Egypt's Minister of Labor, Mohamed Jabran, welcomed officials from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) on March 4, 2025, to discuss initiatives aimed at improving job opportunities for youth. The meeting took place at the Ministry's new headquarters located in the administrative capital and highlighted the collaborative efforts involved in the labor market entry project.
Heading the GIZ delegation was Regina Kullman, alongside Khaled Karara, the project director. During the session, Jabran received comprehensive insights about GIZ's operations within Egypt and was presented with key achievements of the labor market entry program. Expressing his enthusiasm for the new venture, the Minister stated, "I welcome intensifying cooperation with the German Agency for International Cooperation, particularly in areas of mutual interest." This collaboration is expected to yield significant developments over time.
Recognizing the pressing need for effective employment strategies, Jabran emphasized the ministry's commitment to enhancing the technical training system. This initiative will equip young Egyptian adults with the necessary skills to meet both local and international labor market demands. To action this commitment, he ordered the commencement of coordination meetings aimed at crafting an actionable plan to implement the project successfully.
The initiative is particularly ambitious, set to roll out across the Greater Cairo and Alexandria governorates over the next three and half years. It intends to collaborate closely with various local and international organizations to significantly boost the employability prospects of Egyptian youth. The overarching goal is to construct sustainable employment policies by strengthening the strategic and technical abilities of the ministry's central administration for employment.
Part of the project's scope includes improving the professional and administrative capabilities of employees within the ministry's One-Stop Shop service. This enhancement aims to facilitate greater access for women within the job market, fostering equality and providing comprehensive support.
Further, the program aims to provide youth with targeted preparation services, addressing specific demographics who may require additional assistance to integrate successfully within the workforce. Jabran noted, "Expanding services offered to businesses through select providers from public and private sectors is key to generating appropriate job opportunities." This approach aims not only to empower potential employees but also to equip companies with the resources necessary to thrive.
The meeting included prominent figures such as Ihab Abd al-Aati, the legal advisor for the Ministry of Labor, Rasha Abd al-Baset, who oversees international relations at the ministry, and Amani Abd al-Hamid, who serves as the technical assistant to Jabran.
This collaborative initiative signals the Egyptian government's proactive approach to tackling unemployment issues, particularly among their youth. By leveraging international partnerships and emphasizing specialized training, this effort emphasizes inclusivity and the significance of equal opportunities for all genders within the workforce.
The focus on improving the labor market entry process and job accessibility marks what could be regarded as a pivotal moment for Egypt's job seekers. With the backing of the GIZ and the involvement of local enterprises, this project aims to lay the groundwork for future success. By aspiring to formulate and enforce policies catering to real labor market needs, the initiative heralds hope not only for Egyptian youth but for the nation's overall employment climate.