Paloma Adams-Allen, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Administrator, has concluded a productive three-day visit to Egypt from 31 January to 2 February, where she underscored the United States’ enduring partnership with Egypt, and its commitment to Egypt’s social and economic growth through the work done by the US Mission to Egypt through USAID.
During her visit, Deputy Administrator Adams-Allen expressed USAID’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the USAID/Egypt community, partners, and programs. She also visited different USAID programs to learn more about the significant history and depth of USAID’s work in Egypt, especially in the sectors of health, women’s empowerment, economic growth, and tourism.
Deputy Administrator Adams-Allen met with the Egyptian Red Crescent where she expressed USAID’s appreciation for its partnership with the organization throughout the pandemic to prevent and control the spread of coronavirus, administer vaccines, and combat misinformation.
The Deputy Administrator also visited the Sultan Hussein Kamel Palace iHub where she hosted a roundtable discussion with USAID-supported Egyptian entrepreneurs and startups. Among the startups she met were VAIS and Fresh Source who actively work to utilize digital technology to address agricultural challenges in order to advance food security in Egypt. During this meeting, Deputy Administrator Adams-Allen was able to hear firsthand how USAID’s partnership with the Government of Egypt and the private sector supports Egyptian entrepreneurs by launching and growing startups, attracting USD 500,000 foreign direct investment to support 6 startups during 2022, and improving the delivery of public services for the benefit of all Egyptians.
Deputy Administrator Adams-Allen also met with Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine El-Kabbaj, to discuss collaboration on topics, such as women economic empowerment, youth participation, private sector development, and community engagement, and the important role of civil society in Egypt, as well as USAID’s commitment to support the overarching objectives of the Decent Life initiative.
Prior to her departure from Cairo, Deputy Administrator Adams-Allen went on a guided walking tour through Historic Cairo to visit several sites where past and present US Government support preserved valuable Egyptian cultural heritage, supported private sector investment, and promoted local communities to promote sustainable tourism. The Deputy Administrator also toured the Sphinx and Pyramids at the Giza Plateau and learned how USAID worked to conserve Egypt’s antiquities and archaeological sites in collaboration with the Government of Egypt.
