Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt highlights food security priorities at G20 meeting in Cairo
At a key G20 meeting on food security hosted in Cairo, Egypt’s Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk outlined national and African priorities to ensure food security and address global challenges.
Kouchouk emphasized Egypt’s efforts to expand agricultural land, boost productivity, and provide essential food supplies at sufficient levels. The government, he noted, funds a range of programs to support farmers—encouraging both growth and competitiveness in the agricultural sector.
Food subsidies remain a cornerstone of Egypt’s social safety net, with around 165 billion Egyptian pounds allocated annually to benefit more than 60 million citizens. The “Takaful and Karama” initiative has also been expanded, now supporting five million families and linking aid to educational and health outcomes.
The Minister stressed the importance of complementing national measures with strong regional and international partnerships to achieve sustainable food security for all. He called for more robust involvement from international institutions in mobilizing resources for sustainable agricultural investment and addressing climate challenges.
Kouchouk highlighted Egypt’s commitment to building fair, resilient, and cohesive food systems in partnership with global stakeholders, particularly to benefit developing and African nations. He warned that rising global food prices are putting strain on public finances and hindering growth in low- and middle-income countries.
Finally, he advocated for serious action to address imbalances in the global financial system, the development financing gap, and the impact of climate change. Technology and artificial intelligence, he added, are vital tools for overcoming contemporary crises and ensuring food security for the future.
“We are working together for a more just, sustainable, and inclusive food future,” Kouchouk concluded.