Egypt is a prime market for education providers and investors who want exposure to the Middle East and North Africa, thanks to healthy investment fundamentals and a gap in the available services, PricewaterhouseCoopers says in its Understanding Middle East Education report (pdf). Enrolment figures are above global averages, but Egypt continues to struggle with providing the high quality education needed to meet the labor market’s needs. “Demand for education surpasses the current level of available resources, which adversely affects quality of service provision,” the report says. High demand, combined with an improving economy and a stable education system, means Egypt could be a fertile place of investment for education providers, PWC concludes.

We’re not doing great in terms of math and science education achievement, but neither are our regional peers. According to the report, a mere 5% of Egyptians “reached a high level of science ability compared to over 50% in many Asian countries.” Egypt outperforms Morocco and Saudi Arabia by a thin margin in math achievement, but comes in behind both, as well as the UAE, in science achievement.

A balance between private sector participation and an expansion of the state-funded education system is key to see the overall quality of education improve and meet the demands of the labor market. “While private sector providers enhance parent choice in terms of quality, and relieve governments of capacity pressures, it is essential for government to maintain a balance between public and private education to ensure equitable access to education for all,” the report says.