WFP and KOICA Complete $6 Million Programme Supporting Refugees in Egypt

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have announced the completion of a three-year programme designed to strengthen the livelihoods, nutrition, and economic resilience of refugees and Egyptian host communities across several governorates.

Funded by a $6 million contribution from KOICA, the initiative supported vulnerable refugees from more than eight nationalities, alongside members of Egyptian host communities in Greater Cairo, Alexandria, Damietta, and Matrouh.

The programme focused on improving economic opportunities and promoting self-reliance among participants. More than 14,000 refugees and host community members received training in market-oriented vocational skills and access to microgrants to establish or expand small businesses.

According to programme results, 39 percent of participants were engaged in income-generating activities within six months of completing the intervention. More than 5,600 people secured employment opportunities, while average household incomes increased by 62 percent.

Rawad Halabi, WFP Country Director and Representative in Egypt, said the initiative helped vulnerable families regain confidence in their future by providing practical skills and resources needed to build resilience and achieve greater economic independence.

Dr. Sooyoung Park, Country Director of the KOICA Egypt Office, said the programme strengthened the resilience of both refugees and host communities during a period marked by increased displacement linked to developments in Sudan and Syria. He noted that the partnership helped create sustainable livelihood opportunities while easing pressures on local communities.

Beyond economic support, the programme also promoted social cohesion and mental wellbeing through psychosocial support activities. Nearly all participants reported improvements in stress management and overall wellbeing following the sessions.

The initiative included a significant nutrition component targeting vulnerable refugee women and children. WFP provided monthly cash assistance to 9,500 pregnant and breastfeeding women with children under the age of two, linked to regular health check-ups.

In cooperation with Egypt’s National Nutrition Institute, nutrition awareness sessions were delivered to improve infant feeding practices during the critical first 1,000 days of life. The programme contributed to measurable improvements in dietary diversity among women, with the proportion meeting minimum dietary diversity standards rising from 18 percent at the start of the project to 41 percent by its conclusion.

The programme highlights the growing importance of international partnerships in addressing refugee challenges in Egypt while supporting local communities. As Egypt continues to host large refugee populations from across the region, initiatives focused on livelihoods, nutrition, and social integration remain essential to strengthening resilience and fostering long-term development.