Egypt plans transition to conditional cash subsidy system

Egypt's Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade is preparing to restructure the subsidy system, transitioning from commodity-based subsidies to a conditional cash subsidy model. The new system is slated to begin implementation on January 1.

A proposal from the Grocery Division of the Giza Chamber of Commerce suggests a monthly cash value of approximately 325 EGP per individual. This would be divided into 225 EGP for bread support and 100 EGP for food commodities. Under this model, a ration card for a family of four could receive roughly 1,300 EGP per month.

Minister of Supply Sherif Farouk has discussed these developments with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. The ministry emphasizes that the shift aims to improve the efficiency of reaching eligible families and provide them with greater purchasing freedom to choose their own needs rather than being restricted to specific quantities of predetermined goods. The proposed values are currently part of a development plan and have not yet been issued as a final official government decree.