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Egypt
EXAMPLES OF OUR IMPACT
- USAID partner institutions are providing more than 1.1 million entrepreneurs with microfinance services; small and micro enterprises now employ 65 percent of Egypt's labor force.
- USAID's assistance has helped increase the number of girls in school by 68 percent since 1975.
- USAID funding for polio campaigns contributed to the elimination of polio in Egypt in 2006.
CONTACTS
Mission Director
Walter North
USAID/Egypt
Unit 64902
APO AE 09839-4902
Tel: 20-2-2522-6500
Egypt Desk Officer
Dawn Heuschel
Tel: (202) 712-4447
E-mail: dheuschel@usaid.gov
PRESS INQUIRIES
USAIDPressOfficers@usaid.gov
In the wake of the revolution in January 2011, USAID provided $100 million to support job creation, humanitarian assistance, and poverty alleviation for the people of Egypt during the transition. Over 100 grants were awarded, including a short-term jobs program that employed 7,400 people for six months. (Photo: Khaled Aziz)
The new Egypt Health and Population Legacy Review details the long-term results of USAID health sector assistance in Egypt, as documented by Demographic and Health Surveys spanning 32 years.
In addition to health indicators, the report summarizes impacts on health policies, professional health staff, and institutions, concluding with lessons learned from Egypt's successes.
For copies of the Review's annexes, contact Charles LaDuca (claduca@ghtechproject.com) and Jennifer Hoeg (jhoeg@ghtechproject.com).
Overview
For over three decades, the American people have helped to improve the quality of life for all Egyptians. Thirty-five years ago, Egypt was a low-income country with a stagnant economy. Today, Egypt has one of the most diversified economies in the Middle East. Per capita income and exports have increased. Infant mortality has decreased, youth literacy has increased, and utility services have expanded. USAID's program in Egypt, totaling $29 billion since 1975, has directly and fundamentally supported these gains.
The majority of USAID's assistance is in the form of bilateral assistance to the Government of Egypt. In the wake of the historic revolution in January 2011, USAID also 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 support program provided $100 million in grants to support job creation, humanitarian assistance, and poverty alleviation for those negatively affected by the recent economic downturn. The democratic support program provided $65 million for democratic development, including support for Egypt's historic elections, civic awareness, and protection of human rights.
Programs
Economic Growth: Job Creation and Poverty Reduction
USAID support for reforms has led to higher rates of growth, an achievement that has been eroded in the tumultuous period since the revolution. In the near term, USAID will continue to support sustainable economic growth focusing on restoring macro-economic stability, creating jobs, and strengthening the agriculture and tourism sectors. In coordination with anticipated International Monetary Fund stabilization policy objectives, USAID is providing technical support for trade facilitation, fiscal policy, domestic market development, and institutional reform. USAID works 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.
USAID seeks to increase incomes and create jobs in the agriculture, agribusiness, and tourism sectors. USAID is forming strategic business alliances aimed at increasing the production of sustainable, higher value-added products; improving agricultural technical education that responds to market needs; and promoting water management practices that increase the productivity of increasingly scarce water resources. In tourism, USAID works with local organizations to conserve Egypt's rich cultural and natural heritage; these efforts also increase skills development and employment. Conservation work at some 70 sites throughout the country has included groundwater lowering at the Giza Plateau, protecting the Sphinx.
Governing Justly and Democratically
USAID supported the freest and fairest parliamentary elections in Egypt's history through grants for transparent and competitive electoral processes, including voter education, election management, and election observation. Programs strengthen the administration of and access to justice, promote decentralized governance, and build the capacity of dozens of civil society groups to advocate for improved services and human rights. Programs have increased access to justice for more than 16,000 children and 8,700 families and provided training for over 5,000 media professionals.
Investing in People: Education
Over the past 30 years, USAID has supported basic education reform and improvements in achievement for Egyptian students. Activities continue to focus on innovative professional development for teachers, decentralization of the education system, policy reform, and reading instruction. USAID 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 recent upheaval, working closely with local educational structures and communities to ensure that learning opportunities are available for all.
Investing in People: Health
USAID's support 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, USAID implements public health programs that expand on a set of proven interventions at all levels of the Egyptian health system to improve the health of the Egyptian population.
USAID has contributed to major improvements in water and wastewater services in Egypt through investments in infrastructure, training, and institutional reform. USAID's 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.
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