Cairo – Egypt’s government announced Sunday a comprehensive social protection package totaling 40 billion Egyptian pounds, aimed at mitigating the economic pressures faced by millions of citizens. The initiative, unveiled by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, will provide direct financial assistance, accelerate salary payments, and expand access to healthcare, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations.
The sweeping measures come as Egypt continues to navigate economic challenges, including rising inflation and currency fluctuations. Prime Minister Madbouly emphasized that the funding for the package is additional to the existing budget, made possible by improvements in the country’s economic indicators and increased state revenues. The government is prioritizing support for those most in demand, with a significant portion of the funds allocated to families enrolled in existing social programs and those with the lowest incomes.
The new social protection package, which extends through the complete of the current fiscal year, includes several key components designed to provide immediate relief and long-term support. These measures reflect a commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of Egyptian citizens and ensuring a more equitable distribution of economic benefits.
Direct Financial Assistance for Millions
A cornerstone of the package is direct financial aid to approximately 15 million families. This includes 5 million families already benefiting from the “Takaful and Karama” social security program, and an additional 10 million families identified as having the lowest incomes. During March and April 2026, these 10 million families will receive a one-time cash assistance of 400 Egyptian pounds, totaling 8 billion Egyptian pounds. Families enrolled in “Takaful and Karama” will receive a similar 400 Egyptian pound supplement during Ramadan and Eid, costing an additional 4 billion Egyptian pounds.
45,000 beneficiaries of child allowance and rural leaders programs will receive a 300 Egyptian pound supplement during Ramadan and Eid. These direct cash transfers are intended to help families cover essential expenses and cope with rising living costs.
Accelerated Salary Payments and Public Sector Support
In a move designed to ease financial burdens ahead of the holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, the government will expedite the payment of salaries for state employees in February and March 2026. Prime Minister Madbouly also announced a “non-traditional” increase in salaries and wages for public sector workers, with a particular emphasis on teachers and healthcare professionals. Details of this salary increase will be presented to President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi during a budget review meeting.
Healthcare Investments and Infrastructure Development
The package allocates significant resources to improving healthcare services and infrastructure. An additional 3 billion Egyptian pounds will be allocated to accelerate the completion of treatment for patients on waiting lists and address critical cases. Another 3 billion Egyptian pounds will be added to the budget for treatment on the state’s expense, from February to June 2026.
A further 3.3 billion Egyptian pounds will be used to implement comprehensive health insurance in Minya Governorate starting April 1st, with the state covering the subscription fees for those unable to afford them. These investments aim to enhance access to quality healthcare for all Egyptians.
The government is also prioritizing infrastructure development through its “Decent Life” (Hayah Karima) initiative, allocating 15 billion Egyptian pounds to expedite the completion of approximately 1,000 projects aimed at improving services in villages across the first phase of the program.
Support for Farmers and Food Security
Recognizing the importance of food security, the government will increase the price of locally sourced wheat from 2200 to 2350 Egyptian pounds per ardeb, costing 4 billion Egyptian pounds. This measure is intended to support farmers and encourage domestic wheat production.
The total cost of this comprehensive package is estimated at 40.3 billion Egyptian pounds, demonstrating the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens during these challenging economic times. Officials have indicated that further details regarding the implementation of these measures will be released in the coming days.
The government’s announcement comes as Egyptians prepare for Ramadan, a time of increased spending and family gatherings. By providing direct financial assistance and accelerating salary payments, the government hopes to alleviate some of the financial strain on households and ensure that all citizens can participate fully in the festivities.
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