The Egyptian Ministry of Awqaf announced a landmark expansion of its social support programmes for 2025, allocating a total of EGP 160 million to interest-free loans and direct cash assistance. The funds, disbursed under the supervision of the General Administration of Al-Birr, reached 7,646 beneficiaries and represent the largest budget in the ministry’s history for welfare support.
Egypt social aid 2025 record funding and expanded beneficiaries
The ministry said the 2025 package marks a 269 per cent increase in funding compared with 2024. In the previous year the ministry disbursed EGP 42,420,322 to 3,329 recipients. This year, cash grants and loans combined now stand at EGP 160 million, with the ministry emphasising that the scale and scope of the assistance signal a qualitative shift in its social protection efforts.
Minister Dr Osama Al-Azhari was cited as continuing the ministry’s focus on social and humanitarian dimensions of its mission. The expanded budget is aimed at strengthening social cohesion, improving living standards and boosting staff morale across the ministry and its affiliated institutions.
The ministry provided a breakdown of the support. Cash grants and material assistance amounted to EGP 78,148,200 and benefited 3,523 cases. These payments included support to heirs of deceased employees, settlement of loan instalments for deceased staff members without burdening families, regular contributions to the pensions of Quran memorisers and readers, and emergency and medical assistance. The cash package also covered support to people in Gaza and funding for short public awareness filmlets in cooperation with the National Media Authority.
Separately, the administration’s interest-free loan programme supplied EGP 81,753,950 to 4,123 borrowers across regional directorates, the central office, affiliated hospital services and charitable projects. The ministry noted that all loans were provided without administrative charges or bank interest, and that loan recoveries during the same period totalled EGP 42,051,511.
For the first time the ministry introduced targeted financing schemes for specified groups. These included children of staff approaching retirement, female employees who are primary breadwinners, staff members with disabilities, recently married couples and patients with chronic or severe illnesses. The targeted approach aims to respond to specific needs and reduce household financial pressure.
Officials said the assistance also covered training support for imams, incentives for mosque workers with disabilities, payment of medical debts, and participation in national social events such as the Farhat Misr celebration. The ministry worked alongside the Ministry of Social Solidarity to revive the historical Takiyya al-Misriyya charitable initiative as part of wider solidarity measures.
Ministry statements stressed that all disbursements were made “from the gate of charity” and remained under the direct oversight of the General Administration of Al-Birr. The ministry framed the measures as part of a broader strategy to combine the institution’s religious and civic roles by improving living conditions and reinforcing institutional loyalty among employees.
Observers said the significant rise in funding and the introduction of targeted loan programmes reflect a deliberate shift towards a more comprehensive social protection model within Egypt’s religious administration. The ministry indicated it will continue to monitor outcomes and adjust programmes to ensure funds reach the most deserving beneficiaries.
Key Takeaways:
- Ministry of Awqaf allocated a record EGP 160 million in 2025 for loans and cash aid, benefiting 7,646 recipients.
- Support rose 269% from 2024, with cash aid of EGP 78.15 million and interest-free loans totalling EGP 81.75 million.
- Programmes targeted vulnerable groups including retirees, women breadwinners, employees with disabilities and new couples.
- All assistance was provided without administrative fees or bank interest under direct oversight of the General Administration of Al-Birr.
