Egypt to Launch Second Phase of 'Decent Life' Initiative in 1,667 Villages

CAIRO – 19 January 2026: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly met Monday to review the implementation of the first phase of the "Decent Life" presidential initiative and discuss preparations for the launch of its second phase.

The meeting was attended by Lt. Gen. Mohamed Farid Hegazy, advisor to the president for the Decent Life initiative; Randa El-Menshawy, first assistant to the prime minister; and Ahmed Abdel-Azim, director of Dar Al-Handasah, the project consultant.

Madbouly emphasized that the meeting is part of ongoing efforts to monitor remaining work in the initiative's first phase. He noted that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has directed officials to overcome obstacles and accelerate progress to deliver projects quickly while maintaining high quality standards. These efforts aim to improve the quality of life for millions of Egyptians through the unprecedented development program.

The president has also instructed various ministries and agencies to expedite the handover and operation of completed projects from the first phase so they can immediately serve residents. This transition occurs as the government prepares to expand the initiative to new villages across the country during the second phase.

Madbouly highlighted the tangible social and economic impact of the initiative in rural Egypt, noting significant improvements in infrastructure, health, education and social services. He added that the program has also been a major driver for local employment.

Ahmed Abdel-Azim presented a status report on the first phase, which covers 1,477 villages across 20 governorates. Of the approximately 27,332 projects planned for this phase, 22,204 have been completed and 16,815 have been handed over for operation.

Looking ahead, the second phase will target 1,667 villages in 20 governorates. To date, approximately 14,500 projects have been identified for this stage across several priority sectors, including sanitation, drinking water and household utility connections. Work will also encompass school construction, the expansion of fiber optic networks and natural gas, and the development of external roads and treatment plants.

The initiative remains a cornerstone of Egypt's national development strategy to modernize the Egyptian countryside.