Egypt’s Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, has approved a proposal to establish the Strategic Financial Empowerment Program, a transformative initiative aimed at transitioning welfare recipients into economically active citizens. The program, spearheaded by Minister of Social Solidarity Dr. Maya Morsy, represents a major policy shift toward sustainable and inclusive economic development.
The initiative reflects the Egyptian government’s broader vision to move beyond traditional social protection models by implementing a comprehensive, integrated strategy that combines financial inclusion with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. Designed to be the executive arm of Egypt’s economic empowerment efforts, the system specifically targets beneficiaries of the Takaful and Karama cash assistance programs, encouraging capable individuals to engage in productive, income-generating activities.
At its core, the Strategic Financial Empowerment System is built on the Social Security Law No. 12 of 2025, which mandates a shift from passive support to active participation in the economy. The new system offers an integrated suite of financial and non-financial services, including microloans, digital savings, microinsurance, skills training, entrepreneurship coaching, and labor market integration.
A Four-Pillar Model of Empowerment
The program focuses on four key pillars:
- Digital Infrastructure:
A central digital platform, Tamkeen, has been developed to interconnect beneficiary data with service providers. Complementary tools include Tahweesha, a digital savings app tailored for women, and Ayadi Masr, an e-commerce platform for traditional crafts and handmade products. - Financial and Insurance Products:
A range of microfinance and microinsurance products are now available to support entrepreneurship and small business development among low-income households. - Training and Employment:
Programs targeting university graduates from Takaful families will provide training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and artisanal skills, aligning their competencies with labor market demands. - Technical Support and Marketing:
This includes the Osol program for transferring productive assets to families, and the Ezra’ initiative aimed at supporting smallholder farmers with certified wheat seeds and improving domestic food production.
Toward a Productive Welfare Model
By linking cash assistance to productive engagement, the government aims to gradually phase out unconditional welfare, promoting autonomy and financial resilience. The system aspires to create a national economic empowerment framework with wide-ranging partnerships across the public sector, private enterprises, civil society, and financial institutions.
The approved Cabinet decree establishes the Strategic Financial Empowerment System under the chairmanship of the Minister of Social Solidarity, with representatives from relevant ministries and agencies. It also grants authority to include public or private entities, NGOs, community organizations, banks, and other stakeholders by ministerial decision.
