Egypt and Germany signed agreements worth €77.3 million to enhance Egypt’s key sectors , including education, healthcare, and social services. These agreements aim to support sustainable development and align with Egypt’s national goals.
Key Projects and Funding Allocations
The first agreement allocates €16.31 million for the second phase of the Comprehensive Technical Education Initiative to transform Egypt’s technical education system. Running from 2024 to 2028, this phase will continue to build on the successes of the program, which has been a cornerstone of Egyptian-German cooperation in education since 2018.
A further €32 million will fund infrastructure improvements, including the construction of sustainable buildings and renovation of existing facilities. This project will also establish three Centers of Excellence for vocational training, collaborating with private sector companies to ensure training aligns with labor market needs.
Debt Swap Initiative for Education and Healthcare
Another vital component of the agreement is a €29 million debt swap initiative. This initiative will enhance Egypt’s ability to deliver high-quality education, healthcare, and nutrition services, particularly to crisis-affected communities. In this regard, Egypt’s Ministries of Social Solidarity, Health, and Education will collaborates with international organizations like UNICEF and the World Food Programme.
Minister Rania Al-Mashat Highlights Partnership with Germany
Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, emphasized the importance of Egypt’s partnership with Germany in advancing economic development and climate action. She called the debt swap program a global model for financial restructuring that has improved education, healthcare, and food security in Egypt since its launch in 2012.
Al-Mashat also noted the increasing importance of debt swap programs for middle-income countries, as they offer a practical way to address financial challenges and promote long-term sustainable development.
Supporting Egypt’s Long-Term Goals
The new agreements also align with Egypt’s objectives to localize industry, improve technical skills, and increase exports for long-term industrial growth. This deepening collaboration between Egypt and Germany highlights their strong commitment to creating impactful and sustainable development projects.
The agreements underscore the effectiveness of international cooperation in driving development, strengthening Egypt’s governance framework, and maximizing the impact of these initiatives.