Libraries, Legacies, and a Full Circle: My 30-Year Journey with USAID

The Spark: Inspiration from the Stacks

In the mid-1990s, before the world wide web connected us all, I found myself crossing Tahrir Square, moving from the American University in Cairo’s (AUC) library to the USAID Egypt Library at Cairo Tower. My mission was simple: find a case study for my master’s in public administration. As I browsed shelves stacked with project documents, I was struck by the depth and diversity of USAID’s work—thanks to the tireless efforts of countless staff, consultants, and Egyptian partners.

One document, “Administration of Justice Support,” stood out. It detailed the work of USAID teams and their Egyptian counterparts to modernize court procedures, streamline workflows, and provide vital training through the National Centre for Judicial Studies. These were not just programs—they were the result of years of collaboration, innovation, and dedication by people who believed in building a better justice system for Egypt. The USAID emblem—a handshake beneath a banner reading “From the American People”—left a lasting impression. I dreamed of contributing to such transformative work.

The Ascent: From Public Administration Student to Policy Shaper

By 1998, with my master’s degree in hand, I realized that dream. I joined the Macro-Economic and Debt Analysis (MEDA) Unit at the Egyptian Ministry of International Cooperation, funded by USAID. At the time, U.S. economic assistance to Egypt totalled a staggering $815 million annually, supporting everything from cash transfers and commodity imports to ambitious development projects. These efforts were not just about money—they were about reforming fiscal, monetary, and sectoral policies to strengthen Egypt’s economic foundation.

Later, as the Desk Officer for U.S. Cooperation in the Minister’s Cabinet, I found myself at the heart of negotiations, planning for the gradual reduction of U.S. assistance. These were challenging discussions, but the professionalism, transparency, and mutual respect shown by USAID staff made all the difference.

The Pivot: Inside USAID’s Walls

In July 2005, I crossed another threshold—this time, joining USAID Egypt itself. For three years, I worked in the Economic Growth Office, focusing on macro-fiscal reform, competitiveness, consumer protection, and higher education. Together, we reformed Egypt’s income tax law, expanded the tax base, and built the capacity of the tax administration. These successes were only possible because of the dedication of USAID’s technical teams and their Egyptian partners. University partnerships—like the Cairo University–Georgia State University Dual Program—flourished thanks to those who believed in the power of academic exchange.

One of my proudest achievements was helping to establish the Egyptian Consumer Protection Authority (CPA). From drafting laws to setting up the authority and supporting civil society organizations, it was a true team effort. The CPA’s success—resolving nearly 17,000 complaints by 2024—stands as a testament to the hard work and vision of everyone involved, from USAID legal advisors to Egyptian consumer advocates.

 The Return: Investing in Egypt’s Future

After twelve years with the UN’s International Labour Organization, I returned to the world of USAID in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This time, I launched the USAID Scholars Activity—a $53 million, ten-year partnership with my alma mater AUC and six other universities. This ambitious program was brought to life by a dedicated team of program officers, university administrators, private sector partners, and civil society organizations. Their shared goal: to empower 700 young Egyptians, including those with disabilities, to become the next generation of change agents and leaders.

These scholarships, internships, and leadership programs were meticulously designed and implemented by people who cared deeply about Egypt’s future—USAID staff, university mentors, and local business leaders alike.

The Culmination: A Legacy and an Ending

By December 2022, and from the New Campus Library I was leading USAID’s Egyptian Pioneers—the largest competitive grant in AUC history, and one of USAID’s most significant educational investments. This $86 million, nine-year initiative was the result of extraordinary teamwork: USAID project officers, AUC administrators, government officials, and countless unsung heroes worked tirelessly to provide fellowships, technical training, and scholarships to hundreds of Egyptians from underserved backgrounds.

On June 30, 2024, I stepped away, leaving behind a hand-picked team of passionate professionals who kept the project’s momentum alive. Many of our scholars—including judges pursuing master’s degrees in the U.S.—were thriving, thanks to the mentorship and support of USAID staff and Egyptian educators.

Yet, exactly one year later, the cycle closed: USAID Egypt, after decades of partnership and progress, concluded its mission. The closure marked the end of an era, but not the end of the impact made by the thousands of people—Americans and Egyptians alike—who dedicated their careers to building a better future.

Full Circle: Celebrating the People Behind the Progress

From my first visit to the USAID library to leading flagship projects, my journey has always been shaped by the people—visionaries, implementers, and quiet heroes—who brought USAID’s mission to life in Egypt. Over thirty years, their expertise, passion, and perseverance transformed ideas into action, and challenges into opportunities.

As the doors of USAID Egypt close, their legacy endures—in stronger institutions, empowered individuals, and the countless lives touched by their commitment. To every colleague, partner, and friend who made these achievements possible: thank you. The story of USAID in Egypt is, above all, a story of people working together to make a difference.