Egypt: A State of Institutions… Reflecting on the Past Year and Anticipating the Year Ahead
By Eng. Abdel Hamid Batikh – Economic Expert and Pioneer in Community Development, Human Rights, and Development Issues
Egypt entered 2025 facing significant challenges, some internal, stemming from accumulated economic pressures and social demands, and some external, imposed by unprecedented regional and international developments. Yet, the country’s wise and prudent leadership demonstrated its ability to steer the nation through turbulent waters, relying on a clear vision, informed crisis management, and a steadfast belief that the state’s stability and continuity are the highest priorities, non-negotiable under any circumstance. This successful navigation was not coincidental but the result of a continuous approach grounded in wisdom, balance, and a careful reconciliation between reform requirements and social protection needs.
The year 2025 witnessed highly complex international and regional developments, from ongoing regional conflicts to disruptions in global supply chains and economic pressures affecting countries worldwide—not Egypt alone. Nevertheless, the cohesion of Egyptian state institutions, the leadership’s awareness of the magnitude of these challenges, and the popular alignment with the state collectively formed a real safeguard that enabled Egypt to contain crises and prevent them from escalating into instability or undermining the gains of previous years.
As Egypt approaches 2026, the country steps into the new year with steady and balanced progress, particularly on the economic front. Positive indicators have begun to emerge, including fiscal policy stabilization, an enhanced role for the private sector, and an expansion of production capacity, reflecting a genuine commitment to a more resilient economy. Emphasis on industrial localization, support for small and medium enterprises, and opening new investment opportunities represents a key pillar for improving growth rates and creating real employment opportunities.
Politically, Egypt continues with calculated steps to strengthen institutional stability, reinforce the principle of a state governed by institutions, and uphold the constitution and the rule of law. This is part of a comprehensive vision aiming to enhance political participation and broaden dialogue, ensuring a balance between national security requirements and citizens’ rights to expression and engagement.
Socially, the state continues to adopt policies that respect citizens’ rights and place social justice at the core of development. Social protection, support for vulnerable groups, and improvement of basic service quality are no longer mere slogans—they have become clear action paths, reflecting a genuine understanding that development is incomplete without its human component.
The year 2026 will be pivotal, witnessing the formation of the new House of Representatives, expected to play an active legislative role in passing pending laws and introducing new legislation that serves citizens, supports the economy, and strengthens state sovereignty. The same year will see the formation of a new government aligned with the next phase’s requirements, alongside the inauguration of national and developmental projects, reflecting the state’s ongoing commitment to construction and development.
Furthermore, 2026 will mark the launch of new strategies and the renewal of existing ones, notably the National Human Rights Strategy, reflecting the state’s commitment to enhancing rights and freedoms within a framework that preserves stability and safeguards the nation. Additionally, legislative reforms and initiatives across various levels aim to accelerate economic growth, protect national assets, and ensure citizens’ rights.
Egypt’s aspirations for the coming period go beyond merely overcoming crises; they aim to build a sustainable development model based on a strong economy, effective institutions, and a cohesive society. Achieving this requires clear roles for all: a conscious House of Representatives with legislative and oversight responsibilities, state institutions operating collaboratively, and citizens understanding that participation and commitment are the foundation of nation-building.
Looking at the economy, Egypt enters 2026 carrying positive indicators that reflect the state’s resilience and adaptability. Official data show that the Egyptian economy achieved positive growth rates despite global turbulence, with notable improvements in foreign direct investment and increased contributions from key sectors, including industry, agriculture, and energy. The structural economic reform program has continued, boosting foreign currency reserves, improving fiscal sustainability indicators, and gradually reducing unemployment, alongside the expansion of social protection programs benefiting millions of citizens, notably conditional cash transfer programs such as “Takaful & Karama.”
On the development front, Egypt has implemented thousands of national projects in infrastructure, housing, energy, and transport over recent years, enhancing the state’s capacity to attract investments and creating a more stable environment for economic growth. This provides a solid foundation as the country enters a new year, opening wider opportunities for growth and improving citizens’ quality of life. Estimates suggest that 2026 may witness greater growth indicators, increased investment, and continued expansion of productive projects, directly benefiting the labor market and citizens’ living standards.
In summary, reflecting on the past year and the year ahead, Egypt can be described as navigating 2025’s challenges while stepping confidently into 2026. 2025 tested resilience, and 2026 promises a year of confident progress. Egypt advances steadily into 2026 with the experience, willpower, and leadership capable of turning challenges into opportunities. The real key remains the continued unity between the state and its citizens, and prioritizing national interest above all else, ensuring that Egypt remains strong, secure, and capable of shaping a future worthy of its history and civilization.
