Egypt turns jails into economic hubs to outpace inflation
As commodity prices continue to increase, Egyptians are resorting to products made in prisons under the government’s policy to encourage detainees to work and learn trades.
Egyptian authorities are drawing on prisons to combat rising retail prices and boost the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) by giving jails another dimension as production centers for a range of consumer products.
In line with the “reform and rehabilitate” principle called for in the Egyptian Constitution, sentenced craftsmen, carpenters, farmers, veterinarians, shoemakers and many others have an opportunity to work, make money and become breadwinners fending for their families behind bars.
Egyptian prisoners produce wood and metal furniture, carpets, shoes, garments, bottled drinking water, poultry, fresh vegetables and fruits, beef, fish and dairy products.
Late President Anwar al-Sadat issued a decree in 1978 to launch a fund for production facilities affiliated with jailhouses to train inmates in various occupations. Most of the products are sold to the public nationwide at outlets affiliated with the Interior Ministry.
