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.
North Africa (Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria)
 |
Embassy |
|---|---|
 |
Mission / Delegation / Permanent Representation |
 |
Consulate general |
 |
Honorary representation |
 |
Cooperation office |
 |
Contribution Office |
 |
Embassy with Cooperation Office |
 |
Embassy with Regional consular center |
 |
Swiss Business Hub |
 |
Swissnex |
 |
City |
 |
Capital |
 |
Disputed border |
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River |
 |
Lake |
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.
Swiss Bilateral ODA |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 * |
|---|---|---|---|
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) |
|
|
|
Bilateral development cooperation |
16.81 |
20.62 |
30.55 |
Humanitarian aid |
11.38 |
10.71 |
11.12 |
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) |
|
|
|
Economic Cooperation and Development |
23.47 |
21.75 |
23.24 |
Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD) |
|
|
|
Conflict transformation and human rights |
3.17 |
3.86 |
3.73 |
Total SDC/SECO/PHRD |
54.83 |
56.94 |
68.64 |
Other Federal Offices |
|
|
|
Other FDFA Divisions (ASAF, AIO, aso) |
0.06 |
0.42 |
.. |
Network of FDFA representations abroad |
3.78 |
3.00 |
.. |
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) |
1.46 |
0.57 |
.. |
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) |
0.42 |
0.32 |
.. |
MeteoSwiss |
- |
- |
- |
Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) |
- |
0.11 |
- |
Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) |
- |
- |
.. |
Federal Statistical Office (FSO) |
- |
- |
- |
Total other Federal Offices |
5.72 |
4.42 |
- |
Cantons and municipalities |
0.20 |
.. |
.. |
Total |
60.75 |
61.36 |
68.64 |
* planned; total based on available data
.. = figures not available | – = nil or amount < 5'000 CHF
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.
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
Swiss Cooperation Office in Egypt
Embassy of Switzerland in Algeria
Embassy of Switzerland in Libya
Swiss Cooperation Office in Tunisia
Poverty reduction through conflict and disaster prevention
Basic education and vocational training
Private Sector Development and financial services
Bilateral relations Switzerland-Egypt
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Algeria
Bilateral relations Switzerland-Libya
Bilateral relations Switzerland-Morocco
Documents
Projects Egypt
Selection
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
- 31.12.2024
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.
Facing COVID-19 together
25.08.2020
- 25.09.2021
Switzerland provides support to address health and socio-economic vulnerabilities of migrant and Egyptian children and their families, who are hit by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The implementing partner organisation “Save the children” is well positioned to help mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, trough better access to primary health care, psycho-social support and multipurpose cash assistance.
PSTIC: Provision of protection and humanitarian assistance to vulnerable migrants in Greater Cairo
21.08.2020
- 31.12.2021
The increase in migrants and refugees residing in Egypt, coupled with shrinking humanitarian funding are leaving many at protection risk. With new challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the protection risks have risen and needs are exacerbated. This project will respond to the immediate protection needs of refugees and migrants by providing a comprehensive package of gender sensitive emergency protection services in Greater Cairo, with a special focus on women and children at risk.
Enhance employability of migrants in Urban Cairo
01.07.2019
- 30.06.2023
Food-processing and the food service sector is ranked as Egypt’s second largest manufacturing industry This project supports the employability of vulnerable Egyptians and migrants, especially women, in the food sector.
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.
City Resilience Program, Phase II
01.12.2022
- 31.12.2027
The City Resilience Program scales up the resilience of cities against adverse impacts of disasters and climate change. It does so by supporting risk-informed und multisector planning efforts, identify suitable interventions and investments that enhance the resilience of cities, and supports their bankability and access multiple financing sources.
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.
Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF) Phase II
01.11.2022
- 31.12.2026
The UMDF is a key instrument of the African Development Bank (AfDB) to support integrated urban development in African countries. It has introduced a Cities Program and established itself in the fields of urban infrastructure project preparation, municipal finance and capacity building. Phase II is expected to scale-up UMDF operations to 35 cities.
Projects Libya
Selection
Object 1 – 3 of 3
- 1
North Africa Cultural Programme
01.08.2023
- 31.07.2027
Le programme fournit un cadre pour un appui à la Culture comme vecteur d’échanges et de dialogue entre les personnes et les sociétés civiles en Afrique du Nord. Il contribue aux processus de transition politique, à la création d’opportunités de développement économique et à une vision positive de la migration. Il renforce la capacité des peuples d’Afrique du Nord à mettre en valeur leur patrimoine et aux jeunes de la région à exprimer pacifiquement leurs aspiration et leur inventivité.
ACTED: Strengthening humanitarian coordination and access to safe and dignified protection in Libya
01.02.2019
- 31.01.2020
Through the current intervention, ACTED will adopt a twofold approach aiming to contribute to strengthen the response to protection cases in Libya through enhanced coordination and provision of cash assistance. On the one hand, ACTED will strengthen response capacities through the distribution of one-off cash grants based on ongoing protection monitoring activities. On the other hand, the project will support the voices of INGOs in the humanitarian coordination structure, by developing the activities of the INGO Forum.
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.
Object 1 – 3 of 3
- 1
Projects Morocco
Selection
North Africa Cultural Programme
01.08.2023
- 31.07.2027
Le programme fournit un cadre pour un appui à la Culture comme vecteur d’échanges et de dialogue entre les personnes et les sociétés civiles en Afrique du Nord. Il contribue aux processus de transition politique, à la création d’opportunités de développement économique et à une vision positive de la migration. Il renforce la capacité des peuples d’Afrique du Nord à mettre en valeur leur patrimoine et aux jeunes de la région à exprimer pacifiquement leurs aspiration et leur inventivité.
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.
Projet Oriental Protection Migrants Maroc
01.01.2017
- 31.03.2018
Morocco is a country of transit and destination for migrants and refugees, 20’000 of which live on the margins of society, despite the 2014 adopted first ever migration strategy, promising the respect of human rights and access to public services. The “Projet Oriental” facilitates access to health care and provides humanitarian support to 5’600 vulnerable migrants per year and coaches public and civil society service providers to care for the specific needs of the migrants.
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.
Sustainable Cities Platform
01.12.2018
- 30.11.2023
The availability and quality of urban infrastructure and related services constitute an essential basis for enhancing competitiveness, reducing poverty and environmental and climate change impacts.
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.
MENA Financial Inclusion: Women Banking Champions Program
16.10.2017
- 30.09.2023
The Women Banking Champions Program aims at increasing access to financial services for women and women entrepreneurs in the Middle East and North Africa region through the provision of advisory services to financial institutions (banks and microfinance institutions). It is a contribution to SECO/WE's inclusive and sustainable growth mandate.
Projects Tunisia
Selection
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.
TRUST - Transition redevable pour la société tunisienne
01.09.2017
- 30.11.2023
La Suisse veut mettre en valeur son expérience pour l’amélioration de la gouvernance des services publics tunisiens par le renforcement de la redevabilité. Elle agit principalement sur les instances publiques indépendantes (IPI) formellement en charge du système de redevabilité. Les IPI sont formées et mieux organisées pour augmenter la confiance entre citoyens et les institutions par des instruments de contrôle démocratique et le dialogue avec les trois pouvoirs et la société civile.
MdM-B : Projet d’amélioration de l’accès aux soins de santé pour les populations migrantes dans le Grand Tunis
09.04.2017
- 08.04.2020
Programme Eau Kasserine - PEK
01.07.2011
- 30.06.2024
City Resilience Program, Phase II
01.12.2022
- 31.12.2027
The City Resilience Program scales up the resilience of cities against adverse impacts of disasters and climate change. It does so by supporting risk-informed und multisector planning efforts, identify suitable interventions and investments that enhance the resilience of cities, and supports their bankability and access multiple financing sources.
Tunisia Economic Resilience and Inclusion Umbrella Trust Fund (TERI)
01.12.2022
- 31.12.2027
This Program will support high-priority economic and disaster risk management (DRM) reforms in Tunisia in a critical time for the country. Support is provided through the TERI Trust Fund, which has an 8 year track-record of fruitful collaboration between SECO, the World Bank, and the Government of Tunisia.
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.
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.
Integrated Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Programme
01.06.2021
- 30.06.2028
The Programme promotes sustainable private sector investment and helps to reduce negative externalities in selected countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America by improving environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices of both the financial and real sectors. It is implemented by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises SCORE, Phase IV
01.01.2021
- 31.12.2024
Achieving sustainable improvements in working conditions and productivity in SMEs in national and global supply chains: Embedding the proven SCORE methodology with national implementation partners in a few remaining countries will guarantee long-term contributions to decent work and higher productivity in line with the SDGs.
Sustainable Infrastructure Sector Reform and Capacity Development Program
01.09.2020
- 31.12.2024
The Sustainable Infrastructure Sector Reform and Capacity Development Program aims to improve the framework conditions for sustainable infrastructure development with targeted policy dialogue and capacity building measures. The program is focused on the Europe and Central Asian as well as the Middle Eastern and Northern African regions.
