Egypt's population growth continues slowing to 1.4 percent

The planning ministry said on Thursday that population growth in Egypt, the Arab world's most populous country, slowed to 1.4 percent in 2023, its lowest rate in decades.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi favours limiting population growth. He blames a recent high birth rate for straining services and the government budget.

The current population stands at just over 106 million, according to Egypt's official statistics agency.

About 60% of citizens are estimated to live below or close to the poverty line in a country burdened by water scarcity, lack of job opportunities and overcrowded schools and hospitals.

According to World Bank figures dating back to 1961, population growth in Egypt peaked at 2.8% in 1984-85 before declining to 1.9 percent in 2006, then surging again to 2.3% in 2014.

Since then, it has steadily declined, reaching 1.6 percent in 2022.

Sisi has launched a series of mega-projects that he says will provide jobs and infrastructure for a growing population, but critics say they divert resources and increase Egypt's debt burden.

The EU agreed in March to loan Egypt €7.4 billion in a cash-for-migration-control agreement with Cairo, after Brussels feared a migration wave arising from crises in Sudan and Gaza.

The funding pushes Egypt closer to the EU than ever before and gives President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi the incentive to implement even harsher policies towards migrants.

The EU claims the funding will help address Egypt’s long-term economic stability and mitigate the impacts of regional crises. But critics fear the funding will legitimise the regime’s actions towards refugees, in breach of international law.

In 2019, Egypt launched "Two Is Enough”, a family-planning campaign that aims to challenge the traditions of large families in rural areas.