Top 5 Poor Governorates in Egypt

It’s well known that Egypt has a high rate of poverty but according to CAPMAS Egypt’s rate has declined from 32.5% to 29.7% in just two years! Moreover, the monthly income has become 735.5 EGP in 2018/2019. So, let’s take a look at the governorates that have the highest poverty rate.

1. Asyut:

It is by far the poorest governorate with 66.7% of Egypt’s total percentage of poverty. Since General Essam Saad became the governor of Asyut, he faced so many challenges and projects that were delayed for over 18 years! So he started prioritizing them by working on the health sector, education, unlicensed houses built on agricultural fields, and most importantly on cleaning the streets and public facilities of the governorate.

2. Sohag:

In 2015 Sohag had a poverty rate of 65.8 but that declined to 59.6 in the past years. Sohag struggles with poorly structured houses, dysfunctional schools, and of course poor health care! After the implementation of the initiative Decent Life, the change began. Starting with schools like Berkheel Elementary School that was renovated and building a central hospital so all the villages have access to proper health care.

3. Aswan:

55.3% is a huge number when it comes to poverty rate! However, the presidential program New Life is currently targeting more than 15 villages in Aswan to change their living conditions for the better and end poverty there. The program is providing these villages with clean water and sanitation, electricity, and natural gas.

4. El-Menya:

El-Menya ranks fourth with a rate of 54%! Minister of Social Solidarity, Neveen Al-Qabaj highlighted the substance abuse issue due to poverty in El-Menya. This was a red flag and an action is now being taken to address this issue. Renovation is underway in almost 192 villages in El-Menya. Citizens are receiving proper housing, education and health services, and evidently, new job opportunities are created.

5. Qena:

Qena has a poverty rate of 41%. Qena has been struggling with poor health services, but the governorate set a plan for Qena’s 2024 vision. This vision involves project implementation, clean water, and much more. Also, Qena started a child protection service which is a huge milestone.

Despite these high rates of poverty, the government has been working on more than one initiative to help people living in underprivileged areas. The government is prioritizing basic life needs like nutrition, education, housing, and health care. So, hopefully, in the near future, we will say that Egypt has no poverty.