Egypt’s FinMin outlines details of social protection measures ahead of Ramadan

Egypt’s Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk on Sunday provided details of the government’s social protection package worth 40.3 billion Egyptian pounds ahead of Ramadan, highlighting cash transfers, healthcare support, and rural development initiatives for vulnerable and low-income families.

Key measures announced by Kouchouk include:

• Direct cash support: Ten million families registered on food subsidy cards will receive an extra 400 Egyptian pounds in March and April. Beneficiaries of the Takaful and Karama Programme—5.2 million households—will also receive 400 pounds during Ramadan and Eid. An additional 300-pound payment will go to 45,000 recipients of child pensions and rural female leaders.
• Healthcare: 3 billion pounds will be allocated to accelerate treatment of critical cases and reduce patient waiting lists, while another 3 billion pounds will fund state-covered medical care for low-income individuals without insurance between February and June 2026. Minya Governorate will enter the comprehensive health insurance system from 1 April, with the government covering contributions for those unable to pay.
• Rural development: 15 billion pounds will fund the Hayah Karima Initiative to complete nearly 1,000 projects improving water, sanitation, and essential services in villages.
• Agriculture support: 4 billion pounds will be allocated to increase the local wheat procurement price for the 2026 season from 2,200 to 2,350 pounds per ardeb.

Kouchouk said the package aims to ease financial pressures, improve access to essential services, and ensure vulnerable households benefit fully ahead of Ramadan and Eid celebrations.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English