The Egyptian government has distributed an EGP 300 Ramadan bonus to 4.7 million families enrolled in the Takaful and Karama cash transfer programme, amounting to a total of EGP 1.5bn. Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk stated that the Ministry of Finance provided the funds to the Ministry of Social Solidarity for distribution, following presidential directives.
In addition to the Ramadan bonus, a 25% increase in cash assistance for Takaful and Karama beneficiaries will take effect in April. This increase is projected to cost approximately EGP 13bn through June 2026.
These announcements were made during a review of the implementation of social protection measures by Kouchouk and Social Solidarity Minister Maya Morsy. These measures, directed by the President, aim to support vulnerable groups during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr through direct cash assistance. The government seeks to improve the living conditions of low-income families through this initiative.
The Takaful and Karama programme, launched in 2014 with 1.7 million families and an initial budget of EGP 3.5bn, has seen significant expansion. This growth reflects the presidential directives prioritising support for vulnerable families.
The Ministry of Social Solidarity will celebrate the programme’s tenth anniversary this coming May. Takaful and Karama has been recognised as one of the most effective social protection programmes in the Arab world. Its flexible design allows for the inclusion of new families and the removal of others based on eligibility criteria.
