Blog post by Marielys Padua Soto, The American University in Cairo.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, exacerbated by political instability and inter-communal violence, has driven over 12 million people into displacement, both within Sudan and across borders, as of February 2025. Egypt has emerged as one of the key destinations for those fleeing the crisis due to its geographical proximity and historical ties, becoming the largest host country for Sudanese refugees. Over 1.2 million Sudanese have sought international protection in Egypt since the war erupted in mid-April 2023. Food insecurity is one of the most pressing challenges for these refugees, who now constitute the largest refugee group in the country. This is defined as the lack of regular access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal growth, development, and a healthy life. This may be due to unavailability of food and/or lack of resources to obtain food and can be experienced at different levels of severity. Moderate food insecurity refers to a situation where individuals or households face difficulties in accessing sufficient food due to financial, physical, or other constraints, thus compromising the quality and/or quantity of food they consume. Severe food insecurity refers to a critical situation where individuals or households lack reliable access to enough food to meet basic nutritional needs. Economic instability is one of the factors that exacerbates food insecurity, making it challenging for vulnerable populations to afford essential nutrition.

This has happened in Egypt, which is facing an economic crisis that has led to a sharp devaluation of the Egyptian pound, with the exchange rate surpassing EGP 50 to 1 USD by 2025. This, along with spiraling inflation and skyrocketing rent prices, has compounded the challenges faced by Sudanese refugees since many are unable to afford basic necessities. Between 2022 and 2024, the Egyptian pound lost over 80% of its value, leading to a spike in the cost of imported goods, including food items. The annual inflation rate has hovered around 35-40%, with food prices rising at an even steeper rate. Basic food items such as bread, rice, sugar, and cooking oil have become increasingly unaffordable, both for most Egyptians and for Sudanese refugees alike.

Moreover, housing has become another critical pressure point. For example, rent prices in Cairo have increased by 20-30% annually, driven by a growing demand for affordable housing and limited supply. Refugees, particularly those without formal legal status, are often forced into overcrowded and substandard living conditions. Many Sudanese families in Cairo spend upwards of 60% of their income on rent alone, leaving little for food and other necessities. Furthermore, the increasing demand by some Egyptian landlords for rent payments to be made in U.S. dollars disproportionately impacts Sudanese refugees. This practice stems from economic instability and a desire to hedge against currency depreciation, but it places an undue financial burden on refugees who lack access to foreign currency. For Sudanese tenants, this dollarization of rent not only exacerbates their vulnerability but also heightens competition for affordable housing. Sudanese refugees, particularly those with darker skin, face severe racism and colorism, which significantly impacts their daily lives. Unlike lighter-skinned Arab refugee groups, such as Syrians or Yemenis, who may blend in more easily due to linguistic and cultural similarities, Sudanese refugees are often visibly distinct and thus more vulnerable to xenophobia. This discrimination manifests in different ways, such as limited access to employment opportunities, substandard housing conditions, and challenges in achieving social integration. The compounded effects of racism and colorism exacerbate their marginalization, leaving them more isolated and disadvantaged compared to other refugee groups in Egypt.

Consequently, international organizations have stepped in to aid refugee populations and fill the gaps left by Egypt’s overstretched social safety net. Between March and May 2024, the World Food Programme (WFP) conducted a Sudanese Vulnerability Assessment to evaluate the food security situation and overall needs of Sudanese refugees who arrived in Egypt following the crisis. The findings revealed that approximately 65 percent of the households receiving WFP assistance are food insecure. In addition to food insecurity, limited access to education and healthcare emerged as significant challenges. In response, WFP and UNICEF have implemented cash-based interventions to address food insecurity among refugees. These programs are particularly noteworthy for their adaptability and efficiency in the Egyptian context. As of January 2025, the WFP has offered monthly cash assistance to over 230,000 refugees, people affected by crises, and asylum seekers. Cash transfer amounts have been increased from EGP 700 to EGP 750 (USD 14.9) to reflect the changes in the value of the Egyptian pound due to currency devaluation.

However, these programs are not without limitations. While WFP and UNICEF reach thousands, many refugees remain excluded due to funding shortfalls and registration barriers. Furthermore, the average assistance of USD 75 per month is often insufficient for families, particularly given Egypt’s increasing cost of living. On the other hand, the UNHCR has responded to the crisis through initiatives like the Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) program. As of January 2025, UNHCR Egypt has scheduled registration appointments for approximately 876,800 individuals who have escaped Sudan since the conflict’s onset in April 2023. Out of these, about 567,000 people (65%) have completed their registration to receive assistance and protection. The vast majority of this newly registered group are Sudanese nationals (96%). Most hail from Khartoum (84%), with over half (55%) being women and 41% children. Additionally, UNHCR has conducted vulnerability assessments for 128,900 Sudanese newcomers since the crisis began. In Aswan, 14,500 individuals were evaluated for Emergency Cash Assistance (ECA), with 73% qualifying. Nationwide, 99,200 newly arrived individuals have been deemed eligible for a one-time ECA.

 However, due to the large size of the refugee population, this assistance falls short, highlighting the strain on humanitarian efforts as they struggle to meet the overwhelming demand for support. To maximize the impact of these programs, there is a need for increased funding and enhanced coordination between international organizations and local stakeholders.

The following policy recommendations are put forward to address food insecurity challenges in Egypt:

1. Expand Cash Assistance Programs

To alleviate the growing food insecurity among Sudanese refugees in Egypt, it is crucial to increase the value of monthly cash transfers, ensuring that they align with the country’s rising cost of living. These increases would allow families to cover essential needs such as food and rent, which have become increasingly difficult to afford due to Egypt’s economic crisis. Targeted outreach efforts should also be implemented to ensure that even unregistered refugees can access assistance, since refugees do not qualify for ration cards or other governmental social welfare programs, which are reserved for Egyptian citizens.

2. Strengthen Employment Opportunities

To provide long-term solutions to food insecurity, there is a pressing need to strengthen employment opportunities for Sudanese refugees. Skills development programs tailored to market needs, such as language training, vocational courses, and entrepreneurship support, would equip refugees with the tools to integrate into Egypt’s economy and reduce their dependence on aid. Legal access to the labor market would also empower refugees to generate stable incomes, but it is an unlikely approach because Egypt has placed significant reservations on key provisions of the 1951 Refugee Convention, particularly those concerning economic rights. Since Egypt has not fully implemented Article 17 of the 1951 Refugee Convention, refugees do not have equal access to the labor market as nationals and face significant barriers to formal employment. While some may find work in the informal sector, they often encounter challenges such as restricted access to work permits, limited social protection, and vulnerability to exploitation in low-wage jobs.

3. Address Housing Insecurity

The large influx of Sudanese refugees into Egypt has put significant pressure on the housing market, exacerbating insecurity and competition for affordable accommodation. Many spend a significant portion of their income on rent, leaving little or nothing for food. To address this, rental subsidies should be provided to the most vulnerable refugee families, ensuring that they can afford safe and stable housing. The government should also introduce laws that set annual limits on how much rent can increase, such as tying rent increases to inflation or average income growth. This would prevent rents from escalating too rapidly, especially in light of Egypt’s high inflation and the large refugee population that is highly vulnerable to housing insecurity.

4. Increase Funding and Regional Coordination

To address the Sudanese refugee crisis effectively, there must be an increase in funding from international donors. Governments and organizations should advocate for greater financial contributions, emphasizing that the responsibility for hosting refugees is shared globally. This would ensure that humanitarian programs are adequately funded and can continue to support refugees in need. Addressing the root causes of food insecurity requires an integrated approach that combines economic, social and humanitarian policy interventions.

In conclusion, addressing food insecurity of Sudanese refugees in Egypt requires a multifaceted approach that includes expanding cash assistance programs, strengthening employment opportunities, addressing housing insecurity, and increasing international funding. While humanitarian aid plays a crucial role in alleviating immediate needs, long-term sustainable solutions must focus on enhancing refugees’ economic self-sufficiency and reducing structural barriers to their integration. Given Egypt’s economic crisis and an ever-growing refugee population, a coordinated effort among international organizations, local stakeholders, and policymakers is crucial to building long-term resilience for effectively combating food insecurity.

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