CAIRO - 21 April 2026: Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk said Egypt is preparing to roll out its participatory budgeting model across governorates following successful pilots in Beni Suef, Fayoum, and Alexandria, marking a broader shift toward citizen-driven fiscal planning.
He said the government will, for the first time, present state budget execution “through the eyes of service beneficiaries,” stressing that the national budget is not only about figures but about services and development programs that directly affect citizens’ daily lives.
Kouchouk added that involving citizens helps improve spending efficiency and define local priorities, with a focus on health, education, and economic empowerment, while also strengthening transparency and public awareness of fiscal policy.
He noted that Egypt has made progress in international budget transparency rankings, though “there is still more work to be done” to further enhance disclosure and accountability.
Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rostom described the initiative as a step forward in modernizing public finance management, shifting toward performance-based budgeting that links government spending to measurable outcomes.
He said the participatory model enables citizens to identify development gaps on the ground and propose actionable solutions, helping improve resource allocation and local impact.
Officials highlighted that youth contributions in Beni Suef have already translated into practical interventions across key sectors, including health, education, social protection, and local development, with implementation underway in coordination with national authorities.
UNICEF representative Natalie Meyer said the experience demonstrates how collaboration between institutions and communities can lead to more effective public spending, emphasizing that investment in children remains an investment in Egypt’s future.
The government confirmed plans to expand the model to additional governorates in the next phase.
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