Egypt to advance public financial management to boost health, education spending – minister

Egypt is intensifying efforts to improve public financial management, aiming to increase spending on critical sectors such as health, education, and social protection, Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk said on Monday. The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance financial transparency, optimise resource allocation, and accelerate sustainable development.

Speaking at a panel discussion with DCode Financial and Economic Consulting, civil society organisations, the International Budget Partnership (IBP), and UNICEF, Minister Kouchouk emphasised the importance of financial transparency in fostering trust among citizens and investors. He highlighted the government’s commitment to providing accurate and documented data on the budget preparation cycle, enabling more inclusive and effective decision-making for economic growth.

The minister outlined several initiatives, including performance-based budgeting, participatory budgeting, and gender-responsive budgeting. These reforms aim to align fiscal policies with the aspirations of citizens and represent a national model for comprehensive financial and structural reform.

Improved public financial management is key to expanding spending on essential services while ensuring the optimal use of public resources, Minister Kouchouk said. He stressed the importance of embedding transparency, community participation, and accountability in budget preparation and execution, in line with international standards such as the Open Budget Survey.

Yasser Sobhy, Deputy Minister for Fiscal Policies, echoed this sentiment, describing transparency as a cornerstone of the budget process. He pointed to the collaborative efforts between the government and local and international partners as critical to achieving a fairer and more inclusive future.

The government has implemented measures to enhance public spending efficiency, improve financial performance indicators, and support national priorities. By focusing on strategic sectors like health and education, Egypt aims to accelerate development and ensure that public spending delivers maximum impact for its citizens.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English