The launch event held in Cairo was attended by UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt Elena Panova and chairmen from several of Egypt’s most prominent CSOs and charities.

The new system provides 36 services for CSOs, including management of case records, complaints and beneficiaries, according to the ministry.

It also aims to provide an interactive database of the efforts and results of CSOs in Egypt.

The launch of the system comes as part of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's declaration last January of 2022 as the Year of Civil Society.

The experience of different countries shows that a serious role for civil society translates to better cultural, economic, social and political performance, El-Qabbaj said, adding that civil society is an important partner to the state and private sector in comprehensive development.

The ministry stated that the new system is part of the government’s embrace of digital transformation, automation and financial inclusion in order to facilitate transactions between CSOs and the social solidarity ministry.

She stressed the importance of information technology and digital transformation, which can improve how civil society projects are implemented. Technology can help organise, analyse and link data, converting it into better information for implementing social and development policies.

Over the past several year, the Egyptian government has been keen to enhance the role of CSOs – otherwise known as non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

In October 2022, the social solidarity ministry extended for the second time the grace period for NGOs to legalise their status in the country in compliance with NGO Law 149/2019, with the current extension set to expire in April 2023.