A training room in Egypt filled with professionals from different industries, might look like any other. But what happens inside is changing fast. Instead of sitting through long lectures, employees now ask for practical learning they can use right away. They want training that speaks to their reality, not just theories.
This is the picture painted by the 3rd edition of the annual Corporate Learning and Development (L&D) study from Onsi Sawiris School of Business. These reports are an integral part of Onsi Sawiris School of Business Executive Education initiative to foster an environment of continuous learning and development, while empowering the corporate sector with strategic insights.
A Landscape in Transition
The 2024 report brings together voices from 40 company representatives and more than 100 learners across 13 industries, from banking and healthcare to ICT and oil and gas. Their message is clear: technical training is urgent. One in five organizations said that without it, they could lose their competitive edge. And training that is “one size fits all” is no longer enough. A striking 81% of participants believe customized programs are the only way to connect learning with company goals.
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence
Imagine an employee struggling to keep up with a fast-changing role or new job requirements. Instead of waiting for the next course on the calendar, AI-driven training tools could recommend a short module tailored exactly to their needs. This is why artificial intelligence is now the hottest topic in corporate training, with 30% of companies ranking it as their top priority. AI is not just a trend. It is a way to make learning more personal, flexible, and useful.
Budgets, Formats, and Shifting Priorities
Budgets tell another story of change. Compared to last year, more companies are increasing their L&D investments. Healthcare and financial services are leading the charge, while sectors like logistics and agribusiness still fall behind. Many companies now set their budgets at the end of the year, reflecting the uncertainty of the economy but also their commitment to invest in people.
As for how training is delivered, 41% of organizations prefer customized programs, 33% opt for in-house solutions, and 26% choose open programs. Local training providers are increasingly favored, as they help companies save costs and offer greater flexibility in scheduling, especially given the pressure of currency devaluation.
Learners’ Voices
For employees, training is not just about what companies think they need. Many learners shared that they crave more experiential and hands-on learning. They want to apply what they learn immediately, not just hear about it. Affordability and accessibility also matter. Still, there is a sense of progress: 22% of learners said they were satisfied with the options available and could find the right programs when needed.
Measuring Impact and Looking Ahead
But here lies the challenge: how do companies know if all this effort works? Many still measure training by attendance or quick feedback surveys. Few can connect it directly to better performance or business results. This is where the gap remains wide.
The story of corporate learning in Egypt is one of transition, from generic to customized, from theory to practice, from passive listening to active doing. As technology and the economy keep changing, training is becoming less of a box to tick and more of a lifeline. Companies are realizing that investing in learning is not only about their employees’ growth but also about their own ability to stay resilient, competitive, and ready for the future.
Learn more about the initiative and explore the latest, as well as previous, reports here.
