On account of its strategic location in the Middle East, Egypt has become one of the priority partner countries of German and international development cooperation. Since 1956 GTZ has been implementing many different projects in all parts of the country on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Staff of the Centre for International Migration and Development (CIM) support a number of Egyptian institutions in the public and private sectors. GTZ also works on behalf of other German public-sector clients and international organisations. GTZ’s International Services division works on behalf of international organisations.

Egypt, like other Arab countries, is confronted with many problems that are hampering development. The population has doubled in the last 30 years and the population density is among the highest in the world. Natural resources such as water and agricultural land are becoming increasingly scarce, and the country’s energy requirements are continuing to rise. Poverty is widespread, informal settlements are constantly growing and rural areas are cut off from development progress. Further strain is created by the lack of educational opportunities and growing youth unemployment. Women are particularly disadvantaged in their economic and social development.

Following agreement between the German and Egyptian governments, GTZ currently concentrates on the following priority areas:

• Climate and environment
• Water resources and water management.

In addition, GTZ is contributing to the implementation of the Participatory Development Programme in Urban Areas, the Project for the Promotion of Women’s Rights in Egypt and, in the field of vocational training, the Technical Training and Employment Programme – Mubarak-Kohl Initiative.