Egypt
Egypt is a priority country of Switzerland’s economic development cooperation. As the largest economy in North Africa and a key Swiss trading partner, Egypt combines significant development potential with complex structural challenges. Switzerland has been engaged in economic cooperation with Egypt since 1979. SECO's current programme focuses on sustainable urban development, sound economic governance, and green and inclusive economic growth.
Egypt stands at a pivotal moment. As the most populous country in the Arab world and a key economic partner of Switzerland, Egypt is strategically positioned at the crossroads of North Africa, the Horn of Africa and the MENA region, serving as a gateway between Europe, Africa and Asia. Yet the country faces compounding pressures: a rapidly growing population of around 110 million, persistent poverty affecting an estimated one third of the population, high inflation, a heavy external debt burden and a strong military presence in the economy continue to strain public finances and limit opportunities for the most vulnerable. Women, youth, refugees and migrants bear a disproportionate share of these hardships. Egypt is also highly exposed to climate change, with rising temperatures, water scarcity and extreme weather events threatening livelihoods across the country, while Egyptian cities, responsible for around 80% of national greenhouse gas emissions, face mounting challenges around waste, pollution and urban growth.
To address these challenges, the Egyptian government has engaged in a significant reform programme with the International Monetary Fund, covering fiscal consolidation, tax restructuring and a reduction of subsidies. At the same time, Egypt hosts over nine million migrants and refugees, including more than 1.5 million Sudanese nationals who have arrived since April 2023, placing additional strain on an already stretched system of public services and protection. In response to this complex and fast-evolving context, the Cooperation Programme 2025–2028 is designed to support Egypt's path towards more resilient and inclusive development. By promoting sound urban governance and sustainable infrastructure, strengthening public financial management and macroeconomic reform, and advancing green and circular economic practices, Switzerland works alongside Egyptian institutions, communities and partners to build the foundations for a fairer, more sustainable and more prosperous society.
Switzerland and Egypt have over 45 years of development cooperation history. The Swiss Cooperation Programme 2025–2028 for Egypt is implemented jointly by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
The overall goal is to contribute to climate-resilient economic and social development in Egypt, with a focus on livelihood and protection for the most vulnerable, economic opportunities and strengthened governance.