Misinformation in Egypt Expected to Rise to 14.5% by 2025

Egypt has witnessed a concerning rise in misinformation over the past year, according to a comprehensive report released by the Cabinet Media Centre. The annual assessment reveals that false information increased to 14.5% in 2025, up from 13.8% in 2024, with the final quarter of the year proving particularly problematic.

The fourth quarter alone accounted for nearly 40% of all recorded misinformation during the year, marking it as the most concentrated period for the dissemination of false claims. October, November, and December each recorded double-digit monthly rates of misinformation, highlighting a seasonal spike that has alarmed officials.

Economic misinformation dominated the landscape, representing 20.3% of all false claims circulated throughout the year. This trend reflects growing public anxiety about Egypt’s financial stability and development trajectory amid regional uncertainties and global economic pressures.

Education and health sectors also emerged as prime targets for misinformation, accounting for 11.4% and 11% respectively. The tourism and antiquities sector, crucial to Egypt’s economy, saw 10.2% of false claims, while agriculture (9.6%), supply (8.8%), and energy and fuel (6.1%) followed closely behind.

Perhaps most striking in the report’s findings is the dramatic increase in misinformation targeting state development projects. These false claims represented 45.7% of all misinformation in 2025, a sharp rise from 32.5% in 2024. This surge suggests a coordinated effort to undermine public confidence in government initiatives at a time when Egypt continues to pursue ambitious infrastructure and development programs.

By contrast, misinformation related to global crises and their effects on Egypt declined significantly, falling to 34.7% after reaching 54% in the previous year. This shift indicates that domestically-focused narratives have gained greater traction than internationally-oriented ones.

The report highlighted several high-profile false claims that circulated widely in 2025. Among the most notable was an allegation that downtown Cairo had been sold to a Gulf state, a claim that sparked considerable public concern before being officially debunked. Similarly, rumors about flooding at the Grand Egyptian Museum’s main hall threatened to undermine confidence in one of the country’s most prestigious cultural projects.

Other prominent examples of misinformation included claims that Egyptian airports were to be sold under the state asset program, assertions about problems with the Suez Canal, warnings about counterfeit gold in the market, and alarms about an unknown deadly virus. False stories concerning food shortages, electricity cuts, and fake cancer treatments also gained traction throughout the year.

The prevalence of these false narratives comes at a challenging time for Egypt, as the country navigates complex economic reforms and works to attract foreign investment. Misinformation targeting economic development initiatives could potentially undermine investor confidence and complicate public acceptance of necessary policy changes.

The Cabinet Media Centre’s report serves as a warning about the evolving landscape of misinformation in Egypt and highlights the need for robust fact-checking mechanisms and public education efforts. As digital media continues to expand its reach across Egyptian society, the challenge of combating false information becomes increasingly critical for maintaining social cohesion and supporting national development goals.

Government officials have yet to announce specific countermeasures in response to the report’s findings, but experts suggest that enhanced media literacy programs and greater transparency in public communications will be essential components of any effective strategy to address the growing problem.