Egypt to shift food subsidies from in-kind goods to cash starting in January

Egypt's Supply Ministry has begun procedures to convert in-kind food subsidies into cash payments, starting January 2027 in Beheira governorate as the first pilot.

• The ministry has begun shifting food subsidies from in-kind goods to cash, with the trial starting January 2027 in Beheira governorate.
• The new system will add major retail chains and food companies to the redemption network, currently limited to ministry outlets, ration grocers and the Gametty project.
• A ministry source said the transition will not reduce beneficiary numbers or support value, with cash amounts adjusted for inflation.
• Supply Minister Sherif Farouk said the shift to flexible cash support will proceed gradually and let citizens choose goods for their households.