Cairo: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly delivered a significant address during a high-level national conference organized by the Ministry of Local Development in collaboration with the World Bank Group, focusing on reforming and empowering local government in Upper Egypt.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the Prime Minister emphasized that the Local Development Programme in Upper Egypt is not merely an economic endeavor but a national mission aimed at rebuilding communities and empowering citizens. This program, launched under the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, is designed to enhance public services, job creation, local capacities, and effective governance, aligning with Egypt's sustainable development goals.

Dr. Madbouly highlighted that the program has become a national success story, evolving from its initial challenges to gaining international recognition for its innovative approach to decentralization and local empowerment. Despite early obstacles and recommendations from international agencies to reconsider its framework, the program persevered due to the committed belief in its potential and significance.

The Prime Minister shared insights from his background in participatory development and planning, noting that empowering local communities and ensuring their active participation in the development process is a challenge not unique to Egypt. He emphasized the importance of aligning central and local plans to achieve desired outcomes, highlighting the program's expansion from two to four governorates as a testament to its success.

Over seven years, the Local Development Programme has been a model of reform, managed in collaboration with international development partners. It has improved human development indicators, reduced poverty and unemployment, and enhanced public service delivery, preparing Egypt to face future challenges.

Madbouly also noted that the program had provided improved infrastructure and services to over 8.3 million citizens and created over 396,000 jobs. The success of this initiative has influenced Egypt's strategy for decentralization and local empowerment, as emphasized by the 2024 National Dialogue.

The Prime Minister concluded by expressing gratitude to all involved in the program, including international partners like the World Bank, underlining the importance of continuing this initiative as a strategic move towards effective decentralization. The program's success demonstrates the importance of empowering local government as a necessity for Egypt's economic and social development.