Egypt successfully concluded a €27 million European Union-funded project addressing irregular migration through job creation and economic empowerment across eleven governorates, demonstrating the effectiveness of linking migration management with economic development strategies.
The project, implemented by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency, covered Minya, Assiut, Dakahlia, Beheira, Sharqia, Fayoum, Gharbia, Qalyubia, Kafr El Sheikh, Luxor, and Menoufia governorates. The initiative created thousands of employment opportunities while addressing fundamental drivers of irregular migration.
“Managing migration cannot be separated from economic empowerment,” stated Minister of Planning and Economic Development Rania Al-Mashat, emphasizing the integrated approach to addressing migration challenges through sustainable economic development and job creation programs.
The project formed part of the broader €63 million “Enhancing the Response to Migration Challenges in Egypt” program, which supported job creation through labor-intensive public works, entrepreneurship programs, and local infrastructure development. These initiatives provided viable alternatives to irregular migration while strengthening community resilience.
Economic empowerment activities included establishing micro, small, and medium enterprises, providing vocational training, and creating employment opportunities in targeted communities. The program particularly focused on youth employment, recognizing young people’s vulnerability to irregular migration pressures.
The initiative supported local infrastructure development projects that generated immediate employment while building long-term community capacity. These projects included road construction, water system improvements, and community facility development, creating both short-term jobs and lasting economic benefits.
Al-Mashat highlighted that Egypt’s national migration strategy focuses on sustainable development, with the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation working to align migration policies with international partnerships promoting economic inclusion and regional stability.
The project’s success demonstrates the effectiveness of addressing migration root causes through comprehensive economic development rather than purely restrictive measures. By creating local employment opportunities and supporting entrepreneurship, the initiative provided practical alternatives to irregular migration.
Beneficiary communities reported improved economic conditions, enhanced skills development, and increased access to formal employment opportunities. The program’s impact extended beyond immediate job creation to include capacity building and institutional strengthening at the local level.
The project’s completion opens opportunities for scaling successful interventions and applying lessons learned to broader migration and development programs. The partnership between Egypt and the European Union serves as a model for addressing migration challenges through collaborative development approaches.
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