Egypt has signed a series of financing and grant agreements with the French Development Agency and the European Union, including a €300 million package aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare system and expanding access to medical services.
The agreements were signed during a ceremony organized by Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event brought together senior government officials, representatives from France, the European Union, and development partners involved in the projects.
According to Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population, the largest agreement will support the country’s universal health insurance system and improve primary healthcare services. The funding is expected to help expand healthcare coverage, improve service quality, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the national health programme.
Health Ministry spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar said the agreements highlight Egypt’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare services through international cooperation. He noted that the funding will support the country’s goal of achieving universal health coverage and ensuring better access to medical care for citizens.
Officials said the investment will help modernize healthcare facilities, improve operational efficiency, and increase the availability of essential medical services across different regions of the country. Strengthening primary healthcare remains a key priority as Egypt continues to expand its health insurance programme.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty described the agreements as an important step in the long-standing partnership between Egypt and the French Development Agency. He said cooperation between the two sides has continued for more than 20 years across a range of sectors, including transportation, energy, water resources, and infrastructure development.
Abdelatty added that the new agreements reflect a shared commitment to supporting sustainable development and improving the quality of life for citizens. In addition to healthcare, the package includes support for education, vocational training, environmental protection, and green industry projects.
One of the key agreements signed during the ceremony was a €45 million credit facility for the Green Sustainable Industry programme. The initiative will be implemented through Egypt’s Environmental Affairs Agency and aims to promote environmentally friendly industrial development.
Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad said the programme will focus on reducing industrial emissions and improving energy and resource efficiency. The initiative will also support renewable energy projects, circular economy solutions, and green hydrogen development.
According to Awad, the programme is expected to run through 2030. It will provide both financial assistance and technical support to industrial companies seeking to improve environmental performance and meet international sustainability standards.
Officials believe the programme will help Egyptian manufacturers increase competitiveness in global markets while reducing their environmental impact. The initiative is also expected to encourage investment in cleaner technologies and sustainable production methods.
The cooperation package extends beyond healthcare and environmental projects. Additional agreements include funding to support French-language education in public schools and plans to establish two applied technology schools in partnership with French institutions.
The education initiatives are designed to strengthen technical and vocational training opportunities for young people. Officials say the projects will help prepare students for future employment opportunities in key economic sectors.
Another grant agreement focuses on improving access to economic opportunities through support for small and medium-sized enterprises. The programme aims to encourage entrepreneurship, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth.
Government officials said small and medium-sized businesses play an important role in Egypt’s economy and remain central to efforts aimed at increasing employment and supporting local development.
Abdelatty said the latest agreements demonstrate the strong development partnership between Egypt and France. He noted that both countries remain committed to promoting sustainable and inclusive growth through investments in healthcare, education, environmental protection, and economic development.
The newly signed agreements are expected to support Egypt’s long-term development goals while strengthening cooperation with international partners in areas that directly affect economic and social progress.
