Egypt’s Unemployment Rate Falls to 5.8% in Q2 2026

Egypt's unemployment rate fell to 5.8% in the second quarter of 2026, down from 6% in the first quarter and 6.2% at the end of 2025, according to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS).

The official measure reflects the proportion of people of working age who are actively seeking employment. The latest figures point to a continued decline in unemployment during the first half of the year.

The labour market data comes as business activity in the country's non-oil private sector remains under pressure. According to S&P Global, Egypt's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) improved slightly in July to 46.8 from the previous month but remained below the neutral 50-point threshold for the seventh consecutive month, indicating continued contraction.

Economists and social researchers cited by local media said much of the recent employment growth has been concentrated in the services sector, particularly delivery work. Official estimates from 2022 indicated there were around 6 million delivery workers in Egypt, with many lacking social insurance, health insurance and accident coverage.

The figures come amid broader economic reforms and rising living costs. Recent government measures have included increases in fuel prices and electricity tariffs, while official forecasts continue to project economic growth in the current fiscal year despite ongoing pressures on households and businesses.