Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, reviewed the implementation status of Phase One of the National Project for the Development of the Egyptian Countryside “Haya Karima” [Decent Life] as of the end of June 2025, within the framework of the Ministry’s 2025 annual performance report. She affirmed that the initiative represents one of the most comprehensive national development interventions implemented by the Egyptian State to improve quality of life in rural areas, promote spatial equity, and reduce development gaps among governorates.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat stated that Phase One of the “Haya Karima” project constitutes an integrated, multi-dimensional development model, targeting the implementation of approximately 23,000 projects in 1,477 villages across 52 districts in 20 governorates, with total investment allocations amounting to EGP 350 billion, benefiting nearly 18 million citizens. She noted that effective financing of EGP 306 billion has been secured, representing 88% of total allocations.
She emphasized that the “Haya Karima” initiative has achieved tangible improvements in the living conditions of citizens in targeted areas, both in terms of human capital investment and infrastructure for essential services. The government remains committed to advancing project implementation and continuous monitoring to drive a structural transformation in local development across Egypt’s governorates, localize development, and leverage each governorate’s comparative advantages—objectives that align with Egypt’s Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs & Resilience.
Phase One Implementation Rates
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat indicated that the overall implementation rate for Phase One has reached approximately 89%, with EGP 306 billion disbursed, representing 93% of total Phase One investments valued at EGP 350 billion. She clarified that 68% of Phase One allocations were directed to Upper Egypt, benefiting approximately 11 million citizens, or 61% of total beneficiaries, reflecting the State’s commitment to prioritizing public investment toward the most underserved areas and achieving balanced development.
The report highlighted that 70% of allocated investments were directed toward human development, while implemented projects resulted in a 128% improvement in sanitation service coverage in developed villages, a 421% increase in natural gas subscribers, a 55% increase in telecommunications subscribers, and a 19.4% improvement in the financial inclusion index, reaching 75% across targeted villages.
Development works under Phase One led to the completion of 620 villages, with the Quality of Life Index improving by approximately 69 percentage points.
Human Development and Social Services
Progress was recorded in human development services, with the completion of 796 health units, 2 central hospitals, and 367 ambulance units, in addition to the construction and upgrading of 15,300 classrooms, 937 youth centers, and 307 social solidarity facilities, contributing to improved health, education, and social services for citizens.
Infrastructure and Utilities
In terms of infrastructure, 349 drinking water treatment plants were completed, alongside 463,000 household water connections and the extension and reinforcement of 6,700 km of water networks, achieving 100% access to safe drinking water.
Additionally, 29 wastewater treatment plants, 719 sanitation projects, and 1.4 million household sanitation connections were implemented, resulting in a 128% increase in sanitation subscribers and raising service coverage from 20% to 90%.
Housing, Local Services, and Digital Transformation
The report noted significant progress in housing and local services, including the completion of 508 residential buildings, 332 government service complexes, 823 post offices, 231 police stations, and 1,201 electricity and public lighting projects, enhancing service efficiency at the local level.
As part of digital transformation efforts, fiber-optic networks were extended to 940 villages, leading to a 55% increase in fiber service subscribers, alongside the installation of 1,368 mobile network towers, supporting the digitization of government services and improving communication quality.
Agriculture, Energy, and Financial Inclusion
Support for agriculture and water resource efficiency included the implementation of 947 projects for canal rehabilitation and lining, spanning 3,000 km, the establishment of 326 agricultural service centers, and 20 milk collection centers, contributing to increased agricultural productivity and higher farmer incomes.
In the energy sector, natural gas networks were extended to 637 villages, resulting in a 421% increase in subscribers, generating EGP 1.6 billion in annual savings from reduced LPG subsidies and approximately EGP 1.5 billion in annual household savings, in addition to lowering carbon emissions and reducing foreign currency demand.
On financial inclusion, 1,287 ATMs were installed, achieving 100% coverage of local administrative units. The financial inclusion index improved by 19.4 percentage points in “Haya Karima” villages between FY 2021/2022 and FY 2024/2025, with female financial inclusion improving by 19.9 percentage points.
Economic Empowerment
Total financing directed toward small, medium, and micro enterprises reached EGP 68.7 billion, benefiting 3.2 million recipients, 55% of whom were women. Upper Egypt accounted for 67% of microfinance association financing and 79% of MSME Development Agency financing, underscoring the regional focus of the initiative.
Green Village Initiative
The report addressed the “Green Village” initiative under “Haya Karima,” which aims to qualify one rural village in each governorate according to international environmental standards. Qualification procedures are ongoing for 15 villages to obtain the “Tarsheed” certification, with field visits completed for 11 villages and remaining visits underway.
Community Partnerships and Digital Monitoring
The Ministry also reviewed efforts to strengthen community partnerships through cooperation with civil society organizations and Egyptian universities, leveraging their expertise to deliver integrated development services in beneficiary villages. Several cooperation protocols were signed to implement medical convoys, housing rehabilitation, and health and social services, improving quality of life and supporting vulnerable groups.
The report noted the activation of the “Sharek 2030” mobile application as a tool to support governance and community monitoring of “Haya Karima” projects. The application provides detailed data on Phase One projects, with information made available for approximately 10,000 completed projects, enhancing implementation efficiency and ensuring the intended developmental impact across beneficiary villages.
Follow the latest news on Google News
