Egypt makes significant strides in transparency, citizen participation in budget: IPBR

Doaa A.Moneim , Wednesday 5 Jun 2024

Egypt has made remarkable progress in transparency, disclosure, and citizen participation in its budget, according to the 2023 Open Budget Survey by the International Partnership for Budget Responsibility (IPBR), the Ministry of Finance said in a statement on Wednesday.

youths
File Photo: Egyptian youths. AP

 

The country jumped six places in fiscal transparency, 16 points in public participation, and 10 points in budget accountability and oversight.

Key highlights
 

Egypt surpasses the global average in fiscal transparency and data availability, ranking eighth globally behind France and Australia in public participation.

The 2023 Open Budget Survey also highlighted Egypt's experience with the national participatory budgeting initiative.

Driving progress
 

Egypt's Finance Ministry has been implementing a ten-year programme to enhance budget transparency and disclosure mechanisms, said Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait.

He added that the country is committed to issuing more simplified budget reports for citizens to facilitate community dialogue and citizen engagement in the decision-making process.

According to Maait, Egypt is expanding data comprehensiveness; publishing international reports before, during, and after budget implementation; and deepening participatory budgeting approaches.

Impact and future plans
 

The improved transparency and citizen participation are contributing to attracting investment and stimulating economic growth, the statement said.

Moreover, Egypt is taking further steps to expand transparency, disclosure, and community engagement as part of its public finance reform efforts.

It is preparing to launch the national participatory budgeting model in additional governorates, building on its successful implementation in Alexandria and Fayoum.

“Egypt's progress in budget transparency and citizen participation is a testament to its commitment to good governance and accountability. The country's efforts are serving as an example for other nations in the region and beyond. Continued progress in these areas will further strengthen Egypt’s economic and social development,” Minister Maait added.

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