Egypt Steps Up Efforts to Improve Accessibility for People with Disabilities

The Egyptian government has taken significant steps to improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. Dr. Maya Morsi, Minister of Social Solidarity, recently attended the launch of the third annual conference on accessibility and inclusion organized by Vodafone Egypt. The conference, themed "Every Connection Starts with Accessibility," brought together stakeholders from Vodafone Egypt, the Parliament, and international experts. Dr. Morsi emphasized that digital accessibility is crucial for ensuring the full participation of people with disabilities in economic, social, and cultural life.

Dr. Morsi highlighted that over 260 electronic services are now central to daily administrative transactions, including public services, banking, education, and employment. She stressed that accessibility goes beyond physical and architectural barriers, and is a fundamental right related to human dignity, autonomy, and equal opportunities. The minister called for integrating the needs of people with disabilities in the design of buildings, services, applications, and digital platforms. Egypt has made progress in this area, including the adoption of Law No. 10 of 2018 on the rights of people with disabilities and the creation of the "Qaderoun Bekhtelaf" Fund to support their empowerment and inclusion.

The Egyptian government has implemented several initiatives to improve accessibility. Over 1.6 million integrated service cards have been issued to people with disabilities, and around 1.3 million people have benefited from rehabilitation and care services through 596 institutions. The authorities have also provided 56,946 prosthetics and technical aids at a total cost of nearly 1.803 billion Egyptian pounds. Additionally, public transportation has been made more accessible, with modifications to 15 railway stations and 35 metro stations on the first and second lines.

The government has also partnered with private organizations to promote accessibility. The "Qaderoun Bekhtelaf" Fund, the Sawiris Foundation, and the El-Gouna Film Festival have collaborated to improve accessibility at the festival. The partnership included the installation of ramps and adapted passages, provision of sign language services, and improved access to information, digital platforms, and certain film screenings. This cooperation aims to promote inclusion and equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

Dr. Morsi announced the approval of the National Strategy for the Empowerment of People with Disabilities 2026-2030, under the slogan "An Inclusive and Empowering Society." The strategy aims to promote the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. The minister presented several indicators of the state's efforts, including the number of services and initiatives implemented to support people with disabilities.

The conference organized by Vodafone Egypt provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss accessibility and inclusion. The event brought together experts and officials to share experiences and best practices in promoting accessibility. The theme "Every Connection Starts with Accessibility" highlights the importance of digital accessibility in ensuring equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

The Egyptian government's efforts to improve accessibility for people with disabilities reflect its commitment to promoting inclusion and equal opportunities. The initiatives launched by the government and private organizations aim to address the needs of people with disabilities and promote their empowerment and inclusion. Key initiatives include the "Qaderoun Bekhtelaf" Fund, the National Strategy for the Empowerment of People with Disabilities 2026-2030, and the cooperation between the government and private organizations.

Key points

• The Egyptian government has launched several initiatives to improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities, including the adoption of Law No. 10 of 2018 on the rights of people with disabilities.