Egypt: On the breadline

Once the provider of grain to the entire Roman Empire, Egypt is now the largest importer of wheat in the world.


"Bread, freedom and social justice" was one of the slogans chanted by thousands on the streets of Cairo in 2011, part of the revolution that triggered the downfall of President Hosni Mubarak. Bread is a matter of life and death in Egypt. It's a recognised staple in the diets of most Egyptians and its demand and supply has major social and political implications.

The Nasser, Sadat and Mubarak governments all grappled with decreasing production and increased demand - and the Sisi government has pledged to end corruption as a whole, including in the wheat industry. So, in 2014, it introduced a smart card-based subsidy programme aimed at helping those most in need.