Under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Egypt marked the 10th anniversary of its flagship social protection program, Takaful and Karama, with a major celebration attended by senior government officials, international development partners, and civil society representatives. The event, themed “Social Protection: Lessons from the Past Chart the Path Forward,” highlighted the program’s achievements over the past decade and laid out an ambitious future roadmap.
Before entering the main venue, Dr. Madbouly took a commemorative photo with the Takaful and Karama team, World Bank partners, and key stakeholders. He also explored a display featuring the program’s newly implemented AI-powered digital grievance system, which enables visually impaired users and illiterate citizens to submit audio complaints and receive follow-ups remotely—an initiative explained by a representative from the community of people with disabilities.
To further support inclusive access, the Ministry of Social Solidarity has trained its staff in sign language to assist individuals with hearing impairments. The Prime Minister was also introduced to the WhatsApp-based application process for Karama beneficiaries with visual disabilities—part of broader digital innovations aimed at enhancing service efficiency.
Opening the official proceedings, Dr. Madbouly reflected on the journey of Takaful and Karama, launched during a critical moment of national recovery in 2015. “We do not merely celebrate a cash transfer program today,” he said, “but a philosophy of governance that puts the dignity of every Egyptian at the center.”
Highlighting the program’s evolution, Madbouly noted that its budget will rise to EGP 55 billion in FY2025/2026, up from EGP 41 billion in the current fiscal year and EGP 24 billion the year prior. He emphasized that this figure equals the total government expenditure on all cash support programs from 2011 to 2017—now dedicated in a single year to Takaful and Karama.
The program initially served fewer than 2 million beneficiaries with a budget of EGP 5 billion. Today, it is backed by a national commitment to long-term sustainability, evidenced by the recently ratified Social Security Law, which ensures support as a legal right for those who qualify and prevents misuse of funds.
Dr. Madbouly also announced the upcoming launch of a EGP 10 billion economic empowerment fund for Takaful and Karama families, which will be expanded progressively to help these households achieve financial independence and transition from welfare to productivity. “Our dream remains a legitimate one,” he said, “to one day see Egypt free of poverty, and to witness the graduation of the last family from the Takaful and Karama program.”
Following speeches by several dignitaries—including World Bank Country Director Stefan G. Jempfert, UK Ambassador Gareth Bayley, and UN Resident Coordinator Elena Panova—Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, revealed that the upcoming FY2025/2026 development plan includes EGP 327 billion for human capital investment, a 22% increase from last year.
She also confirmed that since 2015, Egypt has mobilized EGP 70 billion (USD 1.4 billion) in concessional financing from the World Bank to support Takaful and Karama, including EGP 1.2 billion earmarked for economic empowerment initiatives.
Minister of Social Solidarity Dr. Maya Morsy affirmed the transformative impact of the program, noting significant progress in digital systems, targeting methods, and payment mechanisms. She concluded her remarks by presenting a commemorative plaque to the Prime Minister, in appreciation of his continued leadership and support.
The event closed with the Prime Minister honoring a wide array of contributors, including current and former ministers, parliamentarians, international partners, academics, and civil society leaders. Special recognition was given to former Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab for his early role in initiating the program.
Dr. Madbouly concluded by reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening social protection systems and enhancing the quality of life for all Egyptians.
