Minister of Labor: Egypt’s unemployment rate drops to 6%, reflecting economic strength

CAIRO – 22 May 2026: Minister of Labor Hassan Raddad affirmed that the decline in Egypt’s unemployment rate to approximately 6% during the first quarter of 2026 reflects the strength of the Egyptian economy and the significant development momentum the country is witnessing under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

The minister explained that the state places employment at the top of its priorities in line with directives from the political leadership.

He noted that efforts to address unemployment are being implemented through a “comprehensive development vision” that goes beyond traditional solutions by focusing on improving the quality of job opportunities and increasing labor force participation across various sectors.

Raddad emphasized that the launch of the National Employment Strategy, initiated under the direction of President El-Sisi, represents a major turning point. The strategy aims to keep pace with modern work patterns, digital transformation, and the green economy, while ensuring the efficient integration of new entrants into the labor market.

The minister announced that the Ministry is currently working on two main tracks: accelerating the issuance of the “New Egyptian Occupational Classification Guide” to better align technical education with the needs of the global labor market and future jobs, and expanding “training-for-employment” programs that directly connect trainees with job opportunities in private sector institutions.

He added that these efforts are complemented by job fairs and a weekly employment bulletin that transparently offers thousands of job opportunities.

The Minister of Labor also highlighted the vital role of labor representation offices abroad in opening new opportunities for Egyptian workers while ensuring the protection of their rights and welfare.

He noted that these efforts enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian workers in regional and international labor markets. He further stressed that the private sector remains the main engine of economic growth and that the state’s strategy focuses on removing obstacles that hinder its ability to absorb more workers.

Raddad concluded by emphasizing that the combined efforts in training, employment, and updating professional data represent a cornerstone for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in Egypt Vision 2030.