Since the political upheavals in 2011, Switzerland has focused its commitment on supporting the economic and social transitions in Tunisia and Egypt. Swiss projects are geared towards promoting democracy and human rights, sustainable and inclusive economic development and employment, as well as issues to do with migration and protection.
North Africa (Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria)
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Embassy |
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Mission / Delegation / Permanent Representation |
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Consulate general |
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Honorary representation |
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Cooperation office |
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Contribution Office |
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Embassy with Cooperation Office |
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Embassy with Regional consular center |
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Swiss Business Hub |
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Swissnex |
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City |
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Capital |
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Disputed border |
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River |
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Lake |
The North Africa region comprises several countries with very different profiles, but whose geopolitical significance and proximity to Europe makes them all important partners for Switzerland. All these countries are struggling with the same challenges: high unemployment, especially among young people; widespread corruption; regional disparities; political, economic and social exclusion; a fragile security situation; a stagnating economy and strong migratory flows.
Swiss Bilateral ODA |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 * mill. CHF |
|---|---|---|---|
SDC |
|||
Bilateral development cooperation |
15.16 |
11.04 |
10.20 |
Humanitarian aid |
11.78 |
10.82 |
9.03 |
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) |
|||
Economic Cooperation and Development |
14.96 |
13.53 |
20.29 |
Total SDC/SECO |
41.90 |
35.39 |
39.52 |
Other Federal Offices |
|||
FDFA Human Security Division |
6.43 |
5.22 |
4.29 |
Network of FDFA representations abroad |
– | 2.89 | .. |
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) |
1.17 | 1.09 | 0.10 |
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) |
0.53 | 0.60 | .. |
Total other Federal Offices |
8.13 |
9.80 |
4.39 |
Cantons and municipalities |
0.18 |
0.25 |
.. |
Total |
50.21 |
45.44 |
43.91 |
* planned; total based on available data
SDC figures excluding program contributions to Swiss NGOs
.. = 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 in 2011 and 2014 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 and promotes the sustainable use of natural resources. For example, since 2012 the SDC has supported the modernisation of the water and waste water sector by running a project in Aswan, one of Egypt's disadvantaged provinces (or ‘governorates’). The project is aimed at the 100,000 inhabitants of the El-Nassereya quarter, where a new reservoir capable of holding 2,000 m3 of water has been built.
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 and exploitation. Switzerland works with local authorities, their diaspora abroad and international and bilateral organisations, protecting and assisting vulnerable migrants and victims of human trafficking and promoting their rights. Through the Tunisian Red Crescent, Switzerland provides emergency aid for refugees rescued at sea and migrants in transit camps.
History of cooperation
Since 2011, Switzerland’s commitment in North Africa is 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). In its 2017–20 international cooperation strategy Switzerland focuses its commitment on 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 is conducting a more limited programme. In Libya and Algeria, it is providing humanitarian aid, and is also active in peacebuilding in Libya.
Links
Swiss Cooperation Office in Egypt
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-Libya
Bilateral relations Switzerland-Morocco
Documents
Projects Egypt
Selection
Forging a common «Nile culture» through music and academic training
01.05.2015
- 31.10.2019
To make the Nile Basin a common ground and shared ecosystem for the inhabitants of the eleven countries through which the Nile River flows, the SDC supports the innovative musical and educational Nile Project. The project brings together artists, students and concerned citizens. A series of acclaimed concerts has taken place since 2013; at the same time, students are developing initiatives to foster a better use of water resources.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Egypt |
Economy and Employment Education Migration Rule of Law - Democracy - Human rights Education Environment Rule of Law - Democracy - Human rights Economy and Employment
Culture
Disaster Risk Reduction – Preparedness
Education policy
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) development
Environment protection
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) development
Vocational training and skills development
Access to information incl. support to media and ICT
Mitigation of the effects of climate change
Culture
Human rights (incl. Women's rights)
Migration generally (development aspects and partnerships)
Protection and access
EDUCATION GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY OTHER SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES COMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY HUMANITARIAN AID EDUCATION GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY BUSINESS & OTHER SERVICES INDUSTRY GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY OTHER SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES COMMUNICATIONS GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION HUMANITARIAN AID
Education policy and administrative management
Women's equality organisations and institutions
Culture and recreation
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) development
Disaster prevention and preparedness
Vocational training
Business support services and institutions
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) development
Environmental policy and administrative management
Human rights
Women's equality organisations and institutions
Culture and recreation
Information and communication technology (ICT)
Biosphere protection
Material relief assistance and services
|
01.05.2015 - 31.10.2019 |
CHF 750'000 |
Planned project
Inclusive Green Growth in Egypt
01.09.2022
- 31.08.2025
Egypt is facing economic challenges among which high poverty and high unemployment rates impact the most marginalized to a greater degree. This new program contributes to an innovative and inclusive development approach to promote the green economy[1] through utilizing agricultural waste and other untapped profitable green resources to make use and leverage local resources to strengthen the livelihoods of vulnerable communities in Upper Egypt and create jobs. [1] For more information regarding green economy, please see Annex 2: Green Economy and growth: challenges and opportunities
Planned project
Strengthening the capacities of Community Based Organizations (CBOs) serving migrants in Egypt
01.01.2022
- 31.12.2024
In Egypt, Community Based Organizations (CBOs) are the key actors in responding to migrant’s basic needs. The aim of this program is to strengthen the CBOs through organizational capacity development and network building. This will lead to sustainable services for migrants and empower the CBOs to advocate for migrant’s needs in the donor community and with decision makers.
Appui à la résilience de l’élevage pastoral en Afrique de l’Ouest
01.10.2018
- 30.09.2021
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.
MDM France: Provision of quality mental health and psychosocial support to refugees, migrants and host communities in Greater Cairo
01.09.2017
- 31.07.2020
Caritas: Strengthening protection of vulnerable refugees
10.07.2017
- 05.07.2020
Potable Water Management Programme (PWMP) in Upper Egypt
01.07.2017
- 31.12.2027
Egypt is a water scarce country and has enormous needs in better managing water resources and reducing water losses as well as water consumption, as a prerequisite for inclusive economic development. This programme contributes to improved potable water management and service provision in the targeted affiliated Water & Wastewater Companies (WWCs) and to providing equal access to a reliable potable water supply system to deprived and informal areas in the economically disadvantaged governorates of Upper Egypt.
Potable Water Management Programme (PWMP) in Upper Egypt – Phase 1
01.07.2017
- 31.12.2021
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).
CDS: Refugees to Refugees (R2R): Towards More Self-Reliance and Resilience for Refugee Communities in Egypt
01.11.2016
- 28.02.2019
StARS Organizational Development and Legal Support Initiative
01.09.2016
- 31.08.2019
St.Andrew’s Refugee Services (StARS) provides educational, legal, psychosocial services to a total of 19,000 refugees and migrants. With the shrinking number of refugee service providers and the increasing numbers of transit refugees and migrants, StARS expanded its services in 2015, to cover legal support and meet the growing gap of needs. This project aims to improve protection services for the most vulnerable refugees and migrants by developing StARS’ organizational capacity and strengthen internal mechanisms.
“Sustainable Transformation of Egypt’s Aquaculture Market System” - STREAMS
01.12.2015
- 28.02.2019
Inclusive and sustainable local economic development in Upper Egypt (SOHAG) – Phase 2 (HAYAT)
15.11.2012
- 30.09.2019
Projects Libya
Selection
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Projects Morocco
Selection
Object 1 – 11 of 11
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ASAP-M : Appui Suisse aux Associations Professionnelles au Maroc
01.12.2017
- 30.11.2019
Le projet ASAP-M phase 2 accompagne cinq Associations Professionnelles au Maroc, pour l’amélioration de leurs prestations envers les membres afin d’augmenter la performance des Micro, Petites et Moyennes Entreprises en termes de compétitivité, revenu et emploi. L’intervention se concentre sur les deux régions les plus pauvres au Maroc - Beni Mellal Khénifra et Drâa Tafilalet - dans le but d’accompagner la mise en œuvre de la régionalisation avancée.
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.
Caritas Maroc : Promouvoir l’exercice des droits humains des migrants au Maroc
01.04.2016
- 31.03.2019
Morocco is a country of transit and destination for migrants and refugees, 20’000 of which live on the margins of society, despite Morocco in 2014 adopting a first ever migration strategy, promising the respect of human rights and access to public services. Caritas enables 3’000 vulnerable migrants per year - mainly women and children - to translate access rights into access reality, and coaches public and civil society service providers to care for the specific needs of the new clients.
Swiss Capacitiy-Building Facility (SCBF): North Africa Contribution
10.12.2015
- 31.12.2019
Formal financial inclusion is critical for pro-poor economic growth and remains low in North Africa. The intervention aims to increase well-being and livelihood of low-income people and smallholder farmers, through financial inclusion. The SCBF focuses on tailor-made technical assistance to partner financial institutions to up-scale sustainable and client-oriented financial services offered responsibly. The contribution leverages the expertise of the SCBF for financial inclusion in North Africa and seeks synergies with other North Africa projects.
Gestion intégrée des bassins versants au Moyen Atlas
20.11.2015
- 30.09.2019
L’érosion des sols au Maroc, sévère dans les montagnes de l’Atlas, est à la fois cause et indicateur des défis auxquels font face les populations vulnérables de la région: désastres naturels et précarité. L’intervention propose une approche innovante de gestion intégrée des bassins versants qui augmentera durablement la résilience des populations locales, tout en améliorant leurs conditions de vie. L’engagement fort du Maroc pour sa réplication future à l’échelle nationale permet un effet multiplicateur considérable.
ONU Femmes: Accès aux Services judiciaires pour des femmes et des enfants victimes de la traite des êtres humains au Maroc
01.09.2015
- 30.04.2019
Malgré les réformes initiées au niveau juridique et institutionnel, la traite des personnes reste un phénomène croissant au Maroc. La mise ne place d'un mécanisme national de lutte contre la traite coordonnée entre de nombreux services publics et les acteurs de la socitété civile est nécessaire pour une meilleure protection des victimes. Les récents développements juridiques et polititques ont dynamisé la lutte contre la traite. La phase actuelle du projet vise à améliorer la protection des victimes à travers un appui technique et une meilleure coordination.
Programme Development North Africa
01.07.2015
- 30.06.2020
Originally conceived to support the development of activities under the Swiss North Africa Programme launched from scratch in 2011, the 5th phase with a much reduced budget allows deepening relevant thematic and context knowledge, developing and formulating future strategic priorities and setting-up adapted or new projects for SDC in a fragile and complex environment. For 2015-16 the focus is on preparatory work for the Swiss North Africa programme 2017-20.
ONUDI: Développement de la chaîne de valeur AZIR à l’Oriental (AZIR-O)
15.12.2014
- 31.03.2019
L’agriculture crée 4 millions d’emplois au Maroc, surtout en milieu rural, où les produits du terroir présentent un grand potentiel pour améliorer les conditions de vie des populations vulnérables. Le projet vise l’amélioration de l’accès aux marchés et des conditions socio-économiques des coopératives et cueilleurs, souvent précaires, au sein de la chaîne de valeur romarin dans la région de l’Oriental. Il complémente ainsi le travail du SECO sur deux autres filières et lie les différentes activités suisses dans une approche programmatique cohérente.
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.
Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance (DRFI) Phase II
01.12.2016
- 31.12.2021
SECO is partnerning with the World Bank to implement the Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance (DRFI) Program to support primarily SECO priority countries in building their financial resilience to natural disasters. Countries receive technical assistance helping them in their advance planning of financing needs in the case of natural disasters.
Object 1 – 11 of 11
- 1
Projects Tunisia
Selection
Vocational skills development in Tunisia – destination employment
01.01.2016
- 31.12.2020
An SDC programme boosts the employability of young Tunisians entering the job market. It provides them with training in vocational skills to equip them with the practical experience and know-how required in the workplace.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tunisia |
Vocational training and skills development
Labor market development
EDUCATION OTHER SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES
Vocational training
Employment policy and administrative management
|
01.01.2016 - 31.12.2020 |
CHF 9'603'475 |
Planned project
Transition redevable pour la société tunisienne (TRUST)
01.03.2022
- 28.02.2028
L’intervention contribue à l’émergence d’un système de redevabilité durable, veillant au respect de l’Etat de droit, favorisant la réactivité, l’efficacité et la confiance des citoyennes et des citoyens dans les institutions publiques. Elle soutient de manière ciblée les capacités de partenaires publics et de la société civile à exercer leurs rôles dans la régulation, la surveillance et le contrôle de l’activité publique par une approche transversale et complémentaire aux soutiens existants.
Redevabilité, sécurité et prévention de l’extrémisme violent pour les citoyennes et citoyens tunisiens RESPECT
01.12.2020
- 30.11.2026
L’intervention renforce la gouvernance du secteur de sécurité tunisien et les capacités institutionnelles de prévention de l’extrémisme violent. Elle contribue ainsi à une meilleure protection des citoyennes et des citoyens tunisiens à travers une assistance vers une gestion de la sécurité redevable et efficace, et à travers un soutien à la définition et à la mise en œuvre de politiques publiques limitant le phénomène de l’extrémisme violent.
Redevabilité, sécurité et prévention de l’extrémisme violent pour les citoyennes et citoyens tunisiens (RESPECT), Phase 1
01.12.2017
- 30.11.2020
L’intervention contribue à la prévention de l’extrémisme violent en renforçant la capacité des autorités à déterminer les causes de celui-ci et les moyens de les prévenir par des actions concrètes dans tous les secteurs d’activité de l’Etat, en collaboration étroite avec la société civile. Elle vise notamment à améliorer la relation de confiance entre les citoyens et les agents de l’Etat chargés de garantir leur sécurité par une meilleure redevabilité, une information plus transparente du public et une implication de la société civile dans les décisions.
MdM-B : Projet d’amélioration de l’accès aux soins de santé pour les populations migrantes dans le Grand Tunis
09.04.2017
- 08.04.2019
Programme de soutien au processus électoral en Tunisie
01.11.2015
- 28.02.2019
La pérennisation du processus électoral est une étape fondamentale de la consolidation de la transition démocratique en Tunisie. Ce programme contribuera à l’institutionnalisation des autorités électorales indépendantes, ainsi qu’à l’organisation opérationnelle des scrutins 2016. De plus, il contribuera à la sensibilisation des citoyens, en particulier les jeunes et les femmes, avec comme objectif d’une participation importante de leurs parts dans les processus de prises de décisions. Vu son engagement dans le processus électoral en Tunisie depuis 2011, la Suisse est aujourd’hui considérée comme un partenaire crédible et impartial.
Communauté tunisienne résidente en Suisse (CTRS) pour le développement
01.03.2013
- 31.03.2019
Programme Eau Kasserine - PEK
01.07.2011
- 31.03.2019
Support of the energy transition plan for municipalities
01.07.2017
- 31.08.2020
The program 'Alliance of Municipalities for Energy Transition' (ACTE) aims to support municipalities in the energy transition by providing them with original technical and financial solutions adapted to the local context. SECO will support the implementation of the ACTE program while introducing the ACTE/MENA Energy Award label (ACTE/MEA).
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.
Tunisia Public Financial Managment and Local Governments (Phase II)
01.11.2016
- 31.12.2020
This Program aims to strengthen Tunisia’s public financial management (PFM) for improved efficiency and transparency at national and subnational levels. It includes in particular a series of activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of the most disadvantaged municipalities.
Water sanitation in 10 medium-sized cities
01.04.2015
- 31.12.2020
This program includes the construction and expansion of existing sewerage systems and the construction of waste water treatment plants (WWTP) in medium-sized cities in Tunisia. It is planned to dedicate the Swiss financing for the construction of the WWTP in Tajérouine, for complementary measures and for the implementation consultant.
