Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development, met with a World Bank delegation to discuss current and future cooperation on local development and decentralization efforts in Egypt’s Upper Egypt region. The meeting focused on enhancing the impact of the Local Development Program in Upper Egypt and accelerating the shift towards decentralization, in line with the directives of Egypt’s leadership.
Impressive Results and Continued Collaboration
Dr. Awad highlighted the successful outcomes of the program, revealing that 5,633 projects had been completed in vital sectors such as water supply, sanitation, electricity, roads, and urban development, with investments surpassing EGP 27.05 billion. She emphasized that the World Bank is a strategic partner in supporting local development and helping to implement Egypt’s national goals for decentralization and sustainable urban development.
“The World Bank has been instrumental in supporting the ministry’s efforts, and I look forward to further cooperation between our institutions,” Dr. Awad said, noting the significant progress made over the past seven years.
Strengthening Economic Growth and Infrastructure
The Local Development Program in Upper Egypt has made substantial strides in improving infrastructure, creating job opportunities, and boosting the local economy. Dr. Hisham El Helbawy, Assistant Minister of Local Development, explained that the program has helped improve the business environment in targeted governorates, such as Sohag and Qena, with a 22.5% improvement, and in Minya and Assiut, with a 26.3% improvement. As a result, 369,000 direct and indirect jobs were created, thanks to investments in small and medium-sized enterprises.
Moreover, the program has successfully developed four strategic industrial zones in Sohag and Qena, improving occupancy rates by 44%. These efforts have enhanced the competitiveness of these governorates and attracted more investments.
Digital Transformation and Governance
The ministry has also prioritized digital transformation, with 45 technological centers established in local administrative units to improve the delivery of government services. These reforms have reduced the time required to obtain licenses and essential services by 50% to 60%, increasing citizens’ trust in government efficiency.
World Bank Applauds Local Development Progress
The World Bank delegation, including Ms. Ellen Olafsen, Senior Private Sector Engagement Specialist, and Mr. Zishan Karim, Senior Urban Specialist, praised the program’s success in fostering a more business-friendly environment and increasing satisfaction among local businesses and citizens. Ms. Olafsen emphasized the program’s role in creating job opportunities, improving industrial zone infrastructure, and engaging the private sector.
Mr. Karim also commended the Ministry of Local Development’s role in the World Urban Forum, highlighting Egypt’s contributions to sustainable urban development and local economic growth. He stressed that the World Bank is committed to supporting the continued success of the Local Development Program in Upper Egypt, calling it one of the most successful development projects the bank is involved in globally.
A Bright Future for Local Development
The meeting underscored the ongoing commitment of both the Ministry of Local Development and the World Bank to further enhance the program’s success, ensuring that more governorates benefit from integrated programs aimed at fostering economic, environmental, urban, and social sustainability. Dr. Awad and the World Bank delegation reaffirmed their dedication to achieving lasting development outcomes for Upper Egypt.
