Egypt to Boost Health Spending by 30%, Education Funding by 20% in FY2026/27

Egypt's government will significantly increase spending on healthcare and education in the upcoming 2026/27 fiscal year, with health allocations set to rise by 30% and education funding by 20%, despite an overall expenditure increase of just 13.5%, Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk announced on Saturday.

The planned increases underscore the government's efforts to strengthen essential public services while maintaining fiscal discipline amid ongoing economic reform measures.

Speaking on the priorities of the new state budget, Kouchouk said the government is working closely with the Ministries of Health and Education to ensure that higher spending translates into measurable improvements in the quality and accessibility of services provided to citizens.

Healthcare remains a central focus of the budget. The minister revealed that EGP 47.5 billion has been earmarked for state-funded medical treatment programs, health insurance support, and pharmaceutical subsidies, representing an annual increase of 69%.

The allocation is expected to support the expansion of healthcare coverage and improve access to treatment for millions of Egyptians, particularly low-income households.

Kouchouk also announced additional funding to facilitate the rollout of Egypt's Universal Health Insurance System in Minya Governorate, part of the government's broader strategy to extend comprehensive healthcare services nationwide.

In a further effort to strengthen the healthcare sector, the budget allocates EGP 90.5 billion to the Unified Procurement Authority, marking a 25% year-on-year increase. The funding is intended to secure a stable supply of medicines, medical equipment, and essential healthcare products across public health facilities.

On the education front, the government has designated EGP 7.8 billion for the printing of pre-university school textbooks. Authorities are also working to enhance funding for maintenance programs and educational materials as part of wider efforts to improve learning environments and educational outcomes.

The minister emphasized that public investment will increasingly be directed toward upgrading and maintaining healthcare and education infrastructure across Egypt's governorates, helping address long-standing capacity and service challenges.

The spending plans reflect the government's commitment to human capital development, with policymakers seeking to balance economic stabilization efforts with increased investment in sectors viewed as critical to long-term growth and social welfare.