– The Egyptian Ministry of Supply is studying a shift from in-kind support to cash or conditional cash support to better serve vulnerable populations.

– Minister Sherif Farouk emphasized the need to address ongoing concerns about the in-kind support system, aiming to maximize benefits for eligible citizens and ensure support reaches those in need.

– Coordination with various ministries and the Central Bank of Egypt is underway to implement digital solutions for automating the support system and enhancing service delivery to citizens.

Egypt has recently discussed the supply ministry’s plan for a transition from in-kind support to cash support for the most vulnerable groups, including conditional cash assistance, said Ahmed Kamal, the official spokesman for the Egyptian Ministry of Supply, to Mubasher news website.

In a television interview, Kamal stated that the ministry is studying ways to improve the support system for the most vulnerable groups. He emphasized the need to address recurring concerns and complaints that have arisen in recent months, as highlighted in the government program.

Kamal also noted that coordination has taken place with the Board of Trustees of the National Dialogue to enhance the support system and achieve digital transformation, aimed at improving service delivery to citizens through complete automation.

In a statement before the House of Representatives, Egyptian Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Sherif Farouk remarked, “Your esteemed council witnessed extensive discussions regarding the burdens associated with the support system when approving the general budget. We reviewed the repeated concerns and complaints about losses due to the in-kind support system, either from trading sessions or misuse. This prompted us to reconsider the structure of food and bread support to maximize benefits for eligible citizens and ensure that support reaches those who truly need it.”

Farouk added that this initiative aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030, which seeks to achieve sustainable development and enhance the social protection system. “Therefore, we are committed to studying the transition from the in-kind support system to a comprehensive cash support system, or conditional cash support. This issue is currently on the agenda of the national dialogue, with the aim of serving the country’s best interests.”

The Minister also outlined a series of urgent measures to enhance the food commodities system. Coordination has occurred with various state sectors and all relevant parties, particularly the Ministries of Finance and Communications and Information Technology, as well as the Central Bank of Egypt. These efforts aim to leverage information technology to facilitate digital transformation, improve service delivery, and ensure that support reaches those who deserve it through a fully automated system.