Phase I of ‘Decent Life’ initiative progressing well

The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Co-operation has reviewed the implementation of Phase I of the Presidential Decent Life (Hayah Karima) initiative, reporting tangible improvements in public services and infrastructure across targeted rural communities.
Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Co-operation Dr Rania Al-Mashat said the initiative has delivered measurable gains in citizens’ quality of life, while catalysing a transformative shift in local development across Egypt’s governorates.
Phase I constitutes a comprehensive, multi-dimensional development programme, encompassing nearly 23,000 projects in 1,477 villages across 52 districts in 20 governorates. Total planned investments amount to LE350 billion, benefiting around 18 million citizens.
By the end of June 2025, effective funding had reached LE306 billion—approximately 88 per cent of total allocations—while the overall implementation rate stood at 89 per cent.
Upper Egypt has been accorded priority, receiving 68 per cent of Phase I allocations and benefiting nearly 11 million citizens, representing 61 per cent of total beneficiaries. This reflects the state’s commitment to balanced development and the redirection of public investment towards the most underserved areas.
Human development accounted for 70 per cent of total investments. Implemented projects have delivered notable improvements, including a 128 per cent increase in sanitation service coverage, a 421 per cent rise in natural gas subscriptions, a 55 per cent increase in telecommunications subscribers, and a 19.4 percentage-point improvement in financial inclusion, raising overall coverage to 75 per cent in the targeted villages.
Development works have been completed in 620 villages to date, contributing to a 69 percentage-point improvement in the Quality of Life Index. Progress in social services includes the completion of 796 health units, two central hospitals, 367 ambulance units, 15,300 classrooms, 937 youth centres and 307 social solidarity facilities.
Significant advances have also been made in basic infrastructure. A total of 349 drinking water plants, 463,000 household water connections and 6,700 kilometres of water networks have been completed, achieving full access to potable water. In sanitation, 29 treatment plants, 719 sanitation projects and 1.4 million household connections have increased service coverage from 20 per cent to 90 per cent.
In housing and local services, works have been finalised on 508 residential buildings, 332 government service complexes, 823 post offices, 231 police points, and 1,201 electricity and public lighting projects. Digital transformation efforts have extended fibre-optic networks to 940 villages and installed 1,368 mobile towers, supporting e-government services and enhancing connectivity.
As part of the Green Village initiative, 15 villages are currently being prepared to meet international environmental standards and obtain Tarsheed certification, with field assessments already under way.