Egypt's Minister of Planning and Economic Development Rania Al-Mashat said the project to tackle the root causes of irregular migration through labour-intensive and employment-generating initiatives reflects the joint commitment between Egypt and the European Union to support inclusive development, promote decent job opportunities, and address the fundamental drivers of irregular migration. In her remarks at the closing conference of the agreement on addressing the root causes of irregular migration, she affirmed that managing migration cannot be separated from economic empowerment. She stressed that this project directly supports the Sustainable Development Goals and strengthens the strategic partnership between Egypt and the European Union in the fields of migration and development. As this important phase of the programme concludes, we are opening the door to new opportunities built on the lessons learned, the partnerships established, and the enhanced human capacities developed within the targeted communities, she said. The project was implemented by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA), with €27 million in funding. It covered 11 governorates: Minya, Assiut, Dakahlia, Beheira, Sharqia, Fayoum, Gharbia, Qalyubia, Kafr El Sheikh, Luxor, and Menoufia. Al-Mashat added that Egypt adopts a national migration strategy focused on sustainable development. The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation aims to align this strategy with international partnerships that promote economic inclusion and regional stability. She also highlighted the broader €63 million programme, Enhancing the Response to Migration Challenges in Egypt, funded by the EU, as a model of multilateral cooperation. This initiative supported job creation through labour-intensive public works, entrepreneurship programmes, thousands of youth employment opportunities, and local infrastructure development. It also strengthened resilience in priority regions, empowered youth, boosted local economies, and provided viable alternatives to irregular migration.
Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
