Egypt, IFAD discuss rural development at IsDB meetings

Egypt’s Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat has met with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) President Alvaro Lario to discuss cooperation in rural development and food security, a Cabinet statement said on Wednesday.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 2025 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Annual Meetings in Algiers from 19 to 22 May under the theme Diversifying Economies, Enriching Lives.

Al-Mashat praised IFAD’s efforts in collaboration with national entities to support agricultural and rural development, expand programmes for small farmers, and enhance food security efforts, particularly through the NWFE programme.

The fund partners with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and International Cooperation to provide technical support and funding for food security projects in the programme’s food axis initiatives.

Al-Mashat also highlighted the ministry’s renewed framework to enhance the use of local and international resources in line with presidential directives, aiming for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The two sides reviewed progress of the Climate Resilient on Farm Water Management in Nile Valley project (CROWN) under the NWFE platform, which is co-financed by the Green Climate Fund and China’s CIDCA. Discussions also covered capacity-building and community engagement components.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: M. S. Salama