Since 2011, the Swiss Embassy, through its Office for International Cooperation, has been supporting Egypt in its efforts to achieve inclusiveness and accountability in line with the goals set out in its ‘Egypt Vision 2030.’ The Embassy works with state institutions, civil society and the private sector to enhance their collaboration towards implementing effective participation, transparency and accountability measures in the country.
Switzerland’s commitment – focus areas for 2025–2028
Protecting lives, green economic development and improving governance in Egypt
In times of uncertainty and a series of unprecedented external challenges facing Egypt, Switzerland will enhance the focus of its activities on poverty reduction and lifesaving interventions for Egyptians, migrants and refugees. Good governance, including economic governance, and human rights – as well as green and inclusive economic development with a thriving private sector – are key to enabling these objectives. The programme works in the following three priority areas:
1. Migration, Protection and Socio-economic Integration
As regional tensions continue, Egypt hosts a growing number of refugees and migrants. With the aim of enhancing their resilience, well-being and socio-economic opportunities, Switzerland works at the nexus of humanitarian assistance and development cooperation, combining immediate protection, capacity building and lifesaving interventions with improving livelihood opportunities such as employability and entrepreneurship. More concretely, Switzerland works to improve access to protection, lifesaving and community-based services such as health, shelter, food, psycho-social support, gender-based violence (GBV) support services and education.
The programme also supports skills development and education for better livelihood opportunities and income generation. Working closely with community-led organisations and building their capacities ensures a better response to emerging needs. Knowledge sharing and evidence-based advocacy bring stakeholders together for more effective and efficient action. On a regional level, Switzerland’s engagement for the protection of children and youth on the move across East African Migration Route continues. Exchanges with relevant humanitarian actors will enable timely responses to emerging needs in Egypt related to Gaza.
2. 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. Switzerland will continue to support green growth and better income opportunities for people in Egypt. This includes supporting the growth of local green businesses, promoting recycling and advancing circular economy practices. Switzerland applies a market systems development approach to catalyse change through local actors with a focus on green economy. Switzerland is also working to facilitate employment opportunities for job seekers by supporting entrepreneurship, start-ups, as well as innovation in climate-friendly and green sectors. At the same time, it is promoting climate-smart farming and helping communities adapt to the effects of climate change, including facilitating access to green finance mechanisms.
In cities, Switzerland supports sustainable urban development to facilitate business growth and to improve citizens’ quality of life. This is achieved through better urban planning and management of basic infrastructure and services (drinking water, waste management, mobility) focusing on innovative, efficient and sustainable solutions.
3. Human Rights and Governance
Switzerland takes a multi-dimensional and people-focused approach to promoting good governance. This includes efforts to strengthen the rule of law, promote inclusive rights and strengthen access to justice, especially for the most vulnerable groups, with particular attention to migrants, women, youth, and children. To help public institutions work better for citizens, Switzerland supports efforts to enhance institutional capacity, improve internal management and ensure they can operate independently. Switzerland also supports macro-economic reforms that help the government manage its finances more effectively, enhance domestic revenue mobilization and create more room to invest in public services.
These reforms, in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030, aim to make the economy stronger, fairer and more transparent. At the same time, Switzerland encourages open dialogue between government, civil society, universities and international partners, to help shape policies that reflect people’s needs and are based on data and evidence. This includes supporting research and making sure people have access to reliable information. In addition, Switzerland works with Egyptian and International companies to encourage responsible business practices that foster transparency, respect human rights and promote social responsibility.
