Egypt’s PM follows up on efforts to govern development funding for projects

CAIRO – 28 July 2026: Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly chaired a meeting on Tuesday to review ongoing efforts to govern development funding for various national projects.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad Dr. Badr Abdelatty; Minister of Planning and Economic Development Dr. Ahmed Rostom; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Cooperation Dr. Samar El-Ahdal; and senior officials from both ministries.

Opening the session, the Prime Minister stated that the meeting aimed to evaluate projects implemented through grants and loans, maximizing their benefits while ensuring completion within approved timelines.

Dr. Abdelatty noted that since international cooperation responsibilities were integrated into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ministry has closely monitored key development projects. He reviewed their progress alongside fund disbursement procedures and addressed several bottlenecks currently delaying certain initiatives.

He also outlined the features of the Unified National System for International Cooperation—an integrated electronic platform designed to manage and track development financing provided by international partners to state ministries and agencies. Electronically linked to both beneficiary entities and development partners, the system provides a unified, continuously updated database.

Dr. Abdelatty confirmed that the platform's pilot phase is complete. This initial phase encompasses all international cooperation procedures, active and future financing, and bilateral and multilateral partnerships. By enabling end-to-end governance—from early negotiations through project completion—the system allows officials to identify and resolve hurdles promptly.

Dr. Samar El-Ahdal presented a report detailing the ministry's review of the concessional development financing pipeline. The comprehensive assessment covers every stage of the financing lifecycle, including negotiation, signing, constitutional approvals, entry into force, implementation, disbursement, repayment, and closure.

El-Ahdal highlighted key operational challenges surrounding loans, grants, and concessional financing, outlining strategies to address them by aligning diplomatic and development efforts. Key measures include coordinating with Egyptian embassies abroad to navigate external obstacles with partners, strengthening oversight of development grants, and convening regular sessions with beneficiary entities to clear bottlenecks.

Dr. Ahmed Rostom emphasized that the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development is executing an ambitious vision centered on participatory development planning. This approach aims to optimize public investment efficiency, maximize project impact, generate productive job opportunities, and improve citizens' quality of life.

Dr. Rostom added that the ministry will coordinate closely with relevant bodies to resolve financing challenges, specifically targeting a reduction in procedural timelines. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring the success of the new electronic system in monitoring grant and loan projects across the country.