Egypt’s rapid urbanization has concentrated much of its population and development along the Nile River, with urban spaces occupying just 6% of the country's total land area. The remaining 94% of Egypt is desert, placing immense pressure on the country's already overstressed infrastructure. These challenges are further exacerbated by conflicts in neighbouring countries, leading to waves of refugees and displaced populations seeking safety in Egypt. As a result, the need for housing, public services, and infrastructure continues to grow, intensifying urban strain.

To address these challenges, UN-Habitat, in partnership with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), launched the Urban Planning & Infrastructure in Migration Contexts (UPIMC) programme. The program aims to enhance access to reliable public services and socio-economic opportunities for migrants and displaced populations.

This publication is the development of the Kafr El Battikh city spatial profile and analytics. Providing comprehensive analysis at the national and regional levels to improve the understanding of current conditions. A more detailed local analysis identified gaps in public infrastructure in the city. This analysis was based on data collected and a highly participatory planning approach, ensuring that community voices were included. The next phase will involve vision, area planning and action plan to explore detailed solutions.

By using a multi scalar approach, the analysis ensured that issues at different levels were interconnected. This methodology provided a comprehensive understanding of the city's challenges and opportunities, helping municipalities and key stakeholders integrate migration-related concerns into urban planning and infrastructure investment strategies.

The preparation of the housing profile for countries is the first step within the overall framework of UN-Habitat's Global housing strategy, which aims to place "housing at the centre" for national and urban development as an imperative for comprehensive economic, environmental, cultural and social development. Egypt's housing file uses a comprehensive approach to factors affecting housing in the country, from housing, land, and construction financing to institutional, organizational and cultural conditions. it provides decision-makers with the right information in order to develop an effective policy. 

The profile addresses topics including housing policies, housing stock and housing production in Egypt, as well as estimating housing needs until 2030, housing demand and affordability, as well as other critical topics such as housing financing, urban planning, housing provision and many other issues related to the housing sector. This report is the basis for consultations, which have led to the identification of the overall framework of the Egyptian housing sector strategy, which integrates the views of all stakeholders and stakeholders.