Egypt has emerged as the leading Arab and African country in food self-sufficiency, achieving a remarkable rate of 81 percent in 2024, according to newly released data. The performance places Egypt 15th globally, reflecting the country’s accelerated efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity and food security for its citizens.
With a population of approximately 108 million, Egypt faces enormous pressure to provide sustainable food resources. Despite the challenge of having 96 percent of its landmass covered by desert, the nation has implemented bold reforms to expand its cultivable land and improve water management.
Agricultural Expansion in the Desert
One of the most notable achievements has been the transformation of the Western Desert, where millions of acres have been brought under cultivation through large-scale land reclamation projects. These initiatives have not only increased food supply but also created new employment opportunities in rural areas.
Water Management Innovations
Given Egypt’s dependence on the River Nile, water management remains critical to sustaining agriculture. Authorities have invested heavily in giant water treatment plants, enabling water to be recycled multiple times for irrigation and domestic use. This innovation has been widely recognized as a cornerstone of Egypt’s progress in achieving higher levels of food independence.
National Leadership and Policy Direction
Government officials attribute these milestones to strong political will and visionary leadership, which prioritized agricultural reform as a key pillar of national development. Strategic policies, coupled with significant investments in technology and infrastructure, have driven progress even in the face of environmental and demographic pressures.
Regional and Global Recognition
By leading the Arab and African regions in food self-sufficiency, Egypt has positioned itself as a model for other developing nations tackling food insecurity. Analysts suggest that if current reforms continue, Egypt could move even higher in the global rankings over the next decade.
