President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is set to unveil an extensive housing program that targets rental apartments, social housing, and homes for middle-income families. This initiative will see the delivery of new homes across Egypt over the next four years, as announced by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly during the “Market Regulation and a More Effective Social Protection System” session at the Egypt Forum 2026.
Expanding Housing Options
The primary goal of this housing initiative is to broaden the housing choices available to various segments of Egyptian society, making it easier for citizens to find appropriate accommodations. Madbouly emphasized the government’s commitment to rolling out rental housing units, following directives from President El-Sisi to address changing needs in the housing market. The president had previously announced plans to introduce thousands of rental units, reinforcing ongoing initiatives like “Housing for All Egyptians” and other social housing projects.
Over the last few years, Egypt has successfully completed around two million housing units, primarily through social housing initiatives. These programs aim to assist citizens in achieving home ownership by offering accessible payment plans that can extend up to 20 years, all at rates that remain competitive in the broader real estate market. Recognizing that many families struggle to afford units developed by private companies, the government is taking proactive steps to diversify housing solutions.
The Importance of Rental Housing
Madbouly noted that rental housing was a common option in Egypt until the mid-20th century, but the decline seen in recent decades can be traced back to outdated laws and policies. He pointed out that this deterioration has contributed to the rise of slums in various parts of the country, underlining the significance of providing a wider array of housing options to prevent such developments in the future. He drew comparisons with countries that have a thriving rental market, where up to 50% of housing units are rented, highlighting the potential for similar growth in Egypt.
Commitment to Social Protection
In addition to housing, Madbouly reiterated the government’s dedication to social protection programs. He acknowledged that while necessary economic reforms are vital for progress, they could adversely affect certain population segments. Therefore, the government is pledging to enhance support systems to mitigate these impacts on vulnerable families. One of the key initiatives, the Takaful and Karama program, has already benefited approximately 8.2 million Egyptian families since its inception, providing crucial support to help families escape poverty through structured employment and income opportunities.
Moreover, he outlined plans to reform the food subsidy system to ensure that assistance reaches households in need without reducing the overall budget or number of beneficiaries. In place of the current distribution model, which covers essential commodities, a proposed cash-based system would empower families to purchase necessities directly.
Prioritizing Public Services
Madbouly conveyed that funding for health and education has seen increases of 30% and 20% respectively, yet more substantial growth is essential for enhancing service quality. The government is actively seeking new resources to sustain social protection initiatives and is determined to improve the living conditions of Egyptians amid unprecedented global challenges. He emphasized the high living costs and the worldwide crisis influencing Egypt’s economic landscape but reassured citizens that their standards of living would remain the government’s top priority in the coming years.