In a high-level gathering at the American University in Cairo (AUC), Egyptian Minister of Planning and Economic Development Dr. Rania Al-Mashat marked five years since the establishment of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab Middle East and North Africa (J-PAL MENA). The event underscored Egypt’s growing embrace of evidence-based policymaking, in partnership with one of the world’s most prestigious research institutions: the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
The celebration brought together Nobel Laureate Professor Abhijit Banerjee, co-founder of J-PAL, alongside senior academic, governmental, and development figures including former Minister of Education Dr. Tarek Shawki, Dr. Ahmed Dallal, President of the American University in Cairo, and leaders from Sawiris Foundation and Community Jameel.
From Policy Aspirations to Measurable Impact
In her keynote address, Dr. Al-Mashat hailed the collaboration as a hallmark of Egypt’s shift toward “a new paradigm in public policy”—one rooted in data integrity, scientific rigor, and tangible societal impact.
The Minister revealed that Egypt is preparing to launch a new national framework titled “The Economic Development Narrative: Policies for Growth and Employment”. This strategy outlines structural reforms and focuses on four key pillars. The first is achieving macroeconomic and monetary stability while securing diversified and sustainable development financing. The second centers on attracting greater foreign direct investment to support productive sectors and unlock new growth engines.
Third, the strategy promotes the development of industrial and trade policies that enhance competitiveness in local and international markets. Lastly, the narrative emphasizes the importance of human capital investment and labor market efficiency as a foundation for long-term inclusive growth.
A New Center for Climate-Informed Policy
A highlight of the event was the announcement of the Hub for Advancing Policy Innovation for the Environment (HAPIE)—a joint initiative between the Ministry and J-PAL MENA aimed at improving access to clean air and safe drinking water in underserved communities. The new center is integrated within Egypt’s flagship “Haya Karima” (Decent Life) initiative and serves as an extension of the Egyptian Impact Lab previously established in collaboration with J-PAL. Its work focuses on applying experimental policy evaluation to climate-related interventions such as rural water filtration systems, with the ultimate aim of building greater resilience in the face of environmental shocks.
A Model of Measurable Progress
Since its inception, J-PAL MENA has launched over 13 rigorous field evaluations across 12 Egyptian governorates, directly engaging more than 36,000 individuals. These studies have assessed the real-world impact of social programs and reforms, spanning a wide array of sectors. The Lab’s work covers nine priority development areas: labor markets, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion, gender equity, health, education, social protection, environmental policy, climate resilience, and humanitarian response.
This research agenda is reinforced by the Egyptian government’s allocation of 47% of its public investment portfolio to human capital development projects, a clear reflection of policy alignment with long-term social outcomes. In parallel, the government has committed to ensuring that 50% of new public projects qualify as green or environmentally sustainable, consistent with Egypt’s national strategies on climate adaptation and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Professor Banerjee: Egypt Setting a Regional Precedent
In remarks at the event, Professor Abhijit Banerjee praised Egypt’s leadership in institutionalizing evidence-based policymaking and creating space for experimentation within the public sector. He described the collaboration with J-PAL as an example of “how governments can change lives by asking the right questions—and using research to find the right answers.”
Institutionalizing Smart Governance
Dr. Al-Mashat concluded by emphasizing that the collaboration with J-PAL is not a standalone initiative but part of a broader policy transformation. Egypt, she noted, is seeking to institutionalize a culture of evidence-informed policymaking through strategic alliances with international think tanks, academic centers, and development partners. She also highlighted the Lab’s contributions to key programs such as the expansion of Egypt’s digital savings initiative “Tahweesha,” and partnerships with the National Organization for Social Insurance to extend protections to informal workers.
