] General Authority for Fish Resources Development 190 Source of General Goals Indicators 2019 2025 2030 Targets Neonatal mortality rate per 1,000 Consultation with 7.5 [5] 6.31 5.28 live births experts Access to Under-five mortality rate per 1,000 Consultation with Distinct Health 20.4 16.6 14.3 live births experts Services Percentage of premature deaths Ministry due to non-communicable 67 53.6 46.9 of Health and diseases (%) Population Ministry of Completion rate in preparatory 96 [6] Education 96.4 97 and Technical stage (%) (2020) Education Ministry of Completion rate in upper 89.5 Education 89.8 90.3 Quality secondary education (%) (2020) and Technical Education Education Ministry of System Average number of students per 40 Education 35 30 class (2020) and Technical Education Ministry of Dropout rate in primary education 0.3 Education 0.25 0.2 (%) (2020) and Technical Education   [5] Ministry of Health and Population   [6] Ministry of Education and Technical Education 191 Source of General Goals Indicators 2019 2025 2030 Targets Ministry of Dropout rate in preparatory 1.5 Education 0.5 0.3 and Technical education (%) (2020) Education Ministry of Egypt Math 8th Education is not a 450 Grade: 413 [7] and Technical participant Education Egypt’s score in TIMSS exams Ministry of Egypt Science 8th Education is not a 425 and Technical Grade: 389 participant Education Quality Percentage of schools accredited Ministry of 9.6 Education Education by the Quality Assurance Authority 20 30 (2020) and Technical System (%) Education Ministry of Quality of vocational training index Education 3.2 [8] 3.5 4 (1-7) and Technical Education Ministry of Higher Gross enrollment ratio in higher 36.9 [9] 40.3 43.7 Education and education (age group 18-23) (%) Scientific Research Annual growth rate of scientific Ministry of Higher publications in international 16 25 25 Education and journals (%) Scientific Research   [7] IEA’s TIMSS 2019   [8] Global Competitiveness Report 2019 – World Economic Forum   [9] Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research 192 Source of General Goals Indicators 2019 2025 2030 Targets Percentage of international Ministry of Higher collaboration in research and 51.5 53 56 Education and Quality development publications (%)* Scientific Research Education System Global Innovation Index (ranking Ministry of Higher 92 [10] 85 70 Education and out of 129 countries) Scientific Research Urban: Urban: Ministry of Percentage of population with Urban: 100 [11] 100 100 Housing, Utilities access to safe drinking water Rural: and Urban (rural/urban) (%) Rural:97.7 Rural:98 Communities 100 Urban: Ministry of Percentage of population with Urban:40 Urban:75 100 Housing, Utilities access to sanitation services Rural: and Urban (rural/urban) (%) Rural: 96 Rural:99 Access to 100 Communities Adequate Ministry of Housing Percentage of treated wastewater 74.3 [12] Housing, Utilities 85 100 (%) (2019/2020) and Urban Communities Percentage of population relying on clean cooking fuels and 99.9 Consultation with 100 100 technologies (2017) experts (out of total) (%) * Percentage of joint publications with other countries   [10] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)   [11] Ministry of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities   [12] Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) 193 Source of General Goals Indicators 2019 2025 2030 Targets Ministry of Average number of power outages 0.93 [13] 0.2 0.1 Electricity and (outages/ subscriber) Renewable Energy Percentage of annual spending on Ministry of housing and its essentials for the 21.3 [14] Housing, Utilities 17 15 lowest expenditure segment (2017/2018) and Urban (less than 10%) (%) Communities Access to Percentage of urban population Ministry of Adequate living in unplanned informal 36 [15] 27 21 Housing, Utilities Housing and Urban settlements (%) Communities Ministry of Percentage of buildings in new Housing, Utilities 25 50 75 cities using renewable energy (%) and Urban Communities Average expenditure on housing Ministry of and transportation per household Housing, Utilities 24.7 25 (upper limit) as a percentage of the average and Urban annual income for renters (%) Communities Government expenditure on Enriched 3.17 [16] recreation, culture, and religion Consultation with Cultural and 3.76 4.34 (% of total government (2019/2020) experts Sports Life expenditure)   [13] Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy   [14] Household Income, Expenditure and Consumption Survey (HIECS) 2017/2018 - CAPMAS   [15] Urban Development Fund   [16] Ministry of Finance 194 Second Strategic Goal: Social Justice and Equality Source of General Goals Indicators 2019 2025 2030 Targets Subsidies, grants, and social Ministry of Social 3.94 [17] Solidarity benefits as a percentage of GDP (2019/2020) (Targets were not (%) provided) Percentage of government Ministry of Social 13.94 Solidarity resources allocated to social (2019/2020) (Targets were not protection programs (%) provided) Percentage of households covered 70 [18] Consultation with 61 52 Social by ration cards (total) (%) (2019-2021) experts Protection Percentage of working population Ministry of Social Provision 40.2 [19] Solidarity covered by social insurance (male) (2020) (Targets were not (%) provided) Percentage of working population Ministry of Social 71.4 Solidarity covered by social insurance (2020) (Targets were not (female) (%) provided) Percentage of working population Ministry of Social 44.7 Solidarity covered by social insurance (total) (2020) (Targets were not (%) provided)   [17] Ministry of Finance   [18] Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade   [19] Labor Force Survey 2020 - CAPMAS 195 Source of General Goals Indicators 2019 2025 2030 Targets Female labor force participation 14.3 [20] Consultation with 19 24 Gender Gap rate (%) (2020) experts Reduction [21] Consultation with Gender Inequality Index (GII) 0.449 0.401 0.376 experts Inclusion 0.29 [22] Consultation with and Equal Gini Coefficient 0.283 0.275 (2017/2018) experts Opportunities Ministry of Average annual household [23] Planning and income in rural areas to urban 74 77 85 Economic areas (%) Development 2030 Promotion Lower Upper of Spatial bound bound and Local Development Employment rate in urban 36.5 [24] Ministry of governorates 38 42 Planning and Economic Employment rate in urban Lower Development 38.0 Egypt   [20] Ministry of Manpower   [21] Human Development Report 2020 - UNDP   [22] Household Income, Expenditure and Consumption Survey (HIECS) 2017/2018 - CAPMAS   [23] Household Income, Expenditure and Consumption Survey (HIECS) 2019/2020 - CAPMAS   [24] Labor Force Survey 2019 - CAPMAS 196 Source of General Goals Indicators 2019 2025 2030 Targets 2030 Lower Upper bound bound Employment rate in rural Lower 41.4 Egypt Employment rate in urban Upper Promotion 36.9 Egypt of Spatial and Local Ministry of Development Employment rate in rural Upper Planning and 39.1 38 42 Egypt Economic Development Employment rate in urban border 42.0 governorates Employment rate in rural border 42.1 governorates 197 Third Strategic Goal: Integrated and Sustainable Environmental System Source of General Goals Indicators 2019 2025 2030 Targets Air pollution with particulate Facing Climate matter less than 10 micrometers in Ministry of Change [25] diameter (PM10) in Greater Cairo 120 108 79 Environment Challenges and the Delta (concentration in micrograms per cubic meter) Sustainability Ministry of Water Water use efficiency (US dollars 4.5 [26] of Natural 5.3 6.5 Resources and per cubic meter) (2020) Resources Irrigation Preserving Biodiversity and Percentage of protected areas Ensuring the from the total area of important Ministry of 22 22 40 Sustainability marine and coastal ecological Environment of Ecological systems (%) Systems   [25] Ministry of Environment   [26] Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation 198 Source of General Goals Indicators 2019 2025 2030 Targets Percentage of municipal solid Ministry of waste collected that is safely 21 13.7 8.5 Environment disposed of (sanitary landfill) (%) Efficiency of municipal solid waste Ministry of 55.4 88 95 collection (%) Environment Waste Percentage of municipal solid Management waste collected that is recycled Ministry of (mechanical-biological treatment) 15 53 60 Environment in an environmentally sound manner (%) Percentage of municipal solid Ministry of waste collected that is thermally 0 [27] 3 20 Environment treated for energy generation (%)   [27] Ministry of Environment 199 Fourth Strategic Goal: Diversified, Knowledge-based, and Competitive Economy Source of General Goals Indicators 2019 2025 2030 Targets Growth rate of per capita Gross Consultation Domestic Product (based on 3.7 [28] 4.5 5 with experts purchasing power parity) (%) Fostering Productivity, Total exports in billion US dollars 47.7 [29] Consultation 72 104 Diversity, and (goods and services) (2019/2020) with experts Value Added Ministry of Economic complexity index Planning and 69 [30] 60 50 (ranking out of 133 countries) Economic Development Improving Ministry of the Business Global Competitiveness Index Planning and Environment 93 [31] 80 65 (ranking out of 141 countries) Economic and Enhancing Development Competitiveness   [28] World Bank   [29] Central Bank of Egypt   [30] The Atlas of Economic Complexity by the Growth Lab at Harvard University   [31] Global Competitiveness Report 2019 – The World Economic Forum 200 Source of General Goals Indicators 2019 2025 2030 Targets Ministry of Macroeconomic Stability Index Planning and 135 120 80 (ranking out of 141 countries) Economic Development Ministry of Institutions Efficiency Index Planning and 82 75 65 Improving (ranking out of 141 countries) Economic the Business Development Environment and Enhancing Ministry of Share of private sector Competitiveness 28.2 [32] Planning and investments in total investments 50 65 (2020/2021) Economic (%) Development Ministry of Net foreign direct investment as 2 Planning and a percentage of Gross Domestic 2.5 3 (2019/2020) Economic Product (%) Development   [32] Ministry of Planning and Economic Development 201 Source of General Goals Indicators 2019 2025 2030 Targets Increasing Proportion of informal Decent Consultation employment in the total labor 54.8 [33] 50 44 Employment with experts force (%) Opportunities Annual growth rate of the Financial financial inclusion rate, which inclusion Shift towards is the percentage of adults (16 rate in Central Bank of Financial years and older) using transaction 1-3% December Egypt Inclusion accounts** (including bank and 2021: postal accounts, prepaid cards, 56.2% and mobile phone wallets) Ministry of Share of non-oil manufacturing in 12.3 Planning and 16 20 Gross Domestic Product (%) (2019/2020) Economic Manufacturing Development Revitalization Ministry of Share of total manufacturing in 16.11 Planning and 22 28 Gross Domestic Product (%) (2019/2020) Economic Development ** According to the World Bank’s definition   [33] Labor Force Survey 2019 - CAPMAS 202 Source of General Goals Indicators 2019 2025 2030 Targets Supporting Proportion of small-scale Small and 4 [34] industries with a loan or line of (2020) 8 11 MSMEDA Medium-sized credit (%)*** Enterprises Total government revenue as a 15.85 [35] Consultation percentage of Gross Domestic 16.4 19 (2019/2020) with experts Attaining Product (%) Fiscal Sustainability Tax revenue as a percentage of 12 Consultation 16 21 Gross Domestic Product (%) (2019/2020) with experts *** Proportion of existing industrial projects that received financing from MSMEDA as a share of total small-scale projects existing in the agency’s lending portfolio   [34] Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA)   [35] Ministry of Finance – Ministry of Planning and Economic Development 203 Fifth Strategic Goal: Well-Developed Infrastructure Source of General Goals Indicators 2019 2025 2030 Targets Providing Ministry of Basic and Thermal efficiency of electrical 48.6 [36] Electricity and 50.2 50.2 Adequate power generation (%) (2020/2021) Renewable Services Energy Quality of Road Infrastructure Ministry of Index (ranking out of 141 28 [37] 25 22 Transportation countries) Providing Secure and Sustainable Road Connectivity Index (ranking Ministry of 48 46 44 Transportation out of 141 countries) Transportation Systems Infrastructure Pillar in the Global Ministry of Competitiveness Index (ranking 52 50 48 Transportation out of 141 countries)   [36] Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy   [37] Global Competitiveness Report 2019 – The World Economic Forum 204 Source of General Goals Indicators 2019 2025 2030 Targets Promoting Ministry of Sustainable Share of renewable energy in 20 Electricity and Energy 29.1 40.3 electricity generation (%) (2020/2021) Renewable Resources and Energy Systems Ministry of Fixed broadband subscriptions per Communications Developing 6.95 [38] 11 14 100 people (%) and Information Communication Technology and Information Ministry of Systems Internet subscriptions through Communications 40 65 79 mobile phones per 100 people (%) and Information Technology   [38] Ministry of Communications and Information Technology 205 Sixth Strategic Goal: Governance and Partnerships Source of General Goals Indicators 2019 2025 2030 Targets Consultation Institutions Index (score) 51.3 [39] 55.7 60 with experts Government Effectiveness 36.54 [40] Consultation 37.8 45 Index**** (2020) with experts Administrative Reform E-Government Development 0.49 [41] Consultation 0.57 0.6 Index (score) (2018) with experts Public Sector Performance Index Consultation 47.6 53.8 60 (score) with experts   [39] Global Competitiveness Report 2019 – The World Economic Forum **** Percentile rank (0-100)   [40] Worldwide Governance Indicators – The World Bank   [41] UN E-Government Knowledgebase 206 Source of General Goals Indicators 2019 2025 2030 Targets Corruption Perceptions Index***** Consultation 3.5 [42] 3.8 4.3 (score) with experts Consultation Reinforcing Control of Corruption Index**** 27.88 37.8 45 with experts Transparency and Combating Consultation Corruption Transparency Index (score) 35 42.5 50 with experts 41 [43] Consultation Open Budget Index (score) 53 65 (2017) with experts ***** Score (1-10): A higher score indicates higher transparency and less corruption   [42] Transparency International   [43] International Budget Partnership 207 Source of General Goals Indicators 2019 2025 2030 Targets 41.3 45 Consultation Rule of Law Index**** 37.98 Promoting with experts Accountability and Responsibility Institutions Checks and Balances Consultation 49.2 54.6 60 Index (score) with experts Percentage of local expenditure 11.02 [44] 15 20 Consultation from government expenditure in (2018/2019) with experts the State’s general budget (%) Percentage of local investment Empowering expenditure from the total 11.7 Consultation 17 25 Local investment expenditure in the (2018/2019) with experts Administration State’s general budget (%) Local revenue as a percentage of 2.3 3.8 5 Consultation national revenue (%) (2018/2019) with experts   [44] Ministry of Finance 208 Source of General Goals Indicators 2019 2025 2030 Targets Ministry of Strengthening Egypt’s share in global foreign Planning and 1.68 [45] 3 3.5 Partnerships direct investment flows (%) Economic Development Enhancing Regional and Trade openness as a percentage 32.13 [46] Consultation (2019/2020) 36.12 40.82 International of Gross Domestic Product (%) with experts Cooperation Preserving Consultation Stability and Regulatory Quality Index**** 18.75 26.4 35 with experts Security   [45] Calculated based on data from the Central Bank of Egypt and the OECD   [46] Ministry of Planning and Economic Development 209