Economic Crisis in Egypt: The Toll on Workers in Numbers (April 2025)
1. Rising Inflation and Shrinking Purchasing Power
– Egypt has endured successive waves of inflation in recent years. Although the pace has eased slightly in recent months, inflation remains stubbornly high.
– In February 2025, the annual inflation rate in urban areas was 12.8%, down from steeper levels seen in 2024. However, by March 2025, it had climbed again to 13.6%.
– Elevated inflation has substantially reduced the real value of workers’ wages, leaving them able to afford fewer essentials with the same income.
– A notable example is the sharp rise in food and beverage prices, which has had a particularly harsh impact on low-income families and wage earners. In March 2025, food inflation reached 6.6% year-on-year, an increase from February.