Wednesday 04 Dec
Dr. Rania El-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation inaugurated a regional workshop organized by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The workshop, titled "Working with the Private Sector to Finance the Transformation of Food Systems," brought together IFAD officials, government representatives, and private sector companies to highlight the strong partnership between Egypt and IFAD in advancing food security.
The event aimed to explore strategies for strengthening cooperation between IFAD and the private sector. Key topics included IFAD's private sector strategy for enhancing value chain partnerships and rural financing, as well as opportunities for public-private partnerships to boost investments in sustainable food systems.
El-Mashat emphasized the
workshop's importance as a platform for exchanging ideas and addressing
challenges in transforming food systems. She stressed the need for
comprehensive strategies that consider social, economic, and environmental
factors to ensure food security. To achieve this, she advocated for continuous
innovation and strong collaboration among governments, international
organizations, civil society, and the private sector.
El-Mashat emphasized the private
sector's crucial role in driving sustainable food systems. She stressed the
need for innovative financial tools and risk mitigation mechanisms to attract
private investments in rural development and food systems. However, she
acknowledged the significant financing gap and called for innovative solutions
to mobilize private capital.
To address this challenge, she
emphasized the importance of the National Platform for Green Projects,
"Nuwafi," which leverages public-private partnerships to attract
private investments in green projects, including renewable energy and
agriculture. She stressed that these initiatives align with Egypt's broader
strategy of transitioning to a green economy and enhancing food security.
By fostering collaboration
between the public and private sectors, Egypt aims to create a more sustainable
and resilient food system, ultimately improving the lives of rural communities
and contributing to global food security.
The Minister asserted that the government, in partnership with primary development actors, is committed to fostering private sector engagement and capital infusion into vital economic sectors.
