Egypt’s Local Development Fund to expand support for rural women, youth: minister

Egypt’s Minister of Local Development Manal Awad said on Wednesday that the ministry is working to strengthen the role of the Local Development Fund to better support small-scale projects led by women and youth in rural areas.

In a statement issued by the Cabinet, Minister Awad said the fund—alongside the You Project Initiative—serves as a key mechanism for promoting job creation, stimulating local economic activity, and improving living standards in underserved communities.

The remarks came during a meeting with ministry aides to review the fund’s performance in the 2024/25 fiscal year. Discussions focused on loan disbursement, employment generation, and strategies to expand the fund’s reach and efficiency, according to the statement.

Minister Awad reiterated the ministry’s commitment to empowering governorates economically through sustainable financing models and improved project management frameworks.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser