Minya – April 27, 2026
Dr. Rev. Andrea Zaki Witnesses the Presentation of the Achievements of the “Ezraa” Initiative in the Presence of the Minister of Social Solidarity and the Governor of Minya, Affirming: Supporting Egyptian Farmers Is a Pillar of Food Security and Stability
President of the Coptic Evangelical Organization:
The “Ezraa” Initiative Is No Longer Merely a Seasonal Activity, but a Leading Development Model
Minister of Social Solidarity:
The “Ezraa” Initiative Is a National Model, and the Coptic Evangelical Organization Has Achieved Remarkable Success under the Leadership of Dr. Rev. Andrea Zaki
I feel proud of Egypt’s great farmers and their role in supporting food security
Dr. Rev. Andrea Zaki, President of the Evangelical Community in Egypt and President of the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services, witnessed the presentation of the achievements of the “Ezraa” Initiative in its fourth phase for the 2025/2026 wheat season, in the presence of Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity; Major General Emad Kedwany, Governor of Minya; Eng. Margret Sarofim, Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity; Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ali Gabr, Deputy Governor of Minya; along with a number of executive leaders, representatives of government bodies, civil society organizations, and beneficiaries of the initiative.
In his speech, Dr. Rev. Andrea Zaki expressed his happiness at participating in the meeting, affirming that the “Ezraa” Initiative represents a true model of integration between the state and civil society in addressing one of the most prominent strategic challenges: achieving food security.
The President of the Coptic Evangelical Organization explained that the issue of food is no longer merely an economic matter, but one that touches the stability and security of societies. He noted that wheat is at the forefront of these priorities as a strategic crop directly connected to the life of every citizen.
He pointed out that the initiative has succeeded in reducing the gap between production and consumption by supporting smallholder farmers, enabling them to improve their productivity, and adopting modern and sustainable agricultural practices. He affirmed that “Ezraa” is no longer merely a seasonal activity, but has become a leading development model that combines social and strategic dimensions.
Dr. Rev. Andrea Zaki valued the pivotal role of the Ministry of Social Solidarity in supporting the initiative, praising its efforts to link social protection with productive development and to strengthen partnerships under the umbrella of the National Alliance, contributing to expanding the scope of benefit, reaching the most vulnerable groups, and transforming them into productive capacities.
For her part, Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity, expressed her great happiness at participating in the presentation of the achievements of the “Ezraa” Initiative, affirming her deep appreciation for the efforts exerted by the Coptic Evangelical Organization and Dr. Rev. Andrea Zaki in leading and implementing the initiative with tangible success on the ground.
The Minister thanked Dr. Rev. Andrea Zaki and the Coptic Evangelical Organization for what she described as the “great effort and tangible success” achieved through the “Ezraa” Initiative, praising the positive results it has achieved in supporting farmers and enhancing agricultural production.
She also valued the significant role played by Major General Emad Kedwany, Governor of Minya, and the efforts of Minya Governorate in supporting the initiative and achieving successive successes, affirming that Minya represents an important model in the successful implementation of development initiatives on the ground.
Dr. Maya Morsy affirmed that the “Ezraa” Initiative represents a pioneering national model with a promising future at the local, regional, and global levels, noting that its results reflect a real capacity for development and sustainability.
She added that she feels proud of Egypt’s great farmers, who represent a key pillar of food security, stressing that supporting and empowering them is a priority for the state.
The Minister concluded by praising the role of the Coptic Evangelical Organization, affirming that it has achieved advanced levels of sustainability and governance in managing and implementing the “Ezraa” Initiative, enhancing its efficiency and developmental impact.
During the meeting, Ms. Suzanne Sedky, Director of Local Development at the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services, presented the day’s program, while Mr. Maged Boulos, Director of the “Ezraa” Initiative at the organization, reviewed the key achievements of the initiative’s fourth phase for the 2025/2026 wheat season. This phase aims to cultivate around 250,000 feddans by providing integrated packages of subsidized services, including seeds with support of up to 50%, as well as agricultural extension services through field schools, technical support, and field follow-up for farmers.
A number of beneficiary farmers and participating community cadres also shared their experiences with the “Ezraa” Initiative, praising its positive impact on production, income, and improving quality of life in rural Egypt.
