Egypt's 10.2 million elderly face modest pensions
The number of Egyptians aged 60 and older grew to 10.2 million, but social protections fall short of living costs.
Egypt's population of people aged 60 and older reached 10.2 million, an increase from 9.8 million a year prior, according to the national statistics agency. This demographic is projected to constitute 14 percent of the population by 2050. The government has implemented pensions, a cash program for the poor, a new rights law, and health insurance reforms to support this group.
Despite these measures, unions, lawmakers, and researchers argue that pension payments are insufficient and eligibility criteria are becoming stricter. The minimum pension for new retirees was raised to EGP 1,755 (USD 31) in January, and existing pensions saw a 15 percent increase on July 1, costing an estimated EGP 70 billion (USD 1.25 billion) annually. Critics contend these amounts do not cover the cost of a dignified old age.
Pensions currently support approximately 11.5 million people, representing the primary source of financial aid for older Egyptians. However, concerns persist that some promised benefits remain largely on paper, failing to provide tangible support to those in need.
Why it mattersEgypt's growing elderly population faces inadequate social protection and pensions that fall short of covering living costs.