The French Development Agency (AFD) has applauded Egypt’s progress in its universal health insurance system, which now serves nearly 5 million beneficiaries across six governorates, highlighting significant improvements in care quality and healthcare governance. Since 2018, AFD has contributed €210 million in loans and grants to support this reform, aiming to achieve universal, equitable access to high-quality healthcare for all Egyptians by 2032.
The French Development Agency (AFD) has praised Egypt’s universal health insurance system and the significant progress being made in this sector. As of April 5, 2025, the reform has been rolled out to six governorates, benefiting nearly 5 million people. In Ismailia, where over 80% of residents are enrolled, improvements in care quality, patient pathways, and healthcare regulation have been particularly notable.
Since 2018, AFD has supported this structural reform in collaboration with Egyptian authorities, providing €210 million in Public Policy loans, a €2 million grant, and €1 million in technical assistance through Expertise France. This support enhances the governance capacities of national institutions and facilitates more efficient social protection spending, with the aim of achieving universal, equitable, and high-quality healthcare access for all Egyptians by 2032.
AFD’s work reflects France’s commitment to development and international solidarity, extending its initiatives to public sector financing, NGO support, research, sustainable development training, and awareness-raising in France. The agency is involved in over 2,700 projects across 120 countries, addressing issues such as climate change, gender equality, biodiversity, and health—thus contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through its “Team France” and “Team Europe” platforms, AFD collaborates with various partners, including civil society organizations, local governments, and research centers. Additionally, AFD works with around 530 public development banks and has played a leading role in the International Development Finance Club (IDFC).
In 2023, AFD invested €11.4 billion in international development, resulting in French development assistance reaching 0.55% of GNP, with a target of 0.7% by 2025. This commitment underlines AFD’s dedication to fostering a fairer and more resilient global society.
