Despite Egypt's relentless efforts to help the needy, economists are urging the government to do more by increasing citizens' real incomes and creating jobs. The authorities should clear all obstacles facing the private sector and entrepreneurship to create jobs, one economist said.
The Egyptian government has launched a number of social programs to combat growing poverty rates. Efforts include staple subsidies, the Takaful and Karama plan, and the Hayat Karima (Decent Life) program launched in early January. The Takaful and Karama plan, which provides the poor with income support, is scheduled to end Nov. 30. The Egyptian government and the World Bank signed a $400 million agreement to fund the program in April 2015. The Hayat Karima initiative is designed to financially, medically and logistically support the neediest, including the homeless.
