Egypt’s Minister of Local Development, Dr. Manal Awad, has been awarded the National Achievement Award for 2024 at the tenth edition of Amwal Al Ghad Ceremony, a high-profile gathering honoring the nation’s most impactful women leaders and institutions.
Hosted by Amwal Al Ghad Magazine, the ceremony took place under the auspices of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and recognized female leadership at the intersection of policy, business, and social impact.
Dr. Awad received the award in recognition of her leadership in spearheading community-centered development, strengthening municipal governance, and modernizing infrastructure across Egypt’s governorates. Her tenure has also seen an intensified push for climate resilience and economic inclusion at the grassroots level.
Transforming Egypt’s Rural Landscape
At the heart of Dr. Awad’s portfolio is the “Haya Karima” (Decent Life) presidential initiative—one of the most ambitious rural development programs in the Middle East and Africa. With projects spanning water sanitation, electricity, broadband, education, and youth services, the initiative is transforming over 4,500 villages across 20+ governorates.
“Villages once underserved now have full utility access, modern school and health facilities, and government service hubs—delivered in one integrated framework,” she said.
As Egypt nears the completion of the initiative’s first phase, Awad confirmed the government is moving ahead with phase two, affirming Cairo’s commitment to continuity amid fiscal and geopolitical pressures.
A Broader Push for Gender-Inclusive Governance
The summit also honored more than 50 of Egypt’s most influential women, including Ambassador Moushira Khattab, philanthropist Yousriya Loza Sawiris, and former planning minister Dr. Hala El-Said, recognizing their contributions to economic reform, social justice, and state modernization.
The event highlighted the growing role of women in government and institutional leadership, with organizers praising their ability to drive cross-sectoral transformation.
Dina Abdel Fattah, Secretary-General of the Egypt for the Best summit, emphasized that “these awards are not symbolic—they are a strategic acknowledgment of women’s contributions to Egypt’s Vision 2030.”
Awards Amid National Transformation
Held at the Four Seasons Hotel Nile Plaza in Cairo, the summit honored standout public servants, private sector leaders, and social entrepreneurs whose work aligns with Egypt’s national priorities: economic resilience, sustainable urban development, and social equity.
Dr. Awad’s recognition comes as Egypt intensifies its investment in decentralized governance and infrastructure modernization, both essential to navigating climate change, population growth, and digital transformation.
