To uplift Egypt’s rural areas, Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly convened a key meeting on Monday to discuss the progress of the Haya Karima initiative, a flagship project aimed at transforming the lives of millions of citizens living in rural villages across Egypt. The first phase of this groundbreaking initiative is already making significant strides in providing essential services and improving infrastructure in the most underserved areas of the country.
The meeting received Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development, and Eng. Sherif El-Shorbiny, Minister of Housing. These officials, along with their departments, are working collaboratively to ensure that the initiative’s goals are achieved in a timely and efficient manner. Additionally, representatives from Dar Al-Handasah Consulting Engineers and the Egyptian Armed Forces Engineering Authority have played vital roles in the technical and logistical implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects, further demonstrating the importance of public-private partnerships in driving national development.
The Vision of Haya Karima
The Haya Karima initiative, which targets rural Egypt, focuses on addressing critical issues such as water and sanitation, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. This monumental project is a direct response to the urgent need to improve the quality of life for citizens in Egypt’s less-developed regions, ensuring that the benefits of development reach all corners of the country, especially the most marginalized communities.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Madbouly emphasized the importance of accelerating the completion of projects under phase one of the initiative to ensure that citizens can benefit from these improvements as soon as possible. The meeting also discussed preparations for phase two, which is slated to begin in the next fiscal year, highlighting the government’s long-term commitment to sustainable development.
The Focus on Upper Egypt
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the allocation of resources to Upper Egypt, where 68% of the total budget for phase one has been directed. This demonstrates the government’s focus on addressing regional disparities, with the lion’s share of funding aimed at improving infrastructure and services in the rural heartlands of the country.
A significant portion of the funding—70%—is focused on improving human development, such as education, healthcare, and social services, while 30% is dedicated to environmental sustainability, including green investments and projects aimed at mitigating climate change. This approach underscores Egypt’s commitment to sustainable growth that benefits both people and the planet.
Strong Performance Indicators
In a detailed presentation, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, outlined the progress of the first phase. The ministry has closely monitored the impact of the initiative, with remarkable improvements in key services. The number of households with access to natural gas has surged by 366% from July 2021 to December 2024, while access to sewage services has increased by 58%. Moreover, the reach of high-speed internet has grown by 41%, providing rural communities with better connectivity and opportunities for digital inclusion.
These improvements reflect not only the government’s focus on providing basic services but also its commitment to advancing digital infrastructure as a key driver of economic development in Egypt’s rural areas.
A Call for Prioritizing Key Projects
At the conclusion of the meeting, Prime Minister Madbouly emphasized the urgency of completing essential sewage projects, acknowledging the critical need for proper sanitation services in rural communities. He called for these projects to be given top priority, ensuring their completion as quickly as possible to meet the immediate needs of citizens.
The Prime Minister also proposed bi-weekly meetings to track the progress of the remaining phase one projects, ensuring continued momentum and accountability. He directed the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and the Ministry of Local Development to assess the operational readiness of the newly constructed government service centers, ensuring they are functional and accessible to citizens in the shortest possible time.
Collaborative Effort: A National Endeavor
The meeting brought together key figures from the Egyptian government, including Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications, Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development, Engineer Sherif El-Shorbiny, Minister of Housing, and other high-ranking officials. Together, they discussed the technical and financial challenges that need to be addressed in order to meet the ambitious goals of the initiative.
Additionally, representatives from the Egyptian Armed Forces Engineering Authority and the Dar Al-Handasah Consulting Engineers firm provided updates on the on-the-ground implementation of the first phase, underscoring the collaborative effort between the public and private sectors to make this initiative a success.
Building a Sustainable Future
The Haya Karima initiative is a testament to Egypt’s commitment to regional equity and sustainable development. The project not only aims to enhance the lives of millions of rural Egyptians but also sets the foundation for the country’s long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
By prioritizing both human development and environmental protection, the initiative is aligning with Egypt’s broader goals for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. With its focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and green development, Haya Karima is truly a model for inclusive and sustainable development that can serve as a benchmark for other nations in the region.
