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USAID PROGRAMS IN EGYPT: SOCIAL & ECONOMIC BENEFITS
From 1975 through 2007, U.S. economic assistance to Egypt through USAID totalled $28 billion, with another $415 million in spending budgeted for 2008.
USAID-Egypt’s strategic goal is the development of a globally competitive economy benefiting Egyptians equitably. For three decades, the United States and Egypt have collaborated closely as partners 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 nations’ relationship.
U.S. economic assistance has directly raised the quality of life for millions of Egyptian citizens. Many of the improvements are apparent to the eye, such as; added classrooms, renovated hospitals and clinics, and a massive expansion of infrastructure and utility services. Some are less visible, such as: dramatically lowered maternal and child mortality rates, disease prevention and the eradication of polio, and loans to small and medium business owners. Other improvements are observed on a society-wide level, such as; USAID’s long-term championing of the private sector and non-governmental organizations, and its partnership in policy reform to include justice for women and the disadvantaged.
Infrastructure Projects: USAID has invested almost $6 billion in physical infrastructure programs since the beginning of U.S. assistance to Egypt, including electric power, water, wastewater and sanitation, telecommunications and transportation. The results have directly benefited nearly every Egyptian. Ninety-nine percent of all Egyptians now have access to electricity. Improved water/wastewater services have been provided to 22 million citizens; and the number of telephones has increased by a factor of more than 12.
Agriculture: Approximately 30 percent of the Egyptian labor force is involved in the agricultural sector. During the last 25 years, USAID has provided about $1.3 billion to boost crop production, raise the incomes of farmers and develop the overall sector. As a result, exports of non-traditional crops have increased from $8.2 million in 1975 to $541.2 million in 2005. Activities have focused on policy reform, research, financial services, farm management techniques, expanded access to improved inputs and new technologies, and the formation of water-user associations for local irrigation systems.
Education: USAID assistance supports the Government of Egypt to sustain improvements in learning outcomes by improving the quality of teaching and learning, expanding equitable access, and strengthening the management and governance, all in K-12 schools, with the focus on seven governorates (Aswan, Alexandria, Cairo, Minya, Fayoum, Beni Suef, and Qena. Additionally, USAID assistance has been a major provider to Egypt’s workforce development, providing training for both university graduates and executives in various fields.
Health and Nutrition: USAID has worked with the Ministry of Health and Population for about 30 years. During that time funding has been provided for a variety of programs that have benefited the health of the Egyptian people. Some of the USAID health programs include work on Avian Influenza, HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, family planning and reproductive health, Hepatitis C, and health sector reform. All Egyptian governorates also are now being served by an infectious disease surveillance system financed by USAID.
The 30-year partnership between the United States and Egypt has successfully impacted economic development and regional stability.
(Last Updated May 7, 2008)
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