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Egypt
SNAPSHOT
Date of independence: 1922
Capital: Cairo
Population: 74 million (2005)
Annual income per person: $1,250 (yr)
Source: World Bank Development Indicators, 2005
USAID IN EGYPT
egypt.usaid.gov
CONTACTS
Mission Director
Hilda Arellano
USAID/Cairo
Unit 64902
APO AE 09839-4902
Tel: 202-522-6500
Desk Officer
William Riley
Tel: (202) 712-1199
Email: wriley@usaid.gov
At USAID/Egypt, a special
emphasis is placed on girls'
education. Under the Basic
Education Program, information
technology systems are being
tested in the classroom. (Photo:
USAID/Egypt)
Overview
For three decades, the United States and Egypt have collaborated closely in economic development and regional stability. Coordination on the Middle East peace process, interest in a strong and open Egyptian economy and cooperation in countering terrorism are pillars of the nation's relationship. USAID assistance has totaled $28 billion since 1975. Current programs focus on Trade and Investment; Utilities; Education; Healthier, Planned Families; Natural Resources; and Democracy.
Programs
Economic Growth: Trade and Investment
Egypt has made significant progress in reducing trade barriers, cutting consumer subsidies and privatizing state-owned industries. However, transition from 40 years of central government rule, poverty and inequitable development remain challenges. Over the next five years, USAID will double the number of poor entrepreneurs who receive loans and business training. To boost the economy and create jobs, USAID assistance strengthens financial firms' skills in commercial banking, real estate finance and insurance. To increase openness to international trade, USAID assistance improves customs regulations and port procedures and strengthens participation in the World Trade Organization and U.S.-Egypt trade programs. USAID also works with farmers to develop associations, improve skills and expand domestic and international sales. In the information and communication technology field, USAID trains and supports business formation in this area.
Economic Growth: Improving Utility Services
Reliable utility service is critical to attracting investors and boosting national exports. Over the last 30 years, USAID and Egypt have worked together on power, telecommunications, water, and wastewater services. The results are impressive as 99% of the population now has electricity in their homes and 98% of the population has access to clean water. In 1975 only one in 100 had access to telephones. Today there are 31.6 phone lines per 100 people. In addition the current system allows mobile phone and internet businesses to thrive. Now the focus is on improving services and increasing private investment. To this end, USAID helps strengthen commercial practices and legal and regulatory frameworks.
Investing In People: Education
Employment generation for a growing workforce is a major challenge. USAID has focused its education efforts on developing formal and nonformal programs for poor communities in seven selected areas. A special emphasis is placed on girls' education and on the transition between school and work. The program trains staff and encourages community participation at the local level. It also works with central institutions to improve policies, management, standards, teacher training and materials. Over half a million textbooks for fourth and fifth graders have been handed out in the Alexandria Governorate. Additionally, each of the 39,000 public schools will receive a 770-book library. Information technology systems currently being tested in schools will be expanded to poorer and more rural schools. USAID also funds projects and scholarships with the American University in Cairo and training in tourism, a major sources of income.
Investing In People: Health
USAID works to improve family planning, reproductive health and other maternal and child health care services in Egypt. Programs also focus on controlling infectious diseases. At the same time, USAID has begun systematically transferring funding and management responsibilities for these programs to organizations capable of continuing the work on their own. Assistance is provided to build Egypt’s capacity to conduct infectious disease surveillance and to respond to endemic and emerging diseases. These efforts include HIV/AIDS and Avian Influenza.
Investing In People: Managing Natural Resources
Urban air pollution challenges Egypt's economic development, the welfare of its citizens and visitors, and the survival of its ancient treasures. USAID works with businesses and the government on new policies and citizen awareness activities. USAID has helped convert 40,000 vehicles to clean burning fuels, promote conservation of Nile water resources, protect coral reefs and islands in the Red Sea and preserve antiquities in Luxor.
Governing Justly and Democratically
USAID programs focus on improving the judicial system, including criminal courts, legal education and access to justice for women and disadvantaged groups. To strengthen civil society and local governance, USAID assists grassroots organizations in linking citizens with the government and increasing local transparency and accountability. USAID has also expanded journalist training to include broadcast media.
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