North Africa (Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria)

The political upheavals of 2011 in North Africa paved the way for a long transition process towards an uncertain outcome. Switzerland's activities are aimed at fostering a more inclusive, prosperous and peaceful region. Tunisia and Egypt are the two priority countries for the SDC in Switzerland's International Cooperation Strategy 2021–24 in North Africa.

© FDFA

North Africa is made up of countries with very different profiles. Owing to their geopolitical weight and their proximity to Europe, they are important partners for Switzerland. All the countries of the region face the same difficulties and issues of fragility: high unemployment, especially among young people and women; corruption; gender-based discrimination; regional disparities; and political, economic and social exclusion. On top of that, they also have to contend with precarious security conditions, economic stagnation and high migration flows.

Switzerland's commitment

Switzerland focuses on three thematic priorities: governance and human rights; sustainable and inclusive economic development; and migration and protection. In Egypt and Tunisia, Switzerland is active in all three of these areas. It provides humanitarian aid in Libya and Algeria, while in Libya, it also works to promote peace. 

Governance and human rights

Switzerland is upscaling its efforts to contribute to participatory, effective, transparent and responsive governance, the rule of law and the promotion and respect of human rights, including the rights of women and migrants. In Tunisia, the new programme aims to consolidate democratic transition processes, particularly as regards decentralisation. In Egypt, Switzerland addresses the principles of good governance and supports civil society, the media and academia.

Good governance

Poverty reduction through conflict and disaster prevention

Inclusive and sustainable economic development

Switzerland focuses its activities on structural economic reforms and improving economic opportunities for young people, women and men. This includes promoting reliable economic framework conditions, innovative private-sector initiatives, access to markets and assets, and the creation of decent income opportunities for women and men. Switzerland engages in sectoral interventions to improve basic infrastructure and urban planning, private sector development providing gainful employment, better public financial management and more transparent public institutions (complementarities between the SDC and SECO).

Migration and protection

North Africa has traditionally been affected by numerous migration flows, whereby people move within their own countries, across the region and onward to Europe, fleeing economic hardship and conflict. Many of these migrants are victims of violence and exploitation. Switzerland is helping to create the necessary framework conditions in the areas of protection, respect for international humanitarian law, social inclusion of migrants, participation of the diaspora in sustainable development, safe economic migration and prevention of irregular migration.

At the regional level, the focus is on protection, basic education and integration of displaced children and young people on two intra-African migration routes, as well as on the economic migration corridor between North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. At the political level, Switzerland aims to strengthen cooperation on migration with North African states. 

Approach and types of partners

Switzerland's activities in North Africa are carried out based on an interdepartmental approach including the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the FDFA State Secretariat, the Peace and Human Rights Division (PHD), the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

Switzerland's main partners in North Africa

  • authorities of the countries concerned at national, regional and municipal level;
  • local and international civil society organisations (Danish Refugee Council, Acted, Euromed Rights, International Foundation for Electoral Systems, International Rescue Committee, Première Urgence Internationale and Save the Children);
  • international organisations: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), World Food Programme (WFP) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP);
  • NGOs, private companies and Swiss centres of expertise: EBP, Helvetas, Swisscontact and Terre des hommes. 

Links

Projects Egypt

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Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) – Emergency Response Plan Sudan Armed Conflict

01.06.2023 - 30.11.2024

Millions of people in Sudan are facing critical shortages of food, water, sanitation, shelter, non-food items, as well as access to basic education, psychosocial support and protection since the outbreak of fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on 15 April 2023. Based on its sectoral and technical areas of expertise, NRC therefore developed a multi-sectoral emergency response plan incl. multi-purpose cash, emergency shelter/ NFI, WASH, education assistance, and protection interventions.


Allocation of SDC Funding (MENA Europe Division) in 2023 to ICRC Operations in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Yemen

01.01.2023 - 31.12.2023

SDC funding to ICRC operations allows the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to respond proactively and to provide immediate protection and assistance for people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. In line with the Good Humanitarian Donorship (GHD) principles, Switzerland recognizes the necessity of predictable and flexible funding to respond to changing needs in humanitarian crises.


Additional allocation to WFP Country Strategic Plans - Sudan, Chad, Egypt

01.01.2023 - 31.12.2023

Against historic levels of food security due to conflicts, climate change and COVID-19, Switzerland supports annually in 28 SDC priority countries operations of the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide humanitarian and development assistance. It funds indistinctively Country Strategic Plans, incorporating all WFP programmes or projects, based on affected population needs and potential synergies with other local partners, especially national governments and civil society. 


Hemayah: Protecting and Empowering Marginalized Communities

01.12.2022 - 30.11.2025

Egypt is a destination country for migrants and forcibly displaced persons facing challenging humanitarian conditions and limited prospects for integration. Switzerland will contribute to the “Hemayah/Protection” project implemented by Terre des Hommes to improve survival, protection, self-reliance, and wellbeing of migrants and forcibly displaced persons from marginalized communities. The project will provide comprehensive services and opportunities for skills development and socioeconomic integration through a sustainable community based approach.


RECS II: Supporting the Resilience of the Egyptian Civil Society

01.07.2022 - 31.12.2026

The need to continue strengthening the resilience of civil society is persistent in view of the measures undertaken by the Egyptian authorities toward civil society actors in recent years, and shrinking funding available for them. Designed as a contribution to Euro-Mediterranean Foundation of Support to Human Rights Defenders (EMHRF), this second phase will continue allowing civil society to survive and fulfil its essential role, eventually benefiting the population at large. This will be achieved through a flexible funding facility, organizational capacity development and alliance and network building.


Potable Water Management Programme (PWMP) in Upper Egypt Phase 2

01.05.2022 - 31.12.2025

Egypt has critical needs in better managing water resources and reducing water losses as well as consumption, especially in Upper Egypt (climate change impact, lack of infrastructure, high poverty level). Switzerland provides innovative solutions for improved potable water management and service provision to the vulnerable population. The mixed approach based on strengthening capacities of the water company, improving the infrastructure for potable water provision and on engaging the communities will serve as model for nationwide replication.


Strengthening the capacities of Community-Based Organisations serving migrants in Egypt

01.12.2021 - 30.11.2024

In Egypt, Community Based Organisations (CBOs) are key actors in responding to migrants and forcibly displaced persons’ basic needs especially amid COVID 19 pandemic. Building on lessons learnt from the first phase, CBOs will be further empowered to become more financially sustainable in order to continue providing quality services and advocate for migrants and forcibly displaced persons’ needs and rights in the donor community and with decision makers. 


Vocational Skills Development in Egypt

01.12.2021 - 30.06.2026

Over 1 million young people enter the Egyptian labor market every year. A well governed Technical Vocation Education and Training (TVET) system is needed to ensure that skills match the demand, young people are integrated in the labor market and earn a decent income. Switzerland will co-finance BMZ’s Technical Support for the Comprehensive Technical Education Initiative (TCTI), and contribute to the qualitative development and expansion of dual Vocational Education and Training (VET) by integrating the private sector requests and using a sectoral approach.


Support the juvenile justice system in Egypt

01.11.2020 - 31.01.2025

A more independent, impartial, and efficient judiciary is a prerequisite for the current protection of citizens. The juvenile justice system is one avenue where there is both a demonstrated need for engagement and government acceptance. Capitalising on OECD framework agreement with Egypt on rule of law, the proposed intervention will lead to enhanced sector specific governance practices and contribute in increasing trust with government stakeholders.


Youth For the Future

01.09.2020 - 30.04.2025

Switzerland promotes socio-economic inclusion of vulnerable youth to enable sustainable development in Egypt. The project “Youth for Future” strengthens protection and provides better livelihood opportunities for youth to facilitate their access to employment and promote social cohesion.  Egypt and Switzerland share a common interest to bring new perspectives to vulnerable young Egyptians, refugees and migrants with special focus on young women and in setting a favorable framework to promote inclusive socio-economic integration.


IGGE : Inclusive Green Growth in Egypt

01.09.2019 - 30.06.2025

The main barriers to the competitiveness of the total 2.5 million micro-small-medium enterprises in Egypt are a lack of affordable funding and a mismatch between the needs of the market and the skills available. With its proven expertise in micro-small-medium enterprises Switzerland supports economic growth and more efficient use of resources in Upper Egypt through the model of green economy such as utilizing agricultural waste to create jobs and strengthen livelihoods of communities.


Sludge Management in Egypt

01.01.2023 - 31.12.2027

By piloting new sludge treatment, disposal and reuse practices the project tackles a crucial yet neglected aspect of the Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) and supports a more comprehensive water resources management.

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Projects Libya

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North Africa Cultural Program (NACP)

01.11.2023 - 31.10.2027

By developing a Regional Cultural Program, Switzerland seeks to facilitate intercultural dialogue and exchange as a foundation for peace and conflict sensitive development in North Africa and to foster artistic expression as a driver of change in support to the challenges of transition. This will promote peaceful coexistence, political stability and social cohesion in the region, hence providing alternatives for the fulfillment of North African youth in their own societies.



Derna Floods: Sending in-kind WASH modules incl. Flugkosten

01.10.2023 - 31.12.2024

Heavy storms and rains have caused deadly floods in Libya on Sep. 10th, 2023. Following the collapse of two major dams, an estimated 11,300 people have died, 10,000 are missing and over 200,000 displaced individuals. The town of Derna, where the dams were located, has been devastated. SDC is providing in-kind relief WASH modules to two INGO partners, namely IMC and Acted. 


UNICEF: Support Vulnerable Children in Libya through Child-Sensitive Social Protection, Education and Protection Services

01.07.2023 - 30.09.2025

The initiative aims to improve the protection and respect of the rights of vulnerable and at risk children and youth and their resilience through fostered 1) access to integrated protection services, comprising education in Eastern Libya, and 2) efforts to strengthen the social protection system for children at national and subnational levels through policy support, capacity strengthening and leveraging public resources and evidence. 


Allocation of SDC Funding (MENA Europe Division) in 2023 to ICRC Operations in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Yemen

01.01.2023 - 31.12.2023

SDC funding to ICRC operations allows the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to respond proactively and to provide immediate protection and assistance for people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. In line with the Good Humanitarian Donorship (GHD) principles, Switzerland recognizes the necessity of predictable and flexible funding to respond to changing needs in humanitarian crises.


North Africa Cultural Programme (NACP), Phase 1

15.12.2018 - 31.03.2023

By developing a Regional Cultural Programme, Switzerland seeks to facilitate intercultural dialogue and exchange as a foundation for peace and conflict sensitive development in North Africa and to foster artistic expression as a driver of change in support to the challenges of transition. This will promote peaceful coexistence, political stability and social cohesion in North Africa, hence providing a contribution to the prevention of violent extremism and alternatives for the fulfillment of North African youth in their own societies.

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Projects Morocco

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North Africa Cultural Program (NACP)

01.11.2023 - 31.10.2027

By developing a Regional Cultural Program, Switzerland seeks to facilitate intercultural dialogue and exchange as a foundation for peace and conflict sensitive development in North Africa and to foster artistic expression as a driver of change in support to the challenges of transition. This will promote peaceful coexistence, political stability and social cohesion in the region, hence providing alternatives for the fulfillment of North African youth in their own societies.


Morocco IFRC Emergency Appeal Earthquake 2023

12.09.2023 - 31.12.2025

An earthquake with a 6.8 magnitude shook Morocco on 8 September. This earthquake was the deadliest in Morocco since 2004. At least 3’000 people were killed, mostly in Marrakech and the provinces in the High Atlas Mountains, while another 5’600 were injured. The SDC will support the victims of the earthquake with a contribution to the IFRC Appeal. 


North Africa Cultural Programme (NACP), Phase 1

15.12.2018 - 31.03.2023

By developing a Regional Cultural Programme, Switzerland seeks to facilitate intercultural dialogue and exchange as a foundation for peace and conflict sensitive development in North Africa and to foster artistic expression as a driver of change in support to the challenges of transition. This will promote peaceful coexistence, political stability and social cohesion in North Africa, hence providing a contribution to the prevention of violent extremism and alternatives for the fulfillment of North African youth in their own societies.


Small Business Impact Fund, Phase II

01.12.2022 - 30.11.2027

The Small Business Impact Fund (SBIF) is a multi-donor initiative of the EBRD to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs). SECO’s contribution to the SBIF aims to strengthen competitiveness and resilience of SMEs in Central Asia, North Africa and South Caucasus by providing business advice, skills development and financing.


Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance, Phase III

01.05.2022 - 30.04.2027

SECO is partnering with the World Bank to implement the Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance (DRFI) Program. The Program supports SECO priority countries in building their financial resilience to natural disasters and other crisis, including pandemics.


Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF) 2022-2027

01.01.2022 - 30.06.2027

The Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility is a World-Bank managed, multi-donor technical assistance facility aimed at creating an enabling environment for private sector investment in infrastructure, with the ultimate aim of improving lives through a better access to quality infrastructure services.


Swiss Import Promotion Program (SIPPO) 2021-2025

01.07.2021 - 30.07.2025

The Swiss Import Promotion Program SIPPO 2021-2025 supports Business Support Organisations (BSO), such as trade-related ministries and agencies, private trade promotion service providers, consultants, trade promotion organisations, and industry organisations thereby facilitating access for exporting companies to the Swiss and international markets.


Sustainable Long-Term Finance Facility

01.01.2021 - 30.06.2026

The Sustainable Long-Term Finance Facility aims to leverage private finance for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and climate change assets through the development of local capital markets. It will be implemented by the World Bank Group.


Sustainable tourism in Morocco

01.09.2019 - 31.03.2025

The first phase of this project in Morocco aims at supporting the provinces of Azilal and Béni Mellal to develop a sustainable rural tourism with integrated sectors in order to reduce poverty, generate income opportunities, create new jobs and improve existing jobs in this region, especially for young people and women.


Global Program for Intellectual Property Rights

01.03.2018 - 31.12.2024

Intellectual Property (IP) regimes are central to promoting innovation and the development of new goods, services and production methods. IP provides the incentive necessary to pursue further research and development, and creative works. Insofar, it is part of a sound foundation for a prosperous private sector and today's world trade system.


Economic Inclusion in MENA Region

01.10.2017 - 31.12.2024

Around specific investments the project seeks to equip workers with the necessary skills to get employed. It fosters the inclusion agenda in Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan and Morocco by targeting specifically youth, gender and people from disadvantaged regions.


Government Debt and Risk Management Program, Phase II

01.08.2017 - 31.12.2023

This World Bank Treasury-implemented program aims to increase the capacity of Debt Management Offices in selected partner countries with regard to policy development and implementation of debt management plans, deepening of domestic debt markets, and putting in place sustainable debt management that adequately takes into account cost and risk.

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Projects Tunisia

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Une vie - Appui au Programme des Volontaires des Nations Unies en Tunisie

29.11.2023 - 31.12.2026

Le projet renforce le volontariat des jeunes tunisiens et leur participation active à la vie publique, suivant une approche inclusive. Il se fixe comme objectif de permettre aux plus exclus d’entre eux de s’ouvrir au monde des Nations Unies, de s’introduire à la vie professionnelle, d’être intégrés dans la sphère du développement et de réaliser leur plein potentiel. Il est mis en œuvre par le Programme des Volontaires des Nations Unies - Maghreb.


North Africa Cultural Program (NACP)

01.11.2023 - 31.10.2027

By developing a Regional Cultural Program, Switzerland seeks to facilitate intercultural dialogue and exchange as a foundation for peace and conflict sensitive development in North Africa and to foster artistic expression as a driver of change in support to the challenges of transition. This will promote peaceful coexistence, political stability and social cohesion in the region, hence providing alternatives for the fulfillment of North African youth in their own societies.


Participation Active des Citoyennes et Citoyens Tunisien(ne)s – PACT II

01.04.2023 - 31.03.2027

L’intervention soutient, dans la région marginalisée des Hautes Steppes, un ensemble de dynamiques de développement communautaires initiées par les autorités décentralisées et déconcentrées et appuyées par une participation active de la communauté pour améliorer les conditions de vie des citoyen.ne.s et réduire les vulnérabilités. La DDC apportera sa valeur ajoutée à travers son expérience en gouvernance locale démocratique et en développement local inclusif.


FEMMEDINA

01.04.2023 - 30.09.2025

Les centres villes anciens (Médinas) ont leurs spécificités aux niveaux architectural, économique, culturel et social. Source de richesse historique, ils sont aussi des lieux de discrimination à l’égard des femmes. Ce projet, mis en oeuvre par Cities Alliance, s’inscrit dans la continuité d’une 1ère phase du projet mené dans la Médina de Tunis. Il cible 4 autres Médinas et vise à renforcer les capacités des communes en matière de planification et de mise en oeuvre des projets des Médinas en intégrant la dimension genre et en adoptant des approches plus participatives.


Allocation of SDC Funding (MENA Europe Division) in 2023 to ICRC Operations in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Yemen

01.01.2023 - 31.12.2023

SDC funding to ICRC operations allows the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to respond proactively and to provide immediate protection and assistance for people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. In line with the Good Humanitarian Donorship (GHD) principles, Switzerland recognizes the necessity of predictable and flexible funding to respond to changing needs in humanitarian crises.


Appui à la Fédération Nationale des Communes Tunisiennes et mise en place du Fonds Municipal de Compétence Générale

01.11.2022 - 30.06.2027

Le projet vise à appuyer le processus de décentralisation en Tunisie en renforçant le rôle de la Fédération Nationale des Communes Tunisiennes (FNCT) en tant qu’acteur de soutien aux communes et de plaidoyer politique pour la décentralisation. Dans le cadre de ce projet, la FNCT va appuyer techniquement et financièrement 17 communes pilotes dans la mise en œuvre de leurs plans de développement locaux. Il s’agit d’une contribution à un projet financé par l’Union Européenne. 


Appui à l’opérationnalisation de la stratégie nationale de lutte contre les violences faites aux femmes en Tunisie

30.06.2022 - 30.06.2025

Le projet propose d’appuyer le ministère de la Femme tunisien (MF) dans l’opérationnalisation de la « stratégie nationale de lutte contre les violences à l’encontre des femmes (SLVF) » par la mise en place d’une coordination institutionnalisée entre acteurs publics et la société civile et l’amélioration du mécanisme d’orientation et prise en charge des victimes. Des activités de réflexions, de concertation, de renforcement de capacités, d’étude, de communication, de benchmark, de plaidoyer et de sensibilisation seront mises en oeuvre par Euromed Rights.


BIOREST - Appui au développement d’une agriculture biologique durable et résiliente dans un contexte de changement climatique en Tunisie

01.11.2021 - 31.10.2025

A travers cette l’intervention, la Suisse consolide les efforts du gouvernement tunisien pour la résilience au changement climatique en accompagnant le développement des systèmes d’agriculture biologiques appliquant les principes de l’agriculture intelligente face au climat. L’appui portera sur les axes de la production végétale et animale, l’encadrement des acteurs et le système de contrôle de l’agriculture biologique. L’approche territoriale adoptée consolide la résilience alimentaire et environnementale des régions ciblées et de la Tunisie.


IPDLI - Initiative Pilote de Développement Local Intégré

01.11.2021 - 31.10.2025

Mise en œuvre par l’Organisation Internationale du Travail (OIT), l’intervention contribue à l’amélioration la qualité de vie des populations de 14 communes des régions défavorisées à travers un accompagnement au processus de décentralisation dans son axe transfert des compétences du pouvoir central vers le pouvoir local. Les communes seront appuyées dans leurs rôles d’acteur développement et de fournisseur de services de base dans les secteurs de la santé et de l’éducation.


RESPECT - Redevabilité, sécurité et prévention de l’extrémisme violent pour les citoyennes et citoyens tunisiens

01.10.2021 - 31.08.2025

L’intervention vise à renforcer la capacité de la Commission Nationale de la Lutte contre le Terrorisme (CNLCT) dans la prévention de l’extrémisme violent (PEV) en améliorant la coordination entre les acteurs clés des secteurs de la sécurité et de la justice. L’approche choisie est holistique combinant des activités qui ont pour objectifs de renforcer la cohésion sociale en ciblant les groupes à risque. Un autre aspect de l’intervention consiste à soutenir la réforme du secteur de la sécurité afin que celui-ci soit conforme avec les standards internationaux régissant les droits humains.


Organisation Mondiale contre la Torture (OMCT)

01.01.2021 - 31.12.2025

L’intervention a pour objectifs de renforcer la responsabilisation des acteurs publics pour les violations des droits humains et de contribuer à la réforme de l’environnement institutionnel pour prévenir la torture et réduire l’impunité en Tunisie. Elle offre une assistance directe aux victimes et promeut une meilleure conduite professionnelle des forces sécuritaires et carcérales. L’OMCT travaille aussi en lien étroit avec la société civile pour mener des plaidoyers communs contre la torture et l’impunité des responsables.


PSPET - Programme de soutien au processus électoral en Tunisie

01.11.2020 - 31.12.2024

L’intervention contribue au renforcement de la bonne gouvernance des autorités électorales et à leur résilience pendant les périodes de crise. Elle veille également à assurer l’inclusion des différentes couches de la société dans la participation électorale et politique, à travers des approches innovantes et durables, ainsi que par la diffusion auprès des citoyen.ne.s tunisien.ne.s d’une information électorale fiable et sensible au genre. Le programme sera mis en œuvre par le PNUD et l’IFES.

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