BOP in Egypt

In 2009, DIBD undertook a comprehensive market study, exploring the business opportunities at the BOP in Egypt. The following sections are based on the market study.

In Egypt, approximately 18 million (one fourth of the population) live on an annual per capita income of less than USD 1,500 PPP - at the lowest base of the economic pyramid.

There are a limited number of documented BOP business ventures in Egypt. However, there are significant opportunities for the private sector to develop and sell low-cost, customized products for the poor. Engaging the poor consumers in the production processes can furthermore reduce the current level of poverty.

Demographics

Only 6 pct. of the country's 1,001,450 km2 is inhabited, and the population is predominantly located along the Nile. More than half of the population in Egypt live in rural areas and one third of the urban population live in Cairo (around 12 million). 

Poverty is concentrated in rural areas

Poverty in Egypt is concentrated in rural areas, particularly in rural Upper Egypt - the Southern part of Egypt – where 25 pct. of the total population lives. The share of the extreme poor, however, is almost 66 pct., and almost 95 pct. of the poorest villages are located in Upper Egypt.