About NGO-JICA Japan Desk

While the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provides development assistance primarily on a government‑to‑government basis, JICA also works closely with Non‑Governmental Organizations (NGOs) through various forms of collaboration. JICA recognizes the vital role that NGOs play in nation‑building, human development, and international cooperation, particularly through their strong presence at the community level.

In Egypt, NGOs with diverse mandates and areas of expertise are actively engaged in a wide range of development activities, contributing to social development, community empowerment, and inclusive growth. Acknowledging these contributions, JICA promotes strengthened cooperation with Japanese and Egyptian NGOs, with particular emphasis on the implementation of grassroots ‑ level projects that respond directly to local needs.

In addition to project‑based collaboration, JICA supports partnerships with NGOs through initiatives such as the dispatch of Japanese Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV), which facilitate people‑to‑people exchange, technical support, and capacity development within local communities.

Within this framework, the JICA Egypt Office established the NGO–JICA Japan Desk in October 2021. The Desk serves as a focal point for civil society engagement, with the primary objective of promoting the participation of Japanese organizations, NGOs, and individuals in international cooperation activities in Egypt, while fostering effective collaboration with Egyptian NGO partners.

1. Support activities of Japanese NGOs, universities, local government, etc. in Egypt.

• Provide consultation, guidance, and relevant information to Japanese NGOs.
• Support coordination with concerned Egyptian ministries and authorities.
• Plan and implement necessary training for Japanese NGOs operating in Egypt, if needed.
• Offer comprehensive advisory support through the NGO–JICA Japan Desk Guidebook (available soon) , including essential information on Egypt’s development landscape, regulations, and partnership opportunities.

2. Promote Cooperation Projects between JICA and NGOs

• Support the formulation and implementation of Technical Cooperation for Grassroots Projects between the Japanese NGOs, universities, local governments, private corporations, etc. and their local partners in Egypt.

3. Promote Exchange between Japanese Groups or Individuals and the Egyptians

• Organize information sharing seminars, workshops and networking events to promote collaboration and partnership between Japanese and Egyptian NGOs.
• Host study-visits for Japanese and share more information about JICA activities and its projects in Egypt in various sectors.
• Recommend Egyptian NGOs in various sectors as a respond to the Japanese NGOs inquiries and field of interest.

JICA promotes meaningful grassroots cooperation initiatives that directly address the needs of local communities in developing countries. These programs are designed to reach populations and challenges that may not be effectively served through conventional bilateral government assistance. Particular emphasis is placed on projects that contribute to improving healthcare, education, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability, fostering inclusive and community-driven development with tangible benefits for ordinary people.

Contacts:
NGO-JICA Japan Desk Advisor: Ms. Mayada Badawy
Language: English, Arabic, Japanese
Office Email Address: eg_oso_rep@jica.go.jp
Office Number: (20) 2-25748240/41/42