Our Work

USAID

USAID’s work in Egypt enhances trade and investment, create jobs, promotes good governance and increases access to quality education and health care. 

The majority of USAID’s assistance is in the form of bilateral assistance programmed in conjunction with the Government of Egypt. In the wake of the historic revolution in January 2011, USAID provided direct support to non-governmental organizations and the private sector to support Egypt’s economic and political transition – two-thirds of awardees are local organizations and 40 percent are new partners. The economic growth program provided grants for job creation, humanitarian assistance and poverty alleviation for those negatively affected by the recent economic downturn. The democracy program provided funds for democratic development, including support for Egypt’s historic elections, civic awareness and protection of human rights.

Agriculture and Food Security

Egypt’s fertile Nile floodplain gives the country a strong comparative advantage in agriculture. To maintain and strengthen this asset, USAID partners with the Egyptian people to increase rural incomes, improve crop yields, provide access to credit for small- and medium-sized businesses and expand trade to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability. We are supporting policy reform, market development, skills training, research and extension, access to credit and infrastructure improvements. 

Democracy, Human Rights and Governance

The United States supported the freest and fairest parliamentary elections in Egypt’s history through grant assistance for transparent and competitive electoral processes, including voter education and election observation. USAID’s programs strengthen the administration of and access to justice, promote decentralized governance and build the capacity of dozens of civil society groups.

Economic Growth and Trade

USAID supports inclusive, sustainable economic growth focusing on restoring macro-economic stability, creating jobs, and strengthening the agriculture and tourism sectors. We are providing technical support for trade facilitation, fiscal policy, domestic market development and institutional reform. We work with the people of Egypt and private sector partners to encourage business growth and improve the employability of Egypt’s youth through job skills training and on-the-job training.

Education

USAID focuses on innovative professional development for teachers, decentralization of the education system, policy reform and Arabic language reading instruction. We will continue to increase the number of undergraduate and master’s degree scholarships to a diverse range of Egyptians, including women and economically disadvantaged students. In the coming year, USAID also will confront systemic challenges highlighted by Egypt’s transition, working closely with local educational structures and communities to ensure that learning opportunities are available for all.

Environment and Global Climate Change

Safeguarding Egypt’s environment and natural resources contributes to economic and social development and improves the quality of life for all Egyptians. USAID’s partnership with Egypt in this sector has resulted in improved solid waste management, cleaner air, enhanced energy efficiency, better protection of the Red Sea and Sinai, improved coastal resources management, more sustainable tourism management and stronger environmental nongovernmental organizations.

Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment

USAID promotes gender equality and women's empowerment across all sectors of our work in Egypt. We support efforts to standardize maternal, child, and nutrition services and family planning best practices, especially for underserved populations. We address gender inequalities in education, support women’s and girls’ civic participation and political rights, reduce and respond to violence against women and children, and support women’s economic empowerment by providing jobs, training, loans for small businesses and improved access to trade opportunities.

Global Health

USAID has contributed to a significant reduction in the infant, child and maternal mortality rates and a major increase in immunization coverage against major diseases for all Egyptian children. In line with the U.S. Global Health Initiative, we implement public health programs that expand on a set of proven interventions across all levels of the Egyptian health system to improve the health of the Egyptian population.

Water and Sanitation

USAID has contributed to major improvements in water and wastewater services in Egypt through investments in infrastructure, training and institutional reform. Our current focus is on improving the sustainability of potable water and sanitation services through institutional support for service providers, support for public-private partnerships, and the construction of water and wastewater systems in poor rural areas.