Egypt’s Minister of Local Development, Dr. Manal Awad, inaugurated the fourth edition of a specialized training program aimed at enhancing emergency and crisis management capabilities across Africa. The program, held from February 16 to 21, 2025, will empower 26 professionals from 22 African nations.
The training, titled “The Role of Local Administrations in Crisis and Risk Management”, is organized in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development (EAPD), and the National Network for Emergency and Public Safety. The event draws experts and partners from both national and international organizations to share knowledge and best practices.
In her opening speech, Minister Awad emphasized Egypt’s commitment to supporting its African neighbors, noting that the initiative aligns with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s vision to enhance African capacity-building in diverse fields. She also underscored the significance of this training in facilitating knowledge exchange, capacity building, and fostering sustainable development across the continent. “Our goal is to equip African professionals with the tools to tackle the challenges facing our cities, ensuring long-term solutions that support sustainable development and the well-being of our people,” Awad stated.
The program content includes advanced topics such as strategic use of technology in crisis management, effective media handling during emergencies, the role of international agencies in disaster response, and the use of satellite systems for crisis prediction. Additionally, the course will highlight Egypt’s experience in managing crises, particularly its successful approach to handling public health emergencies and pandemics.
Spearheading the initiative, Ambassador Ashraf Ibrahim, Secretary-General of the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development, emphasized the program’s role in strengthening Egypt’s strategic partnerships across the continent. “This training is part of Egypt’s broader efforts to help African nations overcome their challenges by providing resources, expertise, and support for sustainable development,” Ibrahim said.
In his remarks, Ambassador Hossam El-Kawish, Assistant Minister of Local Development for International Cooperation, stressed the importance of local governments as the first line of defense in times of crisis. He highlighted that the program will also improve the coordination between local governments and central authorities, which is crucial for effective disaster response.
During the event, Minister Awad also toured a technological exhibition showcasing cutting-edge solutions for disaster risk management. The exhibition featured innovations from global tech giants like Huawei, as well as local enterprises specializing in integrated solutions, emergency services, and health safety technologies. “Leveraging technology is vital to enhancing our response capabilities, and Egypt remains committed to investing in these advancements to safeguard our citizens and the continent,” Awad concluded.
This training program reflects Egypt’s strategic role in advancing Africa’s emergency management and local governance capacities while reinforcing its position as a key partner in the continent’s sustainable development journey.
