Egypt families seek affordable school supplies amid rising costs

As the 2026/2027 academic year approaches, Egyptian families are facing increased financial pressure due to rising costs for school supplies. In Cairo, parents are seeking affordable options in traditional commercial hubs such as Al-Faggala for stationery, Al-Muski and Al-Ataba for bags and pencil cases, and Sur Al-Azbakia for used books.

In response to rising prices, Abeer Ahmed, founder of the Egypt Mothers Union for Promoting Education, has called for the expansion of the ‘Ahlan Bel Madaris’ (Welcome to Schools) exhibitions and other community initiatives to provide discounted supplies. She highlighted the success of the Ministry of Social Solidarity’s ‘Tomorrow is School’ initiative, launched in cooperation with the Misr El Kheir Foundation, which aims to provide complete school kits to students from vulnerable families, including orphans and those receiving ‘Takaful and Karama’ support.

Local markets show varying price points for essential items; for instance, local school bags for kindergarten students range between 200 and 300 EGP, while imported versions start at approximately 300 EGP.