Egypt will struggle to capitalise on growing youth

Significance

The most populous Arab nation is adding 2 million people each year and two-thirds of Egyptians are under the age of 30. This creates pressure on government services and the jobs market. Yet, correctly harnessed, it could be a source of economic growth.

Impacts

• The economy is not ready to absorb the growing number of labour market entrants.
• The uptick in poverty compared with pre-2016 levels will result in developmental deficiencies among young people.
• Rising discontent within the growing population will threaten the country's stability in the long term.