Egypt's Local Development Ministry Empowers 18,000 Youth with Business and Financial Skills

Dr. Manal Awad, the Minister of Local Development and Environment, recently received a report highlighting the key achievements of the Central Population Unit and the governorate population units during June 2026. The report revealed that 18,000 young men and women were trained in entrepreneurship and financial inclusion programs. Additionally, 1,804 training, awareness, educational, and service activities were carried out across 26 governorates, benefiting approximately 138,000 citizens. All these efforts are part of implementing the National Population and Development Strategy 2030.

The Minister emphasized that the Ministry continues to follow the directives of the political leadership to integrate the population dimension into local development plans. This is achieved by supporting the governorate population units and implementing initiatives and programs aimed at improving population characteristics, building human capacity, and enhancing investment in human capital. These actions contribute to achieving sustainable development goals and improving the quality of life for citizens.

She explained that the report, submitted by the Central Population Unit led by Dr. Fatma El Zahraa Geel, showed that about 77,000 citizens in Upper Egypt governorates, 52,000 in Lower Egypt governorates, 6,000 in urban governorates, and 3,000 in border governorates benefited. This wide reach reflects the expansion of field activities, improved access to target groups, increased awareness of population and development issues, and support for human development, skill-building, and job creation.

Dr. Awad added that the governorate population units are currently implementing 56 initiatives. These are coordinated with governorates, executive bodies, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, and youth volunteers, all under the supervision of the governors and with technical follow-up from the Central Population Unit. These initiatives aim to achieve the targets of the National Population and Development Strategy 2030. Key goals include reducing birth rates, increasing the use of family planning methods, economically and socially empowering women and youth, reducing school dropout rates and illiteracy, strengthening family stability, and raising awareness of population and environmental issues.

Manal Awad noted that the report tracked the achievement of 54% of the targeted plan for population initiatives from January to the end of June 2026, benefiting a total of 643,000 individuals nationwide. The "Ensuring Reproductive Rights" axis recorded the highest completion rate at 70%, benefiting 238,000 individuals. The "Investing in Human Capital" axis achieved 46% completion, benefiting 131,000 individuals. The "Strengthening Women's Role" axis reached 52%, benefiting 106,000 women. The "Education and Learning" axis achieved 57%, benefiting 76,000 individuals. The "Media and Communication for Development" axis reached 54%, benefiting 91,000 individuals. Finally, the "Governance" axis achieved 46% completion, involving 595 leaders.

Regarding economic empowerment programs, the Minister praised the ongoing cooperation between the Ministry, San'a El Kheir Foundation, and Banque Misr. During June, 18,000 young men and women were trained in 82 centers as part of the presidential initiative "Hayah Karima" (Decent Life) across 14 governorates. This brings the total number of beneficiaries to 37,000 since the start of the current phase, achieving 46% of the target. She affirmed that these programs contribute to supporting youth, empowering them economically, and creating sustainable job opportunities.

She also clarified that the Ministry continues to implement the "Qiyam wa Hayah" (Values and Life) program in collaboration with Misr El Kheir Foundation and Agyal Misr Foundation. Under this program, 67 community activities were carried out in five governorates, benefiting approximately 12,000 citizens within schools and government entities. The goal is to promote positive values and spread behaviors that support development.

The Ministry also continued its efforts in capacity building. The Central Population Unit held its regular meeting for population units via video conference, with the participation of 63 members from population units, center and village coordinators, and youth volunteers. The meeting monitored indicators of population issues and human development, which showed an improvement in population growth rates, a decrease in birth and death rates, and an increase in the use of family planning methods.

Dr. Manal Awad concluded her statements by affirming the Ministry's continued support for governorate population units, developing their work mechanisms, and expanding awareness and development initiatives and activities. This will further integrate the population dimension into local development plans and contribute to achieving the state's goals of human development and improving the quality of life across various governorates.