Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development, emphasized the ministry’s strong commitment to the Local Development Fund, considering it one of the most effective tools for supporting small and micro enterprises, particularly for women and youth in rural Egyptian villages.
She noted that the fund serves as a core pillar, alongside the “Mashro3ak” program, in achieving local economic development and providing sustainable job opportunities that help improve living standards in rural and underserved communities.
This came during a meeting chaired by the Minister, attended by several of her deputies, advisors, central department heads, and board members of the fund. The meeting reviewed the fund’s performance during the 2024–2025 fiscal year, including the number of projects implemented, jobs created, and the total value of loans granted to beneficiaries across various governorates.
The meeting also discussed future steps to enhance the fund’s developmental role and expand its beneficiary base. This includes diversifying the economic sectors it finances and increasing support for productive, service-oriented, and agricultural projects to contribute to comprehensive development across governorates.
Dr. Awad stressed the importance of strengthening governance over fund expenditures and developing mechanisms for increasing self-generated revenues to ensure sustainable project financing. She also emphasized the need to activate the role of governorates in achieving local economic development and discussed the potential involvement of the private sector through project management or effective partnerships, which would enhance success rates and increase returns.
The Minister reaffirmed the ministry’s aim to position the Local Development Fund as a key driver in realizing the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals by empowering women and youth, improving local project management efficiency, and boosting self-generated revenues for governorates.
