Egypt Announces New Social Protection Package: Details & Updates

Egypt Announces Extensive Social Protection Package Ahead of Ramadan

Sunday, February 15, 2026 – Egypt is preparing to implement a comprehensive social protection package exceeding 40 billion Egyptian pounds (approximately $858.1 million) to support low- and middle-income households before the start of Ramadan. The initiative, announced by Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly, follows directives from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

The package aims to provide direct financial assistance to vulnerable citizens as the country navigates ongoing economic reforms. According to announcements, it will include direct cash transfers, potential salary increases for state employees, and enhancements to existing social safety net programs like “Takaful and Karama.” The government also intends to accelerate development within the “Decent Life” (Hayah Karima) initiative, focusing on upgrading infrastructure and living conditions in Egypt’s most underserved rural villages.

Prime Minister Madbouly detailed the plan during a press conference on Sunday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to mitigating the impact of economic pressures on its citizens. The timing of the announcement is strategically aligned with the approaching holy month of Ramadan, a period traditionally marked by increased spending on food and essential commodities.

The move comes amid fluctuating commodity prices. While some products saw price declines of up to 80% in the final quarter of 2025 due to stabilized input costs and improved supply, poultry prices have recently surged, reaching EGP 97.2 per kilogramme – the highest level in ten months. In response to the rising cost of poultry, the government has announced plans to import frozen chicken and distribute it at discounted rates through a network of fixed and mobile outlets affiliated with the Ministries of Supply and Agriculture, and the Mostaqbal Misr Agency, covering all governorates. The first shipments are expected to arrive before Ramadan.

President El-Sisi reviewed the proposed social protection measures during a meeting on Saturday with Prime Minister Madbouly and Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk. He directed the government to announce and implement the package before Ramadan to ensure timely support for those in need. The President also instructed that February salaries for state employees be disbursed within the current week, providing financial relief ahead of the holiday season.

Beyond immediate financial assistance, the discussions also focused on bolstering the healthcare sector. The government plans to increase funding to enhance medical treatment services, reduce waiting lists for critical surgeries, and accelerate the implementation of the Universal Health Insurance System. Officials have framed healthcare reform as a crucial component of strengthening social safety nets and improving the overall quality of life for Egyptian citizens.

The broader context of these measures is Egypt’s ongoing effort to implement fiscal and structural reforms. The social protection package is presented as a key element in easing economic pressures and ensuring that vulnerable populations are not disproportionately affected by these changes. The government’s reliance on targeted subsidy mechanisms reflects a strategy to shield lower-income groups from inflationary pressures.

The “Decent Life” initiative, also known as Hayah Karima, will receive additional funding to complete its first phase. This flagship rural development program aims to improve infrastructure, expand job opportunities, and enhance access to essential services, including healthcare and sanitation, in Egypt’s most underserved villages.