Egypt and Germany have signed financing and technical agreements for three important projects. On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and in the presence of H.E. the Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, and H.E. the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Juergen Schulz, the German KfW Development Bank, and GIZ Egypt signed today in Cairo Financing and Technical Agreements for three projects.
Comprehensive Technical Education Initiative
One of the key agreements involves the Technical Support for the Comprehensive Technical Education Initiative (TCTI II). This project, with a funding of 16.31 million Euros, will run from 2024 to 2028. The goal is to improve Egypt’s technical education system by enhancing its quality, efficiency, and relevance. Activities will include developing digital financing systems, creating quality-assured assessment processes, and integrating innovative digital learning methods, with a focus on expanding opportunities for female students.
This initiative is part of the broader Egypt-Germany “New Comprehensive TVET Initiative” (NCTI), which began in 2018 and aims to transform technical education in Egypt.
Strengthening Vocational Education with New Centers of Competence
Another agreement focuses on improving Egypt’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system. The project, named the Comprehensive Technical Education Initiative – Phase II (FCTI II), with EUR 32m grant. This funding will be used to establish and upgrade Centers of Competence (CoCs) in Egypt, which will work closely with the private sector to offer hands-on vocational training. These centers will help bridge the skills gap by providing specialized training aligned with the needs of the labor market.
The project is part of a long-term strategy to strengthen Egypt’s workforce and improve economic growth by enhancing the quality of vocational education.
Supporting Crisis-Affected Communities in Egypt
The third agreement addresses the needs of Egypt’s crisis-affected populations. A debt swap agreement valued at 29 million Euros will support the project aimed at improving access to food, healthcare, and education for vulnerable populations. This initiative will benefit approximately 600,000 people, including pregnant women and children under two. The project will include nutrition programs, improvements to school infrastructure, and the promotion of entrepreneurship.
It will also employ a Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus approach, focusing on enhancing social cohesion and resilience, particularly in areas like Greater Cairo, Upper Egypt, and the Northern Coast.
A Long-Standing Partnership for Sustainable Development
These projects are part of Germany’s ongoing development cooperation with Egypt. Since 2004, Germany has contributed over 484 million Euros in debt swaps, which have supported Egypt in areas such as water and sanitation, renewable energy, and community resilience.
Through these new agreements, both Egypt and Germany are reinforcing their commitment to education, economic growth, and social resilience, ensuring sustainable development for the future.
