Switzerland Strengthens Development Cooperation in Egypt for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Futures

Image: Green growth projects support MSMEs and startups to enhance sustainable and circular practices in Upper Egypt. — © UNIDO

Egypt and Switzerland share several decades of bilateral economic and development cooperation. Switzerland’s engagement focuses on the protection and socio-economic integration of the most vulnerable, sustaining economic stability, promoting green growth and sustainable urban development, as well as strengthening institutions and governance frameworks.

Context Egypt

Over the past years, Egypt has faced a multitude of external shocks, such as the wars in Ukraine, Sudan and Gaza, the Covid-19 Pandemic and the downturn of Suez Canal revenues due to instability in Yemen, which exacerbated already existing structural challenges, such as high level of external debt and inflation. These crises are intensified by Egypt’s vast and fast-growing population of 110 million people – out of which around 35 million are living in poverty – as well as the strongly felt effects of climate change. In addition, owed to its geographic location, Egypt is a major transit and destination country for migrants and displaced persons in need of support, basic services and protection. It is estimated that Egypt hosts over 9 million migrants and refugees, with more than 1.5 million Sudanese refugees having entered the country since April 2023.

Migration, Protection and Socio-economic Integration

Egypt hosts increasing numbers of refugees and migrants. To enhance their resilience, well-being and socio-economic opportunities, Switzerland works at the nexus of humanitarian aid and development cooperation, combining immediate protection and lifesaving interventions with improving livelihood opportunities such as employability and entrepreneurship. It improves access to health, shelter, food, psycho-social support, gender-based violence (GBV) support services and education, while also supporting skills development for better income opportunities. Working closely with community-led organisations and building their capacities ensures a better response to emerging needs. On a regional level, Switzerland’s engagement for the protection of children and youth on the move across East African Migration Route continues.

Sustainable and Green Economic Development

Switzerland considers sustainable and green economic development to be key to creating jobs, reducing poverty and building resilient, resource-efficient cities. Drawing on its experience, Switzerland continues to support green growth and better income opportunities in Egypt by promoting local green businesses, recycling, and circular economy practices. Using a market systems development approach, Switzerland catalyses change through local actors focused on green economy. It also facilitates employment by supporting entrepreneurship, start-ups, and innovation in climate-friendly and green sectors. In parallel, it promotes climate-smart farming, helps communities adapt to climate change, and improves access to green finance mechanisms. In cities, Switzerland supports sustainable urban development through better planning and management of infrastructure and services (such as water, waste, and mobility) using innovative and efficient solutions.

Human rights and governance

Switzerland works to strengthen the rule of law, promote inclusive rights, and improve access to justice, especially for vulnerable groups such as migrants, women, youth, and children. To help public institutions work better for citizens, Switzerland supports efforts to build capacity, improve management, and ensure independence. It also supports macro-economic reforms to strengthen government fiscal management, boost revenue, and enable more investment in public services. In line with Egypt’s Vision 2030, these reforms aim to build a stronger, fairer, and more transparent economy. Switzerland further promotes dialogue among government, civil society, universities, and international partners to shape evidence-based policies. It also supports research, access to reliable information, and responsible business practices that foster transparency and respect for human rights.

Approach and main partners

The Cooperation Programme 2025-2028 is implemented by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and focuses on Upper Egypt - home to the poorest and strongly affected by the refugee influx - and on Greater Cairo, core to the refugee crisis response, urban development efforts, and the engagement on governance and human rights.

Switzerland’s main partners in Egypt are: