FY 2023 Egypt Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team | November 2023 Acknowledgements The Egypt (Egypt) Country Opinion Survey is part of the County Opinion Survey Program series of the World Bank Group. This report was prepared by the Business Intelligence (BI) team, led by José De Buerba (Senior External Affairs Officer) and Svetlana Markova (Senior External Affairs Officer). Yulia Danilina, Jessica Cameron, Nan Lin, and Sofya Gubaydullina oversaw the design, reporting, and analysis of the survey results. Noreen Wambui and Irina Popova provided data support. BI acknowledges the significant contribution from the Egypt country team and independent fielding agency, the Egyptian Center for Public Opinion Research (BASEERA). In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Maissa Gaber Ramadan Abdalla (External Affairs Officer) and Heba Wassef (Program Assistant) who coordinated the survey-related activities from Cairo, Egypt. Contents Objectives Methodology Overview Overall Context Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group World Bank Group’s Support in Development Areas World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground World Bank Group’s Knowledge Work and Activities The Future Role of the World Bank in Egypt Communication and Outreach Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology 3 Objectives This survey was designed to assist the World Bank Group (WBG) in gaining a better understanding of how stakeholders in Egypt perceive the WBG. The survey explored the following questions: 1. Overall Context: How do stakeholders perceive the country’s direction? How familiar are they with the WBG? How much do they trust the WBG? 2. Key Indicators: What opinion do key stakeholders have of the WBG when it comes to its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with Egypt’s development priorities, and other key indicators? Are opinions significantly different among stakeholder groups? 3. Development Priorities: What areas of development are perceived to be the most important? How effective is the WBG perceived to be in these areas? 4. Engagement and Work on the Ground: What do key stakeholders value the most and the least when it comes to the WBG’s work in Egypt? How is the WBG perceived as a development partner? 5. Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work: What opinion do key stakeholders have of WBG financial instruments and knowledge products? What are stakeholders’ suggestions to improve WBG’s effectiveness? 6. Communication and Outreach: What are the preferred communication channels and which channels are reported to be used the most? Are there differences among stakeholder groups in terms of preferred channels? 7. Message Recall: What key topics that the WBG communicates do stakeholders recall? Is there a relationship between message recall and views of the WBG’s work? 4 Methodology Overview Academia/Research Institute/Think 22% Tank ▪ Fielded May 2023 through August 2023 Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 20% ▪ 936 potential participants were asked to complete a mostly quantitative survey Government Institution 17% ▪ Respondents completed the questionnaire online, via email, or they Media 10% received the questionnaire by courier and returned it accordingly Civil Society Organization 9% ▪ A list of names was provided by the WBG country team and supplemented by the fielding agency Private Sector 8% ▪ Process managed on the ground by an independent fielding agency Office of a Minister 4% ▪ 203 participants (22% response rate) State-Owned Enterprise 3% ▪ 92% from Cairo Office of the President 2% ▪ 56% currently collaborate with the WBG Office of the Prime Minister 2% Other 1% Click here for details of the Respondent Sample and Methodology. Office of a Parliamentarian <1% Local Government Office or Staff <1% Q Which of the following best describes your current affiliation? (Select only 1 response) (Percentage of Respondents, N=202) 5 6 Overall Context “Coordinating work among development partners to achieve consensus on development priorities and following up on measuring the performance and development impact of various projects and interventions.” (Private Sector Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Egypt? (N=73) Familiarity with the World Bank Group All respondents 7.4 ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who collaborate with the WBG reported significantly higher levels of familiarity with the institution’s work: Government Principals^ 8.4 Mean familiarity: Collaborate with WBG = 7.9 Government Institution^ 7.9 Do not collaborate = 6.7 ▪ Stakeholder analysis: Government principals reported the Private Sector 7.9 highest level of familiarity with the WBG (mean = 8.4) while respondents from civil society reported significantly lower familiarity with the institution (mean = 6.2). Media 7.5 Bilateral / Multilateral Agency 7.2 Academia 7.1 Civil Society 6.2 How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group in Egypt? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Q Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Extremely familiar (N=203) Mean Familiarity Rating ^ The Government Principals group includes respondents from the Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister, and Office of a Minister; Government Institution group includes respondents from Significantly different between stakeholder groups Government Institutions, Local Governments, and State-Owned Enterprises. 7 The World Bank Group is among Bilateral Organizations 7.1 the Most Trusted Institutions in The World Bank Group 7.0 Egypt Regional development banks 7.0 Academia/think tanks/research Respondents gave the highest trust ratings for bilateral institutions 6.9 organizations, the WBG, and regional development banks. Egypt’s Central Bank 6.9 At the same time, the Parliament, local government, and the media in Egypt received somewhat lower trust ratings among Private sector 6.9 those institutions studied. The United Nations (UN) 6.6 ▪ Government principals reported the highest levels of trust Civil society 6.6 in the WBG (mean = 8.2), while respondents from civil society gave significantly lower ratings of trust in the The national government 6.5 institution (mean = 5.0). The International Monetary Fund 6.2 (IMF) Youth groups 5.9 Faith- based institutions 5.9 Parliament 5.5 Local government 5.1 Media 4.8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Trust To what extent do you trust each of the following groups to do what is right? Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree (FY23 N=~170) 8 9 Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group “Egypt could use the WBG analysis and reports on multiple topics more often to address issues such as food and water security, poverty, and unemployment issues and solutions. In addition, while there is a focus on sustainability, gender equality, climate change, and equipping the Egyptian workforce with 21st-century skills, there is a lack of solutions that pertain to the Egyptian outlook. The programs implemented seem to serve short-term objectives rather than long-term strategies that are translated to better performance on the different challenges facing Egypt.” (Government Institutions Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Egypt? (N=73) Key Performance Indicators Along with trust, respondents reported the highest ratings for the WBG’s alignment with development priorities in Egypt (mean=6.6). However, ratings in Egypt were significantly lower than in other IBRD countries surveyed in FY23*. 7.0 Trust 7.4 Alignment with development 6.6 priorities 7.3 6.5 Relevance 7.2 Egypt FY23 Influence on the 6.4 development agenda 6.9 IBRD FY23 Effectiveness in achieving 6.4 results 7.1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Egypt. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Egypt. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree To what extent does the WBG influence the development agenda in Egypt? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree How effective has the WBG been in achieving development results in Egypt? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective The WBG’s work helps end extreme poverty in Egypt. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree *FY23 IBRD countries included Armenia, Algeria, Albania, Azerbaijan, Jamaica, Montenegro, Malaysia, North Macedonia, Serbia, Mongolia, South Africa, Romania, and Turkey 10 Government Stakeholders 8.2 8.0 7.2 Have Significantly More Trust* 5.0 6.1 6.5 Positive Perceptions 6.4 7.9 of the WBG 7.1 7.6 Government Principles Alignment with 4.7 development priorities* 5.6 When comparing ratings of key performance 6.0 Government indicators among stakeholder groups, clear 6.3 Institutions patterns emerge in their perceptions of the WBG 7.6 and its work. Government principals and 7.7 Bilateral / respondents from government institutions 7.2 Multilateral Agency Relevance* 4.6 tended to have the most positive perceptions of 5.4 5.8 Civil Society the WBG and its work, followed closely by Organization 6.1 respondents from bilateral and multilateral agencies. In contrast, civil society respondents 7.4 Private Sector 7.4 were significantly less positive and they also Effectiveness in achieving 6.7 reported the lowest levels of familiarity with the 4.8 results* 5.6 Academia WBG. 5.7 6.3 7.4 Media 7.2 Q To what extent do you trust the WBG to do what is right? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree Influences the 5.6 6.8 The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for development agenda* 5.7 *Significantly different Egypt. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 5.8 among stakeholder 6.5 groups The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Egypt. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 How effective has the WBG been in achieving development results in Egypt? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Mean Rating To what extent does the WBG influence the development agenda in Egypt? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 11 Familiarity Leads to More Positive Perceptions Comparing ratings of key performance indicators 7.5 among respondents highly familiar with the WBG Trust* 6.3 (ratings of 8-10 on a 10-point scale) and those with 6.5 little familiarity with the WBG (ratings of 1-4 on a 7.3 10-point scale), we can see that the more familiar Relevance* 5.9 stakeholders are with the WBG, the more positive 4.3 perceptions they have of the WBG and its work. 7.1 Alignment* 6.1 Meaningful engagement and outreach can 5.0 increase positive perceptions. 7.1 Influence* 5.7 4.1 Effectiveness in 7.0 achieving 6.0 results* 4.7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent do you trust the WBG to do what is right? Scale: 1 To no Q degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Egypt. Scale: High Familiarity (8-10) Some Familiarity (5-7) Low Familiarity (1-4) 1Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Egypt. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree How familiar are you with the work of the WBG in Egypt? To what extent does the WBG influence the development agenda in Egypt? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree How effective has the WBG been in achieving development results in Egypt? *Significantly different between levels of familiarity Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective 12 Stakeholder Trends Across Performance Indicators All Respondents 6.5 Respondents from government institutions and bilateral / multilateral agencies had the highest mean ratings across the aggregated responses to the seventeen COS indicator Government Institution 7.9 questions whereas respondents from civil society, the private sector, and the media had significantly lower ratings. Bilateral / Multilateral Agency 7.7 ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who collaborate with the WBG gave significantly higher ratings across all Government Principals 7.7 indicator questions compared to respondents who do not collaborate with the WBG: Academia 6.8 Mean rating: Collaborate with WBG = 7.2 Do not collaborate = 5.5 Civil Society 6.2 Private Sector 6.2 Media 6.2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Aggregated Indicator Questions Q All Indicator Questions were asked on a Scale from 1 to 10. Click here for details of these Indicator Questions. 13 14 World Bank Group’s Support in Development Areas “Assisting the Egyptian government in determining priorities and building policies and strategies that aim to achieve real and sustainable economic growth that works to involve all segments and classes of society in achieving it in a way that positively improves the standard of living of the average citizen.” (Bilateral / Multilateral Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Egypt? (N=73) Development Areas Education 48% for WBG Focus Job creation / employment 43% Health 42% Education, job creation / employment, and health Private sector development 37% were identified as the top areas where stakeholders The top priority for High priority Macroeconomic stability 36% respondents from would like the WBG to focus its resources going for bilateral / forward. respondents Agriculture and food security 32% multilateral from agencies (42%) government organizations Climate change 28% ▪ Stakeholder analysis: Private sector development (45%) was the top priority for respondents from bilateral / Social protection 25% multilateral agencies (42%). Climate change (40%) Public sector governance 25% and macroeconomic stability (40%) were also among the high priorities for this group of Social Inclusion 21% stakeholders. Macroeconomic stability was an area Energy / Extractives 20% of high priority for respondents from government Debt sustainability 18% organizations (45%). Water supply and sanitation infrastructure 16% Environment / Natural resource 14% management Digital Development 11% Gender equity 10% Trade 10% Transport 8% Urban development 8% Regional integration 7% Other 5% Which areas should the WBG prioritize in its work in Egypt to have the most impact Q on development results in the country? (Choose no more than 5) 15 (Percentage of Respondents, N=191) Effectiveness of WBG’s Finance / Institutions / Economic Growth Support in Sectoral Areas Private sector development 5.9 The WBG’s work in transport received the highest ratings of effectiveness in Egypt. However, ratings for the WBG’s work in several top-priority areas, for Job creation / employment 5.9 example, education and health, received somewhat lower ratings. Public sector governance 5.8 Gender equity 6.1 Human Development Macroeconomic stability 5.7 Social protection 6.0 Trade 5.3 Social Inclusion 5.7 Health 5.4 Debt sustainability 5.3 Education 5.2 Environmental Sustainability Infrastructure Transport 6.4 Environment / Natural resource 6.2 management Water supply and sanitation 6.2 infrastructure Climate change 6.2 Digital Development 6.0 Agriculture and food security 5.8 Urban development 5.9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Effectiveness Mean Rating of Effectiveness How effective do you believe the WBG is in terms of the work it does in the following areas of development in Egypt? Scale: 1 Not effective at all Q – 10 Very effective (If you have NO exposure to/experience in working in any of the sectors listed below, please respond “Don’t know”) 16 17 World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground “Be more responsive to the immense changes happening in Egypt and the world. Also, work on providing more holistic and multi-sectorial solutions to Egypt’s complex problems.” (Civil Society Respondent) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Egypt? (N=73) Q Financial Resources are the Bank’s Greatest Value Providing financial resources 49% Financial resources were considered the WBG’s greatest value by respondents, followed by capacity Capacity building and training, 37% building, training, and technical assistance. technical assistance Bringing together different stakeholder In your opinion, what is the most important thing 31% groups the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Egypt? “Increasing the financing packages provided to raise the Providing data and statistics 26% status of the Egyptian economy and paying attention to actively engaging the private sector to increase its Providing advisory services and investments in the Egyptian economy through a sound analytics to support design or 26% governance framework that prevents the interference of implementation of policies stakeholders and influence in work mechanisms. While protecting the successful programs of the World Bank in Producing research on global the institutions it deals with from any changes in the 15% development issues senior management of those institutions.” (Government Institutions Respondent) Mobilizing third-party financial 7% resources Other 3% Q When thinking about the WBG’s role in Egypt, which activity do you VALUE the most? 18 (Choose no more than 2) (Percentage of Respondents, N=176) Perceptions of the WBG as Development Partner Varied Among Stakeholders Groups 8.3 In FY23, government respondents perceived the WBG as a significantly more responsive, Being a long-term partner* 7.7 accessible, and flexible long-term partner 6.6 than respondents from non-government organizations. 7.8 Access to WBG staff and experts* 6.7 Government 5.8 Organizations^ 7.5 Bilateral / Responsiveness to needs* 6.9 Multilateral 5.5 Agency 7.4 Non-government Organizations^^ Flexibility when circumstances change* 6.8 5.4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Egypt, in terms of each of the following? Mean Rating Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree *Significantly different among stakeholder groups ^ Government Organizations include respondents from the Office of the President, Prime Minister, Office of a minister, government institutions, local government offices, and state-owned enterprises ^^ Non-government Organizations include respondents from civil society organizations, the private sector, academia, and media 19 WBG as a Development Partner: Collaborating with Various Groups 7.8 The national government* 7.5 In FY23, the WBG received the highest mean ratings for its 6.6 collaboration with the national government (mean = 7.2), Other donors and development 7.7 followed by other donors and development partners 6.8 partners* 5.9 (mean = 6.6) and regional development banks (mean = 7.2 6.3). WBG’s collaboration with faith-based institutions Regional development banks* 6.6 5.8 received the lowest ratings from all stakeholder groups. Academia/think tanks/research 7.2 6.3 institutions* 5.0 ▪ Respondents from the government organizations gave the highest ratings for the WBG’s collaboration with 7.1 Private sector* 6.7 various stakeholder groups. As in other questions 5.6 throughout the survey, respondents from non- 7.0 government organizations gave significantly lower Civil society (e.g., NGOs, CBOs)* 5.7 5.0 Government ratings for the Bank’s collaboration across all groups. 6.2 Organizations Parliament* 3.9 4.6 6.2 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG Local government* 5.6 could do to help increase its effectiveness in Egypt? 4.6 Bilateral / 6.1 Multilateral “Become more visible by doing more outreach activities with Media* 5.4 Agency 4.1 Academia, media, and NGOs so as to reduce the perceived negative image of the WBG in Egypt ever since the High Dam 5.9 Youth groups* 4.8 Non- back in the late 1950s .” 4.0 (Academia Respondent) government 5.0 Organizations Faith- based institutions* 3.2 3.3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Egypt, in terms of collaborating with the following Q groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 20 *Significantly different among stakeholder groups Stakeholders want the Bank to Collaborate More with the National Governments and the Private Sector The national government 54% More than half of all respondents in the survey indicated that the WBG should collaborate more with the national government and the private sector. Private sector 51% Top choice for Academia/think 39% non-government tanks/research institutions organizations In your opinion, what is the most important thing respondents Other donors and (52%) 35% the WBG could do to help increase its development partners effectiveness in Egypt? Civil society 34% “Increase communication with government officials to identify needs and ways to enhance cooperation.” Regional development banks 21% (Government Institutions Respondent) Youth groups 15% “Don't rely only on the government and the local authorities but also on regional organizations, the private sector, youth and women, etc.” Local government 15% (Bilateral/Multilateral Agency Respondent) Media 9% Parliament 8% Other 4% Faith - based institutions 1% Which THREE of the following groups should the WBG collaborate with more in Egypt? (Choose no more than 3) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=172) 21 22 World Bank Group’s Knowledge Work and Activities “Organizing ongoing dialogues, listening to the country’s needs, and cooperating in the design and implementation of development programs and projects by bringing together the various stakeholders around one table, not just when the country strategy is working.” (Academia Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Egypt? (N=73) Respondents Believe the WBG Insists on Accountability Through its Lending Respondents gave the highest ratings for the WBG insisting on accountability through its lending 7.7 The WBG insists on (mean = 7.1). Ratings for the WBG’s instruments accountability through its 7.2 meeting the needs of Egypt, for the timeliness of its lending. financial support, and for the competitiveness of 6.7 WBG’s financing were significantly different among stakeholder groups. 7.7 ▪ Respondents from bilateral / multilateral agencies The WBG’s financial instruments 7.3 Government meet the needs of Egypt.* reported significantly higher rankings for the Organizations 5.6 timeliness and competitiveness of the WBG’s financial support. Bilateral / 7.1 Multilateral In your opinion, what is the most important thing The WBG provides financial 7.5 Agency the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness support in a timely manner.* in Egypt? 5.4 Non- “Policy advice and implementation versus the immediate government disbursement of loans. That is, the WBG can provide Organizations 7.0 conditional loans that would include private sector finance The conditions of the WBG’s as a partner in every project, such as infrastructure.” financing are competitive 7.3 (Bilateral/Multilateral Agency Respondent) compared to markets.* 5.5 “Working to increase grants and investments in Egypt.” 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (Academia Respondent) Mean Rating Q To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree *Significantly different among stakeholder groups 23 6 in 10 Respondents Have Used the WBG’s Knowledge Work Approximately 6 in 10 of the respondents reported having used Have you used the WBG’s advisory the WBG’s advisory services and analytical work (knowledge services and analytics in the past? work) in the past. ▪ Majority of respondents from government organizations have used the WBG’s knowledge work (72%). Respondents Not sure from non-government organizations were the least likely to 14% use WBG’s knowledge work (48%). In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Egypt? No Yes “Providing technical services and studies for economic 29% 57% sectors that determine development requirements and raise the performance efficiency of the sectors in terms of legislative and regulatory dimensions and determine the role of the government, regulatory mechanisms, requirements, and tools for improving the performance of the private sector.” (Private Sector Respondent) Q Have you used the WBG’s advisory services and analytics in the past? (Percentage of Respondents, N=171) 24 Government and Bilateral / Multilateral Stakeholders Value WBG Knowledge Work, Anticipate Using it in the Future I anticipate using the WBG's advisory services 7.8 In terms of the WBG’s knowledge work, respondents and analytical work in the future.* 8.7 7.1 had the highest levels of agreement that WBG’s WBG knowledge work contributes significantly to 7.7 knowledge work brings global expertise to Egypt 7.2 development results in Egypt* (mean=7.1) and that they anticipate using it in the 5.8 The WBG’s advisory services and analytical work 7.5 future (mean = 7.6) The WBG received somewhat includes appropriate level of stakeholder 7.5 lower ratings for its publications being translated involvement during preparation* 5.8 enough into Arabic (mean = 6.3). I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s 7.4 advisory services and analytical work in Egypt.* 7.8 6.0 Respondents from bilateral / multilateral agencies and stakeholders from the government gave the The WBG brings global expertise to Egypt as part 7.4 of its advisory services and analytical work.* 8.0 highest ratings across most aspects of the WBG 6.5 knowledge, while non-government stakeholders were The WBG’s advisory services and analytical work 7.2 are timely.* 7.5 significantly more critical. 5.6 The WBG’s advice and recommendations are 7.2 In addition, respondents who had used the WBG’s tailored to Egypt’s context.* 7.5 5.8 knowledge work in the past had significantly higher The WBG’s publications are adequately 6.9 levels of agreement across all of the aspects of the disseminated 7.2 6.3 WBG’s knowledge work compared to respondents who The WBG’s publications are translated enough 6.6 had not used it. 6.5 into Arabic. 6.0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Q Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Mean Rating How significant a contribution do you believe the World Bank Group's Government Organizations knowledge work and activities make to development results in Egypt? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant Bilateral / Multilateral Agency Non-government Organizations 25 *Significantly different among stakeholder groups 26 The Future Role of the World Bank in Egypt “Reflect the needs of grassroots communities, tailor programs to address poverty not just increase countries' indebtedness, provide debt relief for climate and engineer debt swaps.” (Private Sector Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Egypt? (N=73) What the WBG Could Do to Increase its Effectiveness in Egypt Operations: Respondents from various stakeholder groups emphasized the importance of responsible In your opinion, what is the financing and customized technical advice aligned with the local context. most important thing the WBG “Providing more lending on concessional terms, providing technical advice on how to involve and could do to help increase its encourage the private sector to work in cooperation with the government, and providing more research effectiveness in Egypt?* papers, feasibility studies, and project evaluations in more than one language.” Categories of responses (Government Institutions Respondent) “Providing appropriate financing for development projects in Egypt through long-term loans, while helping Communication Egypt obtain grants for these projects.” (Media Respondent) 12% Areas for “To increase its control over how loans are used and the extent to which they reach the target groups. To WBG focus get to know the real needs of the Egyptian people.” (Academia Respondent) 33% Collaboration “Designing development programs at different levels that are truly concerned with society and priority 26% groups through cooperation with specialized bodies such as research bodies, the academic community, activists in the fields of development, and consultants...” (Bilateral / Multilateral Agency Respondent) Operations 29% “To understand the social situation, not just the economic one. The bank should know that there is a fraud. For the stability of the country, it threatens the repayment of debts if the unfair conditions of the World Bank Group lead to chaos in the country or popular dissatisfaction. Caring for the safety and security of the country and the group’s goal should be stability in the country and respect for the independence of Egyptian decision-making.” (Civil Society Respondent) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do Q to help increase its effectiveness in Egypt? (Please be specific) (N=73) * Only those respondents who completed the questionnaire online were asked to provide their responses to this question. 27 What the WBG could do to Increase its Effectiveness in Egypt Focus: Respondents mentioned private sector development and Collaboration: Respondents mainly focused on the need for expanding public sector governance among other key focus areas for the partnerships with stakeholder groups outside of the government to ensure WBG to help increase its effectiveness in Egypt, along with inclusivity and a better understanding of the country’s context and needs. capacity building and debt sustainability. “Increase cooperation with the private sector and increase advisory “Helping Egypt get out of its economic crises and not burdening services and technical support to the government” it with more debt, but rather focusing on thriving production (Private Sector Respondent) through the private sector and broader and real participation of different segments of society in development.” “Engage civil society, and start-ups, hold the government more (Private Sector Respondent) accountable, and refrain from its exclusive collaboration with the government.” (Civil Society Respondent) “Capacity building of local government and authorities.” (Academia Respondent) “Go for further cooperation with the private sector as well as the “Developing its methodology around its concept of debt international and regional organizations.” sustainability and its impact on development.” (Bilateral/Multilateral Respondent) (Media Respondent) Communication: Respondents would like WBG to enhance access to its “Emphasizing the need to encourage the state to adopt a good knowledge work, particularly in Arabic, and to increase transparency governance system (transparency, accountability, community regarding its projects. participation, eliminating corruption)” “…providing more research papers, feasibility studies, and project (Civil Society Respondent) evaluations in more than one language.” “Capacity building in various fields, appointing advisory services, (Government Institutions Respondent) increasing financing for private sector projects with few incentives.” (Government Institutions Respondent) “Increase knowledge of its programs” (Academia Respondent) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do Q to help increase its effectiveness in Egypt? (Please be specific) (N=73) 28 29 Communication and Outreach “Transparently announcing the results of project financing efforts in meetings held within and outside Egypt to reveal the outcome of the bank’s negotiations with the government.” (Media Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in Egypt? (N=73) Research Papers / Official Statistics and Newspapers were the Most Common Information Sources Respondents reported relying most on research papers / official statistics and newspapers to get information about economic and social development issues in Egypt. Top 2 Information Sources Bilateral / Non- All Government Multilateral government Respondents Organizations Agency Organizations Research papers / 80% 80% 79% 81% Official statistics In your opinion, what is the most important thing Newspapers (Print or the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness 50% 53% 62% 45% in Egypt? online) e-Newsletters 38% 36% 41% 38% “Providing data is essential to resolving many issues.” (Bilateral / Multilateral Agency Respondent) Social media 36% 36% 38% 35% “Strengthening and supporting digital development and the utilization of quality data throughout various studies and Television (TV) 19% 20% 12% 21% research activities.” (Government Institutions Respondent) Blogs 12% 7% 18% 14% Other 10% 9% 9% 9% Radio 4% 5% 3% 3% Podcasts 4% 4% 0% 5% How do you get most of your information about economic and social development Q issues in Egypt? (Choose no more than 3) (Percentage of Respondents, N=171) 30 Events and the WBG Website Were the Most Preferred WBG Information Channels Preferred WBG Channels Respondents reported using a variety of sources to Bilateral / Non- All Government Multilateral government obtain information from the WBG, but most preferred Respondents Organizations Agency Organizations WBG events and the WBG website. Government and Event/conference/ bilateral / multilateral stakeholders mostly preferred seminar/workshop (in person or 57% 55% 65% 57% online) direct contact with the WBG staff. WBG Website 47% 47% 38% 52% In your opinion, what is the most important thing Direct contact with staff (e.g., in 44% 55% 65% 27% person, virtually, phone, email)* the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness e-Newsletters 43% 43% 35% 48% in Egypt? Direct messaging (e.g., WhatsApp, “The World Bank Group does not organize events in 22% 26% 18% 21% Telegram, Viber) Cairo. I do not know other than the newsletter it sends to us by mail or its website. I do not know which Social media (e.g., Facebook, 20% 15% 21% 24% organizations it works with and the criteria for selecting Twitter) the organizations it works with.” Interviews and press conferences 20% 21% 15% 21% (Civil Society Respondent) Blogs 10% 9% 3% 13% Podcasts 8% 6% 6% 12% Other 2% 0% 3% 0% How would you prefer to obtain information about the World Bank Group Q and its work? (Choose no more than 3) (Percentage of Respondents, N=166) *Significantly different among stakeholder groups 31 About 7 in 10 Engaged with the WBG in the Last 30 Days 68% of respondents recalled hearing or seeing something about the WBG in the last 30 days. Respondents who collaborated with the WBG were significantly more likely to recall something (80%) compared to respondents who did not collaborate with the WBG (51%). Respondents reported seeing that information most often at the WBG events, through direct contact with the WBG staff, and on the WBG website. Among respondents who selected “Social media”, about half reported seeing something on Facebook and/or LinkedIn. Event / conference / seminar 44% Direct contact with WBG staff 44% WBG Website 42% Newspapers (Print or online) 31% 53% Social media 30% 50% e-Newsletters 21% 41% 32% Television (TV) 14% Direct messaging 9% 18% 18% Blogs 5% Other 5% Facebook LinkedIn Twitter WhatsApp Instagram YouTube Radio 4% Podcasts 3% Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG in the last 30 days? (N=170) Q Where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Check all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N= 115) 32 What social media platforms do you recall seeing this information on? (Check all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=34) WBG Work on Climate Change and Global Economic Forecasts were Most Commonly Recalled Topics Half of the respondents recalled WBG work or research WBG work or research on climate 50% on climate change, followed closely by the WBG change (mitigation, adaptation) global economic forecasts. WBG global economic forecasts 48% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness WBG work or research on food insecurity 29% in Egypt? “Supporting quality education, building abilities. WBG work or research on energy Creating job opportunities for women and youth. (increasing energy supply, reducing 25% Infrastructure. Support competitive advantages. Adding dependence of fossil fuels) value to agricultural products and paying attention to agricultural industrialization” (Government Institutions Respondent) Other 21% WBG work to provide debt relief for 17% developing countries WBG research or work in support for education systems in developing 12% countries 33 Q What topics were included in what you saw or heard? (Check all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=105) Climate Change Communications can be More Impactful when Related to Stakeholders’ Top Concern: Diminished Water Supply 4 in 10 respondents were very concerned about the diminished water supply for people and the economy when it comes to the potential impacts of climate change in Egypt. Unsafe drinking water as well as decreased crop yields / food insecurity were also of concern to respondents. These key areas of concern should be taken into consideration to make communications about climate change more impactful in Egypt. Not at all A little Somewhat concerned Very concerned Diminished water supply for people and the economy 41% Unsafe drinking water 39% Decreased crop yields/food insecurity 39% Air pollution 35% Increase in natural disasters 34% More frequent and severe droughts / heatwaves 34% Effects on public health 34% Increase erosion of shoreline 28% Loss of jobs 28% Land and forest degradation 23% Extinction of plant/animal species 23% Climate-driven migration 21% More frequent and severe floods 12% Forest fires 4% Q What is your level of concern for each of the potential impacts of climate change as it affects your country? (Percentage of Respondents, N=~168) 34 Message Recall is Associated with More Positive Perceptions of the WBG Respondents who recalled seeing or hearing The World Bank Group… something about the WBG in the last 30 days gave supports countries to ensure transition to 7.1 higher ratings on all key messages regarding the more diversified and cleaner sources of WBG’s work, significantly so for the messages energy* 5.7 about the WBG’s support for the transition to more diversified and cleaner sources of energy and climate resilience and mitigation. helps countries boost climate resilience 7.0 and mitigate the effects of climate challenge* 5.7 In addition, respondents who recalled WBG-related messages gave significantly higher ratings of trust in the WBG (mean=7.4), of the WBG’s helps address the current food crisis and 6.0 effectiveness in achieving results (mean=6.9), enables greater preparedness to future relevance (mean=7.0), its alignment with the food security crises 5.2 country’s priorities (mean=7.1), and influence on the development agenda (mean=6.7) Heard about compared to those respondents who reported not provides support to improve access and 5.8 the WBG in quality of education in developing last 30 days hearing or seeing anything about the WBG recently countries. 5.1 (means=6.4, 5.7, 5.9, 5.6 and 5.8, respectively). Did not hear These findings suggest that respondents who about the is committed to comprehensive debt 5.8 WBG in last are more frequently exposed to information solutions that bring significant benefits to 30 days about the WBG, or who actively engage with people in poor countries 4.9 WBG staff and knowledge work (read research papers, etc.) are also more likely to hold more 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 positive views about the WBG’s work. Mean Rating Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG in the last 30 days? (N=170) Q To what extent do you agree with the following statements: Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree *Significantly different between recall yes/no 35 More Frequent Engagement ➔ More Message Recall Respondents who recalled hearing something about the WBG in the last 30 days had significantly more frequent interactions with the institution across all channels. Yes – Recalled seeing/hearing something No – Did not recall seeing/hearing something about the WBG in last 30 days about the WBG in last 30 days Read or heard a story about the Visited a WBG website (e.g., read a WBG in national or local media 68% 18% 41% 29% blog, used its data)* (newspaper, TV, radio)* Read or heard a story about the Visited a WBG website (e.g., read a 64% 27% WBG in international media 38% 37% blog, used its data)* (newspaper, TV, radio) Read or heard a story about the Read some, or all, of a WBG WBG in international media 59% 23% 32% 43% research paper or publication * (newspaper, TV, radio) Read a WBG post / tweet on social Read or heard a story about the 55% 18% WBG in national or local media 29% 41% media* (newspaper, TV, radio)* Had an exchange with WBG staff, in person, virtually, or by Read a WBG post / tweet on social 49% 25% 28% 28% phone/email/text* media* Read some, or all, of a WBG Had an exchange with WBG staff, in 49% 47% person, virtually, or by 23% 29% research paper or publication* phone/email/text* Read a WBG e-newsletter* 41% 28% Read a WBG e-newsletter* 22% 20% Attended a WBG Attended a WBG event/conference/seminar/workshop 33% 51% event/conference/seminar/workshop 12% 37% (in person or online)* (in person or online)* Every few days/weeks Every few months Every few days/weeks Every few months Q Over the past SIX MONTHS, on average how often did you do any of the following related to the WBG? (Percentage of Respondents, N=~147) *Significantly different between recall yes/no 36 37 Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology Sample Demographics Which of the following is the primary specialization Currently, do you of your work? (N=162) professionally Generalist (specialize in multiple sectors) 19% collaborate/ work with the WBG in Education 12% No your country? 44% Other 12% (N=201) Yes Energy / Extractives 8% 56% Respondents from government Macroeconomics, fiscal management 8% organizations were significantly more likely to indicate that they collaborate with the Gender 6% WBG (81%) compared to respondents from other stakeholder groups. Social protection, labor policies, jobs 5% Finance and markets 5% Agriculture and food security 4% Health 4% World Bank (IDA) 73% Urban development 4% Which of the Environment / Natural resource management 3% following agencies IFC 21% Transport 2% of the WBG do you primarily Climate change 2% MIGA 3% collaborate/work Public sector governance, anti-corruption 2% with in Egypt? (N=109) ICSID 3% Trade 2% Digital development 1% Water, sanitation <1% 38 Sample Demographics Junior level Within your Mid-level <1% What’s your organization, would staff 10% gender? you describe (N=163) yourself as… ? (N=165) Male Female Mid-level 46% Senior decision-maker / 54% level manager 56% 34% What’s your age? Which best 25 and under 0% (N=164) represents your Cairo 92% geographic 26-35 7% location? (N=161) Other 4% 36-45 18% 46-55 34% Delta Governorates 3% 56 and above 40% Upper Egypt Governorates 1% 39 Detailed Methodology Percentage of Respondents FY 2023 A total of 936 stakeholders in Egypt were invited to provide their opinions on the WBG’s work by Government Principals: Office of the participating in a Country Opinion Survey from May 2023 to August 2023. A list of potential President, Prime Minister, Minister, Office of 9% participants was compiled by the WBG country team and the fielding agency. Participants were a Parliamentarian drawn from the Office of the President / Prime Minister, the Office of a Minister, the Office of a Government Institutions: Employee Parliamentarian, government institutions, local governments, bilateral / multilateral agencies, the of a Ministry, Ministerial Department, Project private sector, civil society, academia, and the media. Implementation Unit, Independent 21% Government Institution, Judiciary, Of these stakeholders, 203 participated in the survey (22% response rate). Respondents State-Owned Enterprise received a questionnaire via a courier and returned it to the local fielding agency, or they completed Local Government <1% the questionnaires online. Bilateral/Multilateral Agency: Embassy, Key statistically significant findings (tested at the research standard of p < .05) are noted Development Organization, Development 20% throughout the report. Bank, UN Agency Breakdowns for individual questions by stakeholder group can be found in the “Egypt COS FY23 Civil Society: NGOs, Community-Based Organization, Private Foundation, Appendices with data breakdowns.xlsx” file published in the WBG Microdata Library, along with the 9% Professional / Trade Association, survey microdata and this report. Faith-Based Group, Youth Group Private Sector: Private Company, Financial 8% Sector Organization, Private Bank Academia/Research Institute/Think Tank 22% Media 10% Other 1% Total Number of Respondents 202 40 Indicator Questions Every country that engages in the Country Opinion Survey (COS) must include specific indicator questions, several of which are aggregated for the World Bank Group’s annual Corporate Scorecard and are highlighted in red below. A1_5. To what extent do you trust the World Bank Group to do what is right? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree A2. How effective has the World Bank Group been in achieving development results in Egypt? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements about the WBG’s work in Egypt? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree A3. The World Bank Group currently plays a relevant role in development in Egypt. A4. The World Bank Group’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Egypt. A6. To what extent does the World Bank Group influence the development agenda in Egypt? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree A7. How significant a contribution do you believe the World Bank Group's knowledge work and activities make to development results in your country? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant To what extent is the World Bank Group an effective development partner in Egypt, in terms of each of the following? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C2. Responsiveness to needs C3. Access to WBG staff and experts C4. Flexibility when circumstances change C5. Being a long-term partner To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Egypt, in terms of collaborating with the following groups: Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C7_1.Collaboration with the national government C7_5.Collaboration with the private sector C7_6.Collaboration with civil society C7_7.Collaboration with other donor and development partners To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree C8_1. The WBG’s financial instruments meet the needs of Egypt (i.e., investment lending, Development Policy Loan, Trust Funds, Prog ram-for-Results). C10_1. I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s advisory services and analytical work in Egypt. C10_5. The WBG’s advice and recommendations are tailored to Egypt’s context. 41 Thank you For more information about this report or the Country Opinion Survey program, please contact: Svetlana Markova smarkova@worldbankgroup.org