The U.S. has announced a $129 billion investment facility for Egypt, facilitated by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to support the country’s economic reforms, focusing on transitioning to a private sector-driven economy, improving public education and health services, and promoting government transparency and accountability, an official statement showed on September 19.
U.S.-Egypt Strategic Dialogue
The announcement was made during the Egypt Strategic Dialogue, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in attendance.
Key areas of collaboration discussed included alignment with Egypt’s Vision 2030, initiatives to protect cultural heritage, and efforts to boost the tourism sector. Highlights of the dialogue featured a U.S. initiative to equip nine additional STEM schools in Egypt with advanced technology and laboratory resources, plans to upgrade 80 technical education institutions across the country, and the expansion of U.S.-funded University Career Centers to 19 more universities, enhancing employment opportunities for young Egyptians.
Additionally, three prominent U.S. universities—Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Minnesota, and Drake University—are set to sign agreements with local partners to explore establishing branch campuses in Egypt, allowing students to access American education locally.
In collaboration with Egypt’s Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, USAID will continue to prioritize scholarship programs, teacher training initiatives, the expansion of STEM education, and joint research in critical areas such as water management, clean energy, and climate change. The program also emphasizes support for innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly among women and youth.
Key outcomes of the U.S.-Egypt partnership:
– Investment focus: A $129 million commitment to enhance the private sector, public education, health services, and government accountability.
– STEM education: The establishment of 21 new STEM schools and 10 vocational technology schools since 2011.
– University collaboration: Agreements with U.S. universities to open branch campuses in Egypt.
– Career development: A $63 million investment to create 65 Career Centers at 53 universities, helping students prepare for competitive job markets.
– Cultural heritage preservation: Over $140 million invested in the past 30 years to protect Egypt’s archaeological and historical sites, ensuring their legacy for future generations.
– Educational opportunities: Programs enabling 1,000 Egyptian high school students to study in the U.S., along with English language training for over 25,000 students this year.
– Exchange programs: More than 20,000 Egyptians have participated in U.S. government exchange initiatives.
– Community engagement: Three American Spaces in Alexandria, Maadi, and Cairo offer educational programs for youth focused on civil society, climate change, and economic prosperity, reaching nearly 37,000 participants in FY2023.
Total aid
Since 1978, the United States has invested over $30 billion in economic development assistance to Egypt.
