Al-Mashat Reviews Egypt's Integrated National Financing Strategy
H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, presented the details of Egypt's Integrated National Financing Strategy (E-INFS) during a high-level event held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly.
The event was also attended by: Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population; Mr. Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Finance; Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity; Engineer Sherif El Sherbini, Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities; Mr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education; Ms. Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt; Mr. Alessandro Fracassetti, UNDP Resident Representative; along with representatives from international financial institutions, ambassadors, and members of Parliament.
The First Strategy of Its Kind
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that the Integrated National Financing Strategy is the first of its kind in Egypt. It follows the global approach of the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF), providing a cohesive national framework for financing and resource mobilization in line with the SDGs within Egypt's Vision 2030 and the Addis Ababa Action Plan.
The strategy identifies financing gaps and improves resource allocation to priority sectors. Al-Mashat noted that around 86 countries have launched integrated national financing frameworks, many of which have successfully mobilized new sources of financing to achieve the SDGs.
H.E. highlighted that the strategy is being implemented by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, in collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt and partner UN agencies: the United Nations Joint Fund for Financing the Sustainable Development Goals (the Joint SDG Fund), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the International Labor Organization (ILO), UNICEF, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and UN Women.
The strategy addresses three key questions: the financing needed to achieve the SDGs, current financial sources and flows, and opportunities to increase and diversify financing.
Mobilizing Financing to Bridge Development Gaps
Al-Mashat added that the strategy focuses on mobilizing sustainable financing to bridge financing gaps and mitigate financial risks. It promotes a transition from traditional financing mechanisms to comprehensive strategies aimed at achieving the SDGs.
The strategy seeks to align public and private financing with Egypt's strategic priorities, encourage private sector investments, and increase the efficiency of public expenditures.
It also aims to develop a roadmap for sustainable and innovative financing to mobilize public and private resources at both local and international levels.
In March 2021, the Ministry, in partnership with the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Cairo, signed the "Financing Strategy for the SDGs in Egypt" project, supported by the Joint SDG Fund.
The strategy identified six priority sectors, including social protection, education, health, water, sanitation, transportation, and women's empowerment. Climate change was later added as a key sector due to its growing importance.
Components of the Integrated National Strategy for Sustainability and Financing for Development
H.E. outlined the strategy's main components, which include identifying financing gaps for priority sectors as a percentage of GDP until 2030, conducting a comprehensive analysis of public and private financing sources, and establishing a framework for investment policies.
The strategy also seeks to enhance the investment environment by simplifying regulatory procedures, improving governance, and supporting public-private partnerships.
Roadmap for Sustainable and Innovative Financing
The strategy establishes a roadmap to enhance public and private resource flows by improving revenue collection efficiency, increasing budget transparency, and expanding innovative financing mechanisms.
A governance approach ensures effective coordination between national entities through a supervisory committee and technical working groups. Follow-up and evaluation mechanisms will track progress toward achieving the SDGs.
Al-Mashat emphasized that the government is committed to implementing reforms, including tax reforms, debt sustainability measures, promoting public-private partnerships in infrastructure projects, attracting foreign direct investment, and expanding innovative instruments like Islamic finance sukuk, sustainable development bonds, and venture capital.
Institutional Integration
H.E. discussed the institutional integration following the merger of the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation.
This integration supports financing for development efforts by enhancing coordination and collaboration.
The ministry plays a key role in preparing, implementing, and monitoring economic and social development plans to ensure investments align with development goals.
The Ministry also chairs the Financing for Development Working Group, which estimates financing needs across various sectors and directs resources to them.
The "NWFE" program was highlighted as a country platform combining innovative and blended financing mechanisms to drive climate and development efforts.
The Integrated National Strategy in the Context of the Ministry Merger
Al-Mashat emphasized that the merger of the ministries aligns financing strategies with national development priorities and provides a unified framework linking economic and social development plans with financing efforts. This integration enhances public spending efficiency, ensures sustainable financing, and maximizes the use of international partnerships.
Addis Ababa Action Agenda 2015
Al-Mashat noted that the Addis Ababa Action Plan laid the foundation for national integrated financing frameworks in 2015, establishing a global framework for financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The plan emphasized the importance of national development strategies supported by integrated financing frameworks to mobilize the resources needed to achieve the SDGs. Many countries are aligning their national priorities with the SDGs, but strategies still require further refinement.
H.E. concluded by highlighting the global significance of integrated national financing frameworks, especially in light of escalating debt challenges in developing countries.
These frameworks provide a strategic approach for countries to manage financing sources, reduce reliance on external funding, enhance fiscal resilience, and support sustainable debt management policies.
read more
Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685
NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria
Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO
Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided
News
Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks
News
Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank
News
Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region
News
One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid
News
Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers
News
Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia
News
Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content
Lifestyle
Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe
Videos & Features
Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO)
News
Ireland Replaces Former Israeli Embassy with Palestinian Museum
News
Israeli PM Diagnosed with Stage 3 Prostate Cancer
Lifestyle
Maguy Farah Reveals 2025 Expectations for Pisces
News
Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies
Arts & Culture
New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
40 minutes ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Israel's normalization appeal elicits mixed responses in Syria, Lebanon - Region
Israel's attempt to open peace talks with Syria and Lebanon has been met with deep scepticism, as decades of Israeli military aggression, occupation, and violence continue to fuel mistrust in both countries. On Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel had an 'interest in adding countries, Syria and Lebanon, our neighbours, to the circle of peace and normalisation while safeguarding Israel's essential and security interests.' Neither Beirut nor Damascus responded, reflecting deep mistrust after decades of Israeli attacks and occupation. Saar's statement came amid shifting regional dynamics, including the fall of longtime Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December and the weakening of Lebanese armed group Hezbollah following its latest conflict with Israel. However, Israel's history of military aggression continues to shape attitudes. Syria's new Islamist authorities confirmed indirect talks with Israel aimed at reducing tensions following the Israeli army's occupation of the UN-monitored buffer zone in southern Syria and repeated bombings of Syrian army positions. Damascus condemned the strikes as violations of its sovereignty. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has repeatedly called on the international community to pressure Israel to halt its attacks. While moderating his rhetoric compared with his predecessor, mistrust remains high. 'There is no problem with conducting peace negotiations, but in a way that maintains Syria's dignity,' said housewife Rania al-Fawakhiri in Damascus. 'Of course, we are not talking about complete normalisation, but conditional normalisation that does not undermine our rights.' Syria said the goal of talks is to reimplement the 1974 ceasefire between the two countries — a minimal step amid decades of Israeli hostility. The status of the Golan Heights remains a key sticking point. Israel occupied the area during the 1967 war and annexed it in 1981, a move not recognised internationally. 'We want our land, we have occupied land,' said Damascus lawyer Awad al-Hamad. 'The Golan will only ever be Arab and Syrian.' Saar stated the Golan Heights 'will remain part of the State of Israel' under any future peace agreement, underscoring Tel Aviv's refusal to relinquish occupied territory. Under Assad, Syria's education system labelled Israel 'the usurping entity' and 'the Zionist enemy,' framing the 'liberation of the Golan' as a national duty. Syria and Israel have technically been at war since 1948. No substantive negotiations have taken place since the Syrian civil war began in 2011, which allowed Iran and its regional allies to strengthen their presence amid ongoing Israeli strikes. Israel's push for normalisation follows its military weakening of regional adversaries in Lebanon, Gaza, and Iran, but its continued strikes, ongoing genocide in Gaza, and military occupation continue to fuel tensions. The United States has strongly backed normalisation, with Syria envoy Tom Barrack saying on Sunday that Sharaa 'has indicated that he doesn't hate Israel... and that he wants peace on that border.' Barrack also urged Lebanese officials to commit to fully disarming Hezbollah, a major military and political force resisting Israeli attacks. Despite a ceasefire, Israel has repeatedly bombed Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions but also causing civilian casualties and widespread damage. Lebanese officials have demanded full Israeli withdrawal and insisted state forces be the sole bearers of arms. The latest conflict began after Hezbollah attacks in 2023 in support of Palestinians in Gaza escalated into an all-out war with Israel in September. Israeli strikes inflicted heavy damage on Hezbollah-held areas in southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as Beirut's southern suburbs, killing thousands of Lebanese, many of them civilians, and deepening Lebanon's economic crisis. 'Lebanon's wellbeing comes first, and if the only way to get that is through normalisation... we could have a peace treaty to rebuild our country,' said 71-year-old Naim Qassir in Beirut's Hamra district. But not all share that view. 'Even if the whole world normalises with Israel... we the owners of the land in the south, the Beqaa and Dahiyeh will not,' said 46-year-old driver Ahmed Shamas. 'We will fight it until the end of time.' *This story was edited by Ahram Online. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
an hour ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt affirms support for Somalia stability at AU Peace, Security Council session - Foreign Affairs
Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty affirmed Egypt's firm support for Somalia's security, stability, unity, and territorial integrity, praising the Somali government's efforts to enhance governance and strengthen state institutions. FM Abdelatty made these remarks during a virtual session of the African Union Peace and Security Council, held at the ministerial level to follow up on developments in Somalia. The session tackled updates regarding the transition process from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). During the session, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's solidarity with the Somali government and people, aiming to bolster the capacities of Somalia's national institutions and facilitate the gradual handover of security responsibilities to Somali security forces. He also expressed Egypt's concern over the ongoing security challenges posed by terrorist groups, foremost among which is Al-Shabaab. Moreover, FM Abdelatty emphasized the importance of ensuring a smooth and coordinated transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM to preserve the security gains achieved and prevent the exploitation of security gaps. He further asserted the need to provide sustainable funding for AUSSOM to enable it to fulfil its mandate efficiently, warning that the lack of funding would undermine the mission's ability to perform its duties. This, in turn, would negatively impact the entire Horn of Africa region and the international community, including disrupting global maritime trade and increasing terrorist threats, Abdelatty noted. "Egypt is committed to supporting Somalia, both bilaterally and multilaterally, through capacity-building programmes, personnel training, supporting security and civilian institutions, and humanitarian assistance," he concluded. Similarly, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly addressed Somalia's security challenges during his speech at the AUSSOM summit hosted by Entebbe, Uganda, last April. "The international community's shifting of priorities in 2024 allowed the Al-Shabaab militant group to regain strength and undermined hard-won gains made by the Somali National Army in 2022 and 2023," Madbouly said during the summit. Madbouly, participating in the event on behalf of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, reiterated Egypt's unwavering support for Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's vision of establishing a unified and prosperous state. He stressed the importance of providing Somalia with the necessary resources under AUSSOM to empower the Somali National Army to safeguard its substantial gains on the ground. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
CairoScene
2 hours ago
- CairoScene
Egypt Signs USD 900 Million Debt-Swap With Germany, Italy & China
The agreements aim to reallocate external debt repayments toward domestic development initiatives, offering Egypt greater flexibility in addressing economic challenges. Jul 03, 2025 Egypt has secured more than USD 900 million in debt-swap agreements with Germany, Italy and China, according to an announcement by Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, a high-level United Nations event taking place in Seville, Spain. The agreements aim to reallocate external debt repayments toward domestic development initiatives, offering Egypt greater flexibility in addressing economic challenges. Minister Al-Mashat highlighted the growing debt burden on low- and middle-income countries, which now amounts to USD 8.8 trillion, with nearly 60% of nations either in or approaching debt distress. Egypt's new swaps are intended to provide fiscal breathing room while supporting development goals aligned with Vision 2030. The conference focused on debt solutions and international reform, where Egypt also called for broader financial policy shifts, including the use of Special Drawing Rights and more inclusive multilateral development bank strategies. The minister emphasised the need for updated risk frameworks and automatic suspension mechanisms to ensure a more resilient and equitable global financial system.
