Egypt's Unemployment Drops to 6.2% in Late 2025

More Egyptians are finding work as the country's job market continues its steady climb. The unemployment rate dropped to 6.2% between October and December 2025, down from 6.4% just three months earlier.

The numbers tell a story of real progress. Nearly 180,000 people joined the workforce during those three months, while 77,000 fewer Egyptians were looking for work without success.

Women are making particularly strong gains in Egypt's changing economy. Female unemployment fell to 14.3%, a significant improvement from 15% the previous quarter and down sharply from 16.6% a year earlier. Male unemployment also dipped slightly to 3.8%.

Rural areas are seeing the most dramatic changes. Unemployment in Egypt's countryside dropped to just 3.4%, compared with 4.5% a year ago. Cities still face higher joblessness at 9.7%, but that's down from 10.1% in the summer.

The workforce itself is expanding too. Egypt's labor force grew to nearly 35 million people, adding over 100,000 workers to the economy. Total employment now stands at 32.7 million, with steady growth in both urban and rural areas.

The Ripple Effect

Egypt's improving job market reflects years of economic reforms finally reaching everyday families. When unemployment drops, more households have steady income to spend at local businesses, pay for education, and plan for the future.

The gains are especially meaningful for young Egyptians entering the workforce. Lower unemployment means recent graduates have better odds of finding their first jobs, building careers, and contributing to their communities.

These numbers represent real people starting new chapters: a Cairo woman landing her first office job, a rural family launching a small business, a father bringing home a paycheck after months of searching.

Egypt's job market still faces challenges, but the momentum points in the right direction for millions of families building better futures.