In a striking debut of the African Development Bank’s Public Service Delivery Index (PSDI), Egypt has emerged as the second-best performing nation across Africa—a testament to the country’s ambitious reform agenda and its investment in modern infrastructure. The 2024 report, published by the African Development Institute, awarded Egypt a score of 58.99 out of 100, well above the continental average of 45.39 and the North African regional average of 50.55.
The PSDI offers a first-of-its-kind, multidimensional assessment of public service effectiveness across five key areas: electricity and energy, food security, regional integration, industrial capacity, and socioeconomic inclusion.
A New Benchmark for African Public Services
At the heart of the report’s findings is a portrait of a country on the move. Egypt ranked first in Africa in the power and energy sector, scoring an impressive 75.61 points, underpinned by near-universal access to electricity, improved generation capacity, and an effective regulatory framework.
The report notes that Egypt scored 82.71 in electricity access and usage, 65.97 in generation, and an exceptional 93.52 in the regulatory environment. While still partially reliant on fossil fuels, Egypt’s gradual pivot toward renewables—aiming to generate 42% of its electricity from clean sources by 2035—positions it as a regional pioneer in energy transition.
“The PSDI reflects the scale of transformation in Egypt’s infrastructure over recent years, enhancing our economy’s resilience and readiness to attract investment,” said Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning and Economic Development. “These results also reaffirm Egypt’s role as a gateway for regional integration and sustainable growth across Africa.”
A Logistics and Trade Hub in the Making
Egypt’s strategic geographic position, coupled with massive investments in transport and industrial infrastructure, has made it a central node for intra-African trade. The report reveals that Egypt ranks third on the continent in regional integration, with a score of 56.72, and achieved a remarkable 91.47% in road infrastructure quality.
Cairo has been among the early signatories and ratifiers of pan-African trade pacts like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Tripartite Free Trade Area, and it is aggressively expanding its network of ports, railways, and highways to meet the growing demand for cross-border commerce.
Egypt also led the continent in industrial zone infrastructure, scoring 58.76, despite a lower regulatory environment rating of 48.65. The country’s modern, integrated industrial zones are drawing both regional and international manufacturers, bolstering its position as a potential manufacturing hub.
Investing in Human Capital
A particularly strong performance came in youth empowerment, where Egypt was ranked first in Africa for youth training and employment, with 78.69 points—highlighting the success of state-led initiatives aimed at bridging the skills gap and boosting job readiness. Additionally, 62.18 points in social and economic inclusion positioned Egypt among the top seven nations on the continent.
Access to safe drinking water now stands at 99%, while improvements in healthcare infrastructure are ongoing, with a current rating of 51.6 in healthcare quality.
The report also praised Egypt’s strides in gender equality, citing rising female enrollment in higher education and a notable increase in women’s parliamentary representation, which reached 27.7% in 2021. A national strategy for women’s empowerment remains a cornerstone of Egypt’s inclusive development agenda.
Economic Outlook: From Recovery to Resilience
Parallel to the PSDI, the African Economic Outlook 2025—another flagship report by the African Development Bank—offered cautious optimism for Egypt’s economy. Despite facing regional geopolitical headwinds, the report forecasts a gradual recovery: real GDP growth is expected to rise from 2.4% in 2024 to 3.9% in 2025, reaching 4.8% by 2026.
The recovery, the report notes, is fueled by a combination of:
- Economic diversification, including renewed focus on industry, tourism, and renewables
- Ongoing public investment in infrastructure
- Commitment to structural reforms in partnership with international institutions
“Egypt is demonstrating resilience amid uncertainty,” the report stated, highlighting the country’s strong international backing for green transition policies and economic reforms. The African Development Bank emphasized that Egypt’s recovery would play a pivotal role in driving growth across North Africa, a region projected to benefit from Egypt’s continued economic expansion.
A Continental Leader on the Rise
Egypt’s performance in the PSDI is more than a numerical victory—it’s a reflection of policy ambition, strategic investment, and cross-sectoral reform. While challenges remain, particularly in food security and regulatory frameworks for industrial development, the report places Egypt at the vanguard of public service innovation in Africa.
