The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in Egypt has marked the successful conclusion of the first phase of the “Capacity Building through Urban Infrastructure Development” project, a collaborative initiative funded by the German government and the European Union (EU). In partnership with Egypt’s Ministry of Housing and the Urban Development Fund, the project has significantly improved urban infrastructure in Alexandria, Beheira, and Assiut, benefiting over 750,000 people.
The first phase focused on enhancing essential services, including healthcare, education, and transportation, alongside vocational training for over 800 individuals. Key achievements include the renovation of healthcare facilities serving 140,000 residents, the restoration of schools benefiting 7,300 students, and the revitalization of public spaces used by 185,000 people.
Looking ahead, the project’s second phase will extend its reach to Giza, Aswan, and Qalyubia, with a budget of €22 million. This phase, set to begin in early 2025, will focus on improving basic services, reducing irregular migration, and providing vocational training for youth.
Lorenzo Vingut Harrington, Team Leader of the Green and Sustainable Transition Cooperation Section at the EU Delegation to Egypt, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting community development in Egypt, noting that €75 million allocated last November for enhancing services in migration-prone areas has yet to be utilized.
Khaled Seddik, Chairperson of the Urban Development Fund, confirmed that the second phase will commence in January 2025 and will focus on areas like Giza, Aswan, Qalyubia, and Alexandria. The new phase will address various local challenges, such as developing markets and infrastructure in Aswan’s villages and upgrading schools and markets in Qalyubia.
Karl Moritz Leifgen, Deputy Head of German Cooperation at the German Embassy in Cairo, highlighted the project as a model of successful collaboration, having already completed 17 infrastructure projects and 15 administrative reforms since its launch in 2020. The initiative reflects a strong partnership between Egypt, Germany, and the EU, with a shared focus on sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life in the targeted regions.
