Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, and Germany’s Ambassador to Egypt, Jürgen Schultz, recently oversaw the signing of an agreement to implement the second phase of the Egyptian-German Center for Jobs, Migration, and Reintegration. The agreement was signed by Amb. Nabil Habashi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Migration and Egyptians Abroad, and Dr. Regina Kolmann, Director of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in Egypt. The event was also attended by Anne Koffid, Head of the Social Integration and Governance Migration Department at the European Union Delegation to Egypt.
Strengthening Egypt-Germany Relations for Sustainable Development
In her address, Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the importance of the Egyptian-German Center as a key element of strategic cooperation between Egypt, Germany, and the European Union. She emphasized that this project represents a significant step toward achieving shared developmental goals. The Minister also noted the importance of the partnership with Germany, particularly regarding the recent 29 million-euro debt-for-development swap agreement signed at the end of 2024. This agreement aims to bolster resilience among populations affected by crises and those hosting displaced individuals.
Empowering Youth and Reducing Irregular Migration
The Egyptian-German Center, which was established in 2020, plays a pivotal role in guiding young Egyptians toward employment and training opportunities. This initiative is crucial in addressing the challenges of irregular migration by supporting the reintegration of Egyptians returning from abroad. The center offers a range of social and economic services, enabling returnees to restart their lives and contribute productively to society.
Minister Al-Mashat affirmed that the project aligns with Egypt’s broader goals for human capital development, which is a cornerstone of the country’s Vision 2030. The initiative provides specialized training programs across key sectors, preparing youth for a competitive labor market and equipping them with the skills necessary to excel in the global economy.
Fostering Sustainable Development and Economic Opportunities
The government’s efforts extend beyond migration issues, with a strong focus on youth empowerment and sustainable development. The initiative represents a key component of Egypt’s strategy to increase investments in youth development, providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the demands of various critical sectors such as education, healthcare, technology, and innovation.
Collaboration with International Partners to Address Migration
The project is a model of fruitful collaboration between Egypt, Germany, and the European Union in addressing migration challenges. One of the most significant programs under this partnership is the joint migration initiative, launched by the Egyptian government, the United Nations, and the EU. Managed by key international bodies, including the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO), this program aims to provide a more effective response to the needs of migrants and refugees through the Common Platform for Migrants and Refugees, established in November 2021.
A National Strategy for Combating Irregular Migration
Dr. Al-Mashat also highlighted the Egyptian government’s comprehensive approach to managing migration, including the National Strategy for Combating Irregular Migration (2016-2026), developed in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This strategy is in alignment with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and plays a crucial role in achieving the country’s sustainable development goals. It seeks to leverage migration for positive social and economic outcomes while ensuring the protection of vulnerable groups in Egypt.
Additionally, the Ministry of Planning emphasized the launch of the second edition of the National Survey on International Migration for Egyptian Households, conducted in collaboration with the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), IOM, and the European Union. The survey is an essential tool for understanding migration patterns in Egypt and assessing their impact on various segments of the population.
The Egyptian government remains steadfast in its commitment to human capital development. Through partnerships with leading international organizations such as the UN, the World Bank, the EU, the US, Germany, and China, Egypt continues to prioritize investments in its people.
