El-Sisi directs higher spending on health, education and social protection

Ahram Online , Sunday 3 May 2026

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi directed the government to increase spending on health, education, and social protection during a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on Sunday.

sisi
Photo courtesy of the spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency

 

The meeting reviewed a range of political, economic, and social issues on the government’s agenda.

During the meeting, Madbouly outlined efforts to expand social support for low-income families, along with plans to develop the education and healthcare sectors, attract investment, increase exports, and promote local industry under Egypt Vision 2030, according to a statement from the presidential spokesman.

The instructions come as Egypt continues to face inflationary pressures and external economic shocks caused by global supply chain disruptions and regional instability, which have affected household purchasing power and increased the cost of basic goods.

The government has, in recent years, expanded cash-transfer programmes such as Takaful and Karama and increased budget allocations to social sectors as part of a broader effort to shield vulnerable groups.

El-Sisi also underscored the importance of securing sufficient reserves of strategic commodities amid ongoing regional and international developments, while calling for intensified efforts to curb inflation and maintain market stability.

He further directed the government to maintain oversight of markets and guarantee the availability of food supplies, the statement added.

El-Sisi also reviewed preparations for the inauguration of the new Senghor University campus in Borg El-Arab later this month, a project aimed at strengthening Egypt’s educational cooperation with African and Francophone countries and supporting capacity-building across the continent.

Egypt is increasing spending on health and education in its latest budget as part of broader efforts to improve human development and protect households from economic pressures.

Health sector allocations are set to rise by nearly 30 percent, with the government earmarking around EGP 90.5 billion to secure medicines, medical supplies, and equipment through the Unified Procurement Authority, alongside EGP 47.5 billion for state-funded treatment and health insurance.

Education spending is projected to reach EGP 442 billion, up about 20% year-on-year, with funds directed toward expanding school capacity, upgrading infrastructure, and accelerating digital learning.

 

Short link: