This study examines why Egyptian youth are failing to make an easy transition from the education system into the job market and whether entrepreneurship is one potential solution to the country’s employment problems. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research, we analyze Egypt’s education system, determinants of job market access more broadly, the political environment, health and financial services, and finally, the entrepreneurship ecosystem to uncover where problems lie and identify potential solutions.
“When you look at the Egyptian market we see a lack of vocational training,” says Sherif Kamel, Dean of the American University in Cairo Business School. “The country has been obsessed with university degrees for years; it’s believed that unless you have one, you’re doomed. But look at the number of jobs out there that don’t need a degree; it’s a huge number. The amount of people who have degrees and are overqualified for their jobs is very large. There needs to be a concentration on vocational training.”
Although quality of education was seem as one of the most significant determinants of how successful a young person will be in the job search, social connections were most commonly cited as the key to success in getting a job. The survey responses also suggest that there is a growing appetite among Egyptian youth to work in the private sector.
Factors Affecting EmploymentAlthough quality of education was seem as one of the most significant determinants of how successful a young person will be in the job search, social connections were most commonly cited as the key to success in getting a job. The survey responses also suggest that there is a growing appetite among Egyptian youth to work in the private sector.
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