Latest news with #UpperEgyptLocalDevelopmentProgramme
CairoScene
2 days ago
- Business
- CairoScene
6,000 Projects Completed in Upper Egypt With EGP 32 Billion Investment
The Upper Egypt Local Development Programme has improved infrastructure and services for over 8 million residents. May 30, 2025 The Ministry of Local Development has announced the completion of more than 6,000 development projects in Upper Egypt, with total investments exceeding EGP 32 billion. These initiatives, part of the Upper Egypt Local Development Programme launched in 2018, have enhanced infrastructure and public services for approximately 8.2 million citizens in the governorates of Sohag, Qena, Minya, and Assiut. The projects have focused on key sectors such as roads, sanitation, and electricity. Notably, 40% of the investments have been allocated to economic development and institutional capacity-building at local and technological levels. The programme has also advanced Egypt's decentralisation agenda and increased private sector participation, benefiting over 72,000 companies. Surveys indicate that around 85% of business owners reported satisfaction with the support provided, reflecting positively on the government's broader 2024–2027 national reform plan. The World Bank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Egypt's efforts to enhance the business climate, digitise local services, and replicate successful models, particularly the economic cluster approach, in other governorates. Twelve economic clusters have already been implemented, with most nearing completion and full rollout anticipated by October 2025.
Daily News Egypt
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Over 6,000 projects completed in Upper Egypt with EGP 32bn Investment: Local Development Minister
Manal Awad, Egypt's Minister of Local Development, met with a World Bank delegation to assess progress in the Upper Egypt Local Development Programme and explore ways to strengthen the region's business environment and private sector engagement. The delegation included Elin Olafsen, Senior Private Sector Specialist, and Zeeshan Karim, Senior Urban Specialist, along with other World Bank representatives. Also in attendance were Hisham El-Helbawy, the Minister's Assistant for National Projects and Director of the Upper Egypt Programme, and members of the programme's coordination office. Awad highlighted the longstanding partnership with the World Bank since the programme's launch in 2018, expressing gratitude for the Bank's continued support, which has led to substantial achievements across key governorates. She described the initiative as a flagship model of development cooperation between Egypt and the World Bank. To date, the programme has implemented more than 6,000 projects with total investments exceeding EGP 32bn, directly improving infrastructure and public services for approximately 8.2 million citizens in Sohag, Qena, Minya, and Assiut. Key focus areas include roads, sanitation, and electricity, with 40% of investments directed toward economic development and institutional capacity-building at the local and technological levels. Awad noted that the programme provides a scalable model for development across other governorates. The initiative has also advanced Egypt's decentralisation agenda and significantly increased private sector participation, benefiting over 72,000 companies. Surveys show that around 85% of business owners reported satisfaction with the programme's support—an encouraging sign for the government's wider 2024–2027 national reform plan. El-Helbawy provided updates on the World Bank delegation's recent field activities, including site visits in the four governorates, consultations with governors, and meetings with ministry officials. Discussions focused on enhancing infrastructure in industrial zones and supporting economic clusters in Qena and Sohag. He also pointed to tangible improvements in industrial zone management, service delivery, private sector engagement, and local revenue generation. Elin Olafsen praised the programme's role in boosting regional competitiveness, highlighting her visits to the medicinal and aromatic plants cluster in Qena and the industrial zone in Qeft. She commended the strong coordination between the Ministry of Local Development and the Industrial Development Authority in fostering growth in Upper Egypt's industrial sector. Olafsen reaffirmed the World Bank's commitment to supporting Egypt's efforts to enhance the business climate, digitise local services, and replicate successful models—particularly the economic cluster approach—in other governorates. The Bank's representatives expressed strong support for the cluster-based strategy, noting that 12 economic clusters have already been implemented, with most nearing completion. Full rollout is anticipated by October 2025. Zeeshan Karim described the Upper Egypt programme as one of the World Bank's most impactful initiatives in Egypt. She highlighted its achievements in local governance, job creation, and economic development, and reiterated the Bank's dedication to supporting Egypt's broader goals of decentralisation and sustainable urban and economic growth.
Zawya
07-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
World Bank commends Upper Egypt Local Development Programme
Egypt - Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development, announced that the World Bank has highlighted the significant achievements of the Upper Egypt Local Development Programme (UELDP) in its latest report, praising its role in driving economic growth, enhancing infrastructure, and improving citizens' quality of life. The report described the UELDP as a pioneering model for sustainable economic development and job creation, aligning with Egypt's national strategy to promote investment and economic inclusion in targeted regions. It emphasized that the programme has not only strengthened local economies but also contributed to long-term development efforts aimed at creating sustainable sources of income for citizens. Awad emphasized that the UELDP reflects Egypt's commitment to an innovative and comprehensive approach to local development in Upper Egypt, home to 38% of the country's population. The programme focuses on creating a business-friendly environment, improving infrastructure services, and strengthening local governance. A key aspect of this approach is empowering governorates by enhancing their administrative capabilities, reinforcing accountability, and ensuring that citizens, businesses, and enterprises are actively engaged in decision-making processes. To this end, the government launched a pilot initiative designed to build the capacity of local authorities, allowing them to better manage resources and address development challenges. She explained that the UELDP is particularly focused on improving the business environment, strengthening infrastructure, and enabling governorates to take the lead in their own development efforts. The programme operates in alignment with the presidential initiative 'Decent Life,' which aims to improve living conditions in underprivileged villages and marginalized communities. Both initiatives share a comprehensive and inclusive approach to local development, economic inclusion, and sustainable growth, ensuring that improvements reach all segments of society. According to the World Bank report, the UELDP has delivered significant results, benefiting over 8 million citizens through improved infrastructure, public services, and essential facilities. The programme has played a vital role in stimulating local economic growth by empowering businesses and enterprises to expand while also focusing on strengthening local governance. This has allowed for more efficient delivery of infrastructure services and high-quality public facilities that better meet the needs of local communities. The report also highlighted the programme's efforts to promote inclusivity through community consultations and direct engagement with citizens and businesses. This participatory approach enables governorates to identify priorities and address challenges based on real community needs, ensuring that development efforts remain effective and sustainable. One of the UELDP's most impactful initiatives has been its focus on enhancing local economic competitiveness and developing economic clusters. By supporting businesses in accessing new markets, overcoming growth barriers, and modernizing production techniques, the programme has helped improve operational efficiency and marketing capabilities for enterprises across Upper Egypt. A total of 6,397 businesses and workers have benefited from cluster development initiatives, including 1,568 women. Additionally, the programme has led to the creation of 2,032 new job opportunities, further contributing to the economic vitality of the region. Beyond direct economic support, the UELDP has played a crucial role in modernizing government service centres at the district, neighbourhood, and village levels. These upgrades have significantly reduced the time required for issuing business licenses and construction permits, creating a more attractive investment climate. By streamlining processes related to business registration and permit issuance, the programme has enabled entrepreneurs to establish and expand their businesses without unnecessary bureaucratic delays. Efficient service delivery has been a critical factor in fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth, ensuring that local enterprises can operate more smoothly and effectively. Awad reaffirmed that the UELDP has had a transformative impact on both the residents and the economy of Upper Egypt, supporting over 50,000 businesses and economic establishments. This support has resulted in the creation of thousands of new jobs and has provided entrepreneurs with the resources they need to expand their projects and improve their competitiveness. She further noted that the programme has achieved a high level of community satisfaction, with over 80% of citizens and businesses in Qena and Sohag governorates expressing approval of its initiatives. The programme has also introduced integrated development guidelines to support the private sector, including the design and implementation of initiatives that enhance the competitiveness of economic clusters by improving productivity and performance in targeted sectors. The World Bank noted that Egypt's experience with the UELDP serves as a model that could be replicated in other regions within the country and beyond.
