Employment in Egypt navigates technological disruption

The Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) of the Egyptian Cabinet has released a report analyzing the future of employment, focusing on the transformative impact of technology and global economic shifts.

Based on studies since the World Economic Forum’s first “Future of Work” report, the analysis highlights opportunities and challenges as technology and globalization reshape the labor market.

Key findings reveal a growing demand for analytical, non-routine jobs, while routine tasks are increasingly automated. Between 2007 and 2018, the U.S. lost 2.6 million jobs to automation, particularly in roles such as data entry and administrative assistance. However, new roles across industries and supply chains are emerging, driven by advanced technologies like cloud computing, big data, AI, and robotics. Adoption has accelerated in the last two years, with encryption technologies also gaining prominence to counter rising digital threats.

The impact of technology adoption varies by sector. AI is revolutionizing digital communication, finance, healthcare, and transportation, while big data and IoT are prevalent in industries like mining. Governments focus on encryption, while automation is reshaping value chains and workforce structures. By 2025, 85 million jobs could be replaced by machines, but 97 million new roles are expected to arise globally, including data analysts, AI specialists, robotics engineers, and renewable energy professionals.

To address workforce shifts, the IDSC recommends reskilling programs, modernizing education, strengthening data security, and fostering innovation in sectors like healthcare and fintech. Social safety nets and effective governance will be crucial in ensuring economic stability during this transition.

The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of strategic planning to ensure sustainable economic growth in tandem with technological advancements.