• Grants allocated to various priority sectors including comprehensive economic governance, education, healthcare, agricultural development, climate action, and water management solutions.
H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, signed 8 developmental grant agreements totaling $130 million with Ambassador Herro Mustafa Garg, the US Ambassador to Egypt, under the framework of the Joint Economic Relations Program between the two countries. This enhances developmental cooperation efforts to support the implementation of the state's developmental vision across various sectors and encourages sustainable development efforts. The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Sean Jones, the new Mission Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Egypt.
This comes in the context of the strategic relations between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America, extending for decades, and the role played by the Ministry of International Cooperation in managing and developing economic relations between Egypt and its multilateral and bilateral development partners, driving the country’s efforts to achieve its developmental vision aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The signed grant agreements cover various areas in line with Egypt's development priorities and requirements, and the government's vision. They are allocated as follows; $13.5 million for the Inclusive Economic Governance Agreement, $35 million for The U.S.-Egypt Higher Education Initiative (HEI), $12 million for Basic Education II, and $15 million for the Health Outcomes for Target Populations Improved.
Additionally, the agreements include $14.5 million for the Agribusiness for Rural Development and Increasing Incomes (ARDII) aimed at rural development and income enhancement, approximately $26.9 million for the Trade and Investment Promotion in Egypt (TIPE), $5.5 million directed towards the Climate Change Initiative, and $7.5 million for the Integrated Water Solutions Support (IWSS) Program.
H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, highlighted the partnership between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America, which aims to meet the country’s development requirements by directing development financing and technical support to various sectors. This partnership also reinforces Egypt’s priorities in the development of education, higher education, implementing the STEM schools system, increasing investment in human capital and empowering women, and improving the capacity of small farmers to increase income. The minister added that this partnership contributed to achieving economic and social development, stimulating private sector participation in development, and increasing its role in various projects, by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, entrepreneurship, enhancing business, and increasing efforts in climate action in Egypt.
The US Ambassador to Cairo, stated, "We reaffirm the long-term commitment of the US government to creating economic opportunities and improving conditions for all Egyptians. With funding of $130 million from the United States, we are bolstering Egyptian efforts to achieve a healthier and more prosperous life and future for the coming generations."
It is worth mentioning that the ongoing development cooperation portfolio with the USAID since 2014 amounts to approximately $1 billion, through which numerous projects are implemented in areas such as basic education, higher education, healthcare, governance, small and medium-sized enterprises support, private sector support, tourism, agriculture, and climate.