Alwan for the Arts hosts Ishac Diwan, Director for Africa and the Middle East at the Center for International Development at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, to present his recent study on cronyism in Egypt and it’s impact on the country’s economic performance. With ABANA President Amer Bisat.

Recent research on cronyism in Egypt has quantified the impact of favoritism on economic performance. Using data on large industries in Egypt, Diwan identifies a large number of politically connected firms elucidating their sectoral dominance and the impeding effects cronyism has on socioeconomic relations. In addition, Diwan reviews the impact of the 2011 uprisings and the role that corrupt economic practices plays in forestalling political and social transformation.

The results of his analysis suggest that cronyism halted economic growth and affected political transparency. The lecture offers a novel entry point to discuss the root causes for the failure of authoritarian regimes to put their countries on a solid development path.

 ABANA thanks Alwan for the Arts for extending this invitation to our members.