Pearson Global: Egypt records high levels of English proficiency in 2024
A report prepared by Pearson Global, entitled “Global English Proficiency Report 2024”, revealed an increase in the level of English proficiency in the Egyptian business sector, including the business process outsourcing (BPO) activity.
The report, a copy of which was obtained by Taaheed, explained that Egyptians realize that mastering the English language is essential to obtaining job opportunities and are keen to enhance their language skills in this regard.
The Pearson report is a comprehensive analysis issued periodically with the aim of measuring English language skills worldwide.
The report explained that Egyptian companies pay great attention to English language tests as an essential part of the recruitment process, especially those that export their services to other countries in the Middle East, such as the outsourcing sector.
These companies also work to evaluate and develop their employees’ language skills to ensure their ability to compete in global markets.
Abundance of English-speaking talent enhances Egypt’s position as an emerging hub for outsourcing operations
He pointed out that Egypt’s distinguished geographical and strategic location, which matches the European time zone, in addition to the abundance of professional talents with advanced English language skills, enhances Egypt’s position as an emerging hub for outsourcing operations operations.
He pointed out the distinguished government support for the outsourcing industry through providing special incentives and significant support for the IT and BPO sectors. It is worth noting that the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) provides many programs and initiatives, including the Training for Employment Program.
The Authority aims to enhance the competitive capabilities of Egyptian youth and provide companies with professional skills that are fluent in various languages and trained in the latest technologies in various fields of information technology, to meet the needs of the local and global labor market and create job opportunities for Egyptian youth, in line with Egypt’s firm commitment to providing an attractive investment environment for global companies that provide the skills required by the labor market, whether local or global. It also works to prepare a broad base of cadres capable of enhancing Egypt’s competitive capabilities to export digital services.
Egypt scores 53 in English speaking, reading, writing and listening skills
Egypt recorded high levels of English proficiency compared to the global average, with the average proficiency score in the four skills (speaking, reading, writing and listening) reaching 53 points, and an advanced score in speaking of 59, exceeding the global average of 54 points.
This performance reflects the significant improvement in English language skills in Egypt, which is essential to enhance employment opportunities and open up multiple horizons and opportunities in the global labor market.
The report praised the fact that English is widely taught in Egyptian schools and universities and that people are exposed to English through the media, the Internet and tourism.
Data suggests that Egypt is following a similar path to the Philippines, which has achieved great success in the outsourcing sector thanks to its enhanced English language proficiency.
This trend positions Egypt to compete as one of the world’s leading outsourcing hubs, thanks to its skilled professionals who are able to communicate effectively in English.
Workers in the ICT sector speak it the most but are the least proficient in writing it
In a related context, the report noted that workers in the communications and information technology sector were the highest English speakers worldwide last year, but the least proficient in writing it. While the technology, business process outsourcing, finance, banking, e-commerce and information technology sectors share average to high scores in speaking and high in writing.
It is noteworthy that the Pearson report determines the level of English proficiency in the countries it surveys on a scale ranging from 10 to 90, where 10 indicates beginner-level skills, and 90 indicates expert-level English skills.
She confirmed that the level of English speaking proficiency has been stable over the past eight years, noting that some African and European countries have made significant progress in recent years in English speaking proficiency.
The report is based on the results of English language tests conducted using advanced assessment tools, such as Pearson’s Versant tests, and provides data and insights that help companies and decision-makers in the areas of recruitment, training, and workforce development.
