The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has been an active partner with the Government of Egypt, Egyptian civil society and the Egyptian private sector for almost 30 years. Although Egypt is considered a “middle income” country, poverty continues to be a major concern and CIDA's approach focuses particularly on helping the poor and those in need. Egypt and Canada share many global interests, and development cooperation between Canada and Egypt acknowledges Egypt’s influential strategic and political role in the Middle East, particularly with respect to water and peace. Canadian Official Development Assistance to Egypt supports a vision of sustainable development for Egypt and, by extension, peace, security and prosperity in the region as a whole.

Since its inception in 1976, the CIDA/Egypt Program has provided over Cdn$ 1 billion in support to Egypt, delivered through hundreds of diverse assistance projects. Early CIDA activity in Africa was dominated by lines of credit for commodities and infrastructure projects. In the 1980s, the focus shifted to providing technical assistance; supporting private-sector development and economic reform; and addressing environmental concerns. 
 

THE EGYPT COUNTRY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMING FRAMEWORK (CDPF)

The Egypt Country Development Programming Framework (CDPF) outlines the rationale for CIDA's Program in Egypt and acts as a guide for the Agency's activities. The previous CDPF, dating from 1993, concentrated on job creation (especially for women), civil society empowerment, and government reform. Environmental programming was also an important component of CIDA's work, in particular the preservation and improved management of Egypt's limited water resources.

The current CDPF (2001-2011) renews the focus on supporting Egypt’s poverty reduction efforts among the country's marginalized groups, in particular women, children and youth. The program focuses on two main areas: Basic Education and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Development. This focus reflects Canada and Egypt's agreement to concentrate CIDA resources on education and improved employment opportunities. Forty-five percent of annual program spending has been allocated to small and medium enterprise development. A further forty percent has been assigned to basic education. The remaining fifteen percent funds activities outside these two areas, but optimally in support of the two principal sectoral areas. 

 CROSSCUTTING THEMES

The Country Development Programming Framework (CDPF) advocates four crosscutting themes that impact all development initiatives: Gender Equality, Environmental Sustainability, Institutional Capacity Strengthening, and Child Protection. These crosscutting thematic areas are integral to the CIDA/Egypt Program’s success and help to ensure that activities are targeted at those most in need. The crosscutting themes also reflect CIDA’s and Canada’s commitment to promoting human capabilities and human dignity throughout the development process. The program recognizes that only a holistic approach to development can improve developmental results and effect corresponding improvements in the lives of targeted individuals and groups.