The political upheavals in 2011 initiated a long and uncertain transition in North Africa. Switzerland's efforts focus on supporting the political, economic and social transition in these countries. The projects there are geared towards promoting democracy and human rights, sustainable and inclusive economic development and employment and issues to do with migration and protection.
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 |
 |
River |
 |
Lake |
The political upheavals in 2011 initiated a long and uncertain transition in North Africa. Switzerland's efforts focus on supporting the political, economic and social transition in these countries. The projects there are geared towards promoting democracy and human rights, sustainable and inclusive economic development and employment and issues to do with migration and protection.
Swiss Bilateral ODA |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 * |
|---|---|---|---|
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) |
|||
Bilateral development cooperation |
13.56 |
15.69 |
22.00 |
Humanitarian aid |
10.36 |
11.15 |
10.42 |
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) |
|||
Economic Cooperation and Development |
14.53 |
23.47 |
31.17 |
Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD) |
|||
Conflict transformation and human rights |
4.78 |
3.17 |
3.66 |
Total SDC/SECO/PHRD |
43.23 |
53.48 |
67.25 |
Other Federal Offices |
|||
Other FDFA Divisions (ASAF, AIO, aso) |
– |
0.06 |
.. |
Network of FDFA representations abroad |
3.74 |
3.78 |
.. |
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) |
2.27 |
1.45 |
.. |
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) |
0.58 |
0.42 |
.. |
Total other Federal Offices |
6.59 |
5.71 |
– |
Cantons and municipalities |
0.42 |
.. |
.. |
Total |
50.24 |
59.19 |
67.25 |
* planned; total based on available data
.. = figures not available | – = nil or amount < 5'000 CHF
Democratic transition and human rights
Switzerland helps to strengthen the rule of law, human rights, political dialogue and civil society. In Tunisia, Switzerland supported the electoral processes since 2011 and provided experts on constitutional issues. Switzerland also helps Tunisia and Egypt to deal with the legacy of the past and supports their public institutions’ efforts to become more transparent.
Engagement in fragile contexts and prevention of violent conflicts
Sustainable and inclusive economic development and employment
Switzerland helps to improve economic prospects by running innovative and pragmatic projects, with a view to boosting international competitiveness and economic conditions. It also shares its experience in vocational education and training, supports young entrepreneurs and creates jobs. Another Swiss priority is promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.
Migration and protection
North Africa has a tradition of strong migratory flows within its different countries and the region and of being a point of departure for Europe for people leaving their homelands for economic or conflict reasons. Many of them fall victim to violence, racism and exploitation, particularly women and children. Switzerland works with local authorities, the diaspora abroad and international and bilateral organisations, protecting and assisting vulnerable migrants, refugees and victims of human trafficking and promoting their rights
History of cooperation
Since 2011, Switzerland’s activities in North Africa have been implemented by various Federal Administration offices: the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Human Security Division (HSD), the FDFA’s Directorate of Political Affairs, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). Switzerland focuses on three thematic priorities in the region: democratic transition and human rights, sustainable and inclusive economic development and employment, and migration and protection. In Egypt and Tunisia, Switzerland is active in all three of these areas, while in Morocco it carries out a more limited programme. Switzerland provides humanitarian aid in Libya and Algeria, and is also active in peacebuilding in Libya.
Links
Swiss Cooperation Office in Egypt
Embassy of Switzerland in Algeria
Embassy of Switzerland in Libya
Swiss Cooperation Office in Morocco (fr)
Swiss Cooperation Office in Tunisia (fr)
Engagement in fragile contexts and prevention of violent conflicts
Basic education and vocational training
Private Sector Development and financial services
Dossier: Arab Forum on Asset Recovery
Bilateral relations Switzerland-Egypt
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Algeria
Bilateral relations Switzerland-Libya
Bilateral relations Switzerland-Morocco
Documents
Projects Egypt
Selection
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.
Support the juvenile justice system in Egypt
01.11.2020
- 31.10.2023
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.
Supporting Media Organisations in Egypt
01.09.2020
- 31.12.2024
Independent media and media freedom are key for democracy and good governance. Despite the current limitations in Egypt, some media outlets and journalists continue to produce factual news and information displaying diversity of views. This programme supports independent media actors to pursue their key role in providing reliable information to increase awareness and contribute to informed opinions of citizens. Switzerland is well positioned to contribute to the support of independent media actors in Egypt.
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.
Appui à la résilience de l’élevage pastoral en Afrique de l’Ouest
01.10.2018
- 30.04.2022
L’Afrique de l’Ouest connait une crise alimentaire qui touche environ 10 millions de personnes dont beaucoup d’éleveurs. Les plans de réponse des Etats et des institutions régionales ne mettent pas assez l’accent sur les éleveurs. Ce programme fournira une aide d’urgence à 174’240 éleveurs vulnérables de la région et améliorera les outils de distribution de l’aide dans les mécanismes régionaux et nationaux de gestion de crises alimentaire. Il réduira les conflits, en limitant les transhumances précoces.
Caritas: Strengthening protection of vulnerable refugees
10.07.2017
- 31.01.2022
Potable Water Management Programme (PWMP) in Upper Egypt – Phase 1
01.07.2017
- 31.05.2022
Egypt is a water scarce country and has critical needs in better managing water resources and reducing water losses as well as water consumption. Switzerland can share its know-how in the water sector. This programme contributes to equitable access to safely managed water to deprived and informal settlement areas in the economically disadvantaged governorate of Aswan in Upper Egypt and to improved potable water management and service provision in Aswan Water & Sanitation Company (AWSC).
Global Water Security and Sanitation Partnership (GWSP) - Phase II
01.11.2019
- 30.06.2023
The GWSP is a leading global "think tank" of the World Bank to address the water and sanitation challenge in an integrated manner, as set out in the Sustainable Development Goals. GWSP advances innovative global knowledge production and exchange as well as builds capacity through country-level support across regions.
AfDB Boost Africa Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab
15.06.2019
- 31.03.2024
The Innovation & Entrepreneurship Lab ("the Lab") by the African Development Bank (AfDB) is part of the Boost Africa initiative that aims at creating quality jobs and enhancing innovation on the African continent by supporting start-ups. The Lab strengthens the local entrepreneurial ecosystems necessary for start-ups to grow and become successful.
Projects Libya
Selection
Object 1 – 3 of 3
- 1
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
- 14.03.2022
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.
North Africa Cultural Programme
01.07.2017
- 30.06.2025
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.
Object 1 – 3 of 3
- 1
Projects Morocco
Selection
Object 1 – 6 of 6
- 1
North Africa Cultural Programme (NACP), Phase 1
15.12.2018
- 14.03.2022
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.
North Africa Cultural Programme
01.07.2017
- 30.06.2025
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.
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.
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.
IFC 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.
Multi-Country Investment Climate Program
01.01.2017
- 31.12.2024
The Multi-Country Investment Climate Program (MCICP) supports investment climate reform advisory in a total of 20 SECO partner countries. It is implemented by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a globally recognized leader in this field.
Object 1 – 6 of 6
- 1
Projects Tunisia
Selection
Participation active des citoyennes et citoyens tunisiens – PACT
01.01.2026
- 31.12.2028
La Suisse veut contribuer à la transition démocratique de la Tunisie suite à la révolution de 2011. Cette transition passe par une participation accrue des citoyens, en particulier des jeunes, dans la gestion des affaires publiques à travers la mise en place de mécanismes de participation inclusive. La Suisse entend promouvoir des initiatives citoyennes faisant la promotion d’une culture de redevabilité des acteurs politiques auprès des communautés tout en formant les nouveaux élus locaux dans le cadre de la décentralisation.
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.
TAKWEEN - Formation professionnelle en Tunisie
01.10.2020
- 31.10.2026
La Suisse se distingue depuis 2013 par l'impulsion des modèles innovants de formation à dominance pratique, assurant un taux d‘insertion professionnelle à hauteur de 70%. L’intervention marque la volonté de la Suisse à poursuivre son effort en faveur de la modernisation de la FP en Tunisie, par une implication accrue du secteur privé et par le positionnement de la formation professionnelle post-diplôme comme un élément attractif du système de formation institutionnalisé qui vient cibler une plus large palette de bénéficiaires.
COVID19-Prévention et réponse face à l’impact environnemental et épidémiologique
01.07.2020
- 30.06.2022
Ce projet soutient les efforts de la Tunisie en réponse à la crise COVID19 et renforce ses capacités de gestion des risques avec une approche plus intégrée et décentralisée. Il adresse essentiellement les risques liés à la gestion de déchets dangereux solides et liquides sanitaires ainsi que les eaux usées. Le partenaire de mise en œuvre est le PNUD, en collaboration avec les Ministères de la santé et des Affaires locales.
Moussanada Mahaleya
01.02.2020
- 30.06.2025
La décentralisation est un processus clé de la démocratisation de la Tunisie inscrit dans la nouvelle constitution de 2014. Après la communalisation, l’Etat Tunisien engage la réforme de la régionalisation, avec l’objectif d’une mise en place des nouveaux conseils régionaux en 2023. Pour lever ce défi la Suisse appuie l’Etat Tunisien pour poursuivre cette réforme avec une approche holistique et participative, à travers une contribution au fonds fiduciaire TERI géré par la Banque Mondiale.
ELECT – Elections libres et crédibles en Tunisie
15.08.2019
- 30.06.2021
The project supports the orderly conduct of the 2019 Electoral process in Tunisia (legislative and presidential elections). It aims at ensuring International and African observation missions and enabling local NGOs to co-lead the process. This short term project completes and facilitates Switzerland’s support to democratic processes in the field of accountability and citizen participation since 2011.
Participation active des citoyennes et citoyens tunisiens — PACT
01.04.2019
- 31.12.2022
L'intervention améliore les conditions de vie des citoyennes et citoyens tunisiens, notamment des jeunes et des femmes, ainsi que qualité des services publics fournis par le biais d'une participation accrue dans la prise des décisions communales et la création d’un cadre favorable et durable de gouvernance démocratique locale. La valeur ajoutée Suisse réside dans les méthodes et les forums communautaires avec pouvoir de décision sur des projets. Le projet cible la région marginalisée des Hautes Steppes.
North Africa Cultural Programme (NACP), Phase 1
15.12.2018
- 14.03.2022
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.
