Published on 12 December 2024

Egypt

Egypt is a priority country of Switzerland’s economic cooperation and development. Through its cooperation programme 2021-2024, Switzerland supports Egypt's economic reforms and promotes sustainable, inclusive development for its people.

Women working in the clothing factory, Shaturna, Egypt — © ITC/Tardy and Karim

Egypt, a priority country for SECO’s economic cooperation and development, is Switzerland’s most important trading partner in Africa and a key regional power, currently hosting around 6 million migrants. While significant economic progress has been made through an IMF-assisted reform package that has led to macroeconomic stabilization and growth, the country continues to face challenges, including political instability, slow progress in inclusive governance, and setbacks in gender equality. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has further strained the situation for vulnerable groups, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable development and social cohesion.

In response to these challenges, Switzerland's cooperation programme Egypt 2021-2024 focuses on supporting macroeconomic reforms and promoting sustainable, inclusive economic development in Egypt. SECO works to enhance public financial management, foster good governance, and build strong institutions, ensuring effective use of public resources. Additionally, the programme promotes greener growth by improving land and water management, encouraging innovation in clean production, and supporting vocational skills development to enhance employability, particularly for youth, women, and migrants. Through these initiatives, Switzerland aims to contribute to stability and resilience in Egypt, helping the country navigate its path toward sustainable development and addressing the needs of its diverse population.

SECO, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD) from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) jointly define and implement the Swiss cooperation programme in Egypt. The four objectives of the Swiss cooperation are good governance and human rights, sustainable and inclusive economic development, vocational skills development and decent work and migration and protection. Therein, SECO’s focus lies on three thematic areas.

Thematic areas

• Good Economic Governance, Macroeconomic Reforms, and Strong Institutions

  SECO fosters reliable macroeconomic framework conditions and targeted capacity building for public financial management, including debt management and better public service provision. The aim is to ensure effective and efficient management of public resources for the benefit of all citizens.

• Greener Growth and Sustainable Urban Development

  SECO collaborates with governments at both the national and subnational levels to improve the management of land resources, enhance water and wastewater management, and develop solid waste management systems. In addition, SECO promotes innovation in cleaner production and energy efficiency, as well as financing mechanisms for a greener economy. This will enable Egypt to benefit from more sustainable urbanization, better infrastructure, more resilient cities, and improved conditions for sustainable economic growth.

• Vocational Skills Development and a Business-Friendly Environment

  SECO provides technical assistance to vocational and skills training providers to enhance employability, labor market access, and access to finance, especially for youth, women, and migrants. It further supports regulators, service providers, and private sector participants by establishing simplified procedures, transparent processes, new financial products, and improved entrepreneurship.

Gender equality, a climate-friendly approach, and the efficient use of resources are prerequisites for sustainable and inclusive economic development. These aspects are therefore taken into account in all SECO activities.

Further information

• Egypt: Country Context

  Egypt, led by President el-Sisi since 2013, has stabilized its economy but faces challenges like poverty, regional security issues, and weak governance. Progress depends on reforms and investments in education, health, and green infrastructure.

  Discover Egypt's economic and social context