Egypt and the Netherlands have unveiled a new project aimed at enhancing Africa’s ability to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling, marking a significant step in addressing irregular migration and transnational crime across the continent.
The initiative, titled Building National Capacities to Combat Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants, is the first collaboration between the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding in Africa (CCCPA) and the Dutch government. It is being implemented with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Egypt.
The launch ceremony in Cairo brought together senior figures, including Egypt’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abu Bakr Hefny, CCCPA Director-General Seif Kandeel, Dutch Minister of Asylum and Migration Marjolein Faber, and UNDP Resident Representative Alessandro Fracassetti.
Officials highlighted that the initiative reflects the shared commitment of Egypt and the Netherlands to address migration challenges tied to conflict and forced displacement. Hefny called for stronger international cooperation based on shared responsibility, especially in regions facing large-scale displacement. Kandeel emphasized the importance of building resilient national institutions and moving from crisis management to sustainable, long-term solutions.
Faber commended Egypt’s comprehensive approach to migration, which integrates humanitarian, political, and security aspects, while Fracassetti stressed that the project targets the root causes of trafficking and irregular migration through prevention efforts, justice sector support, and development initiatives.
The project’s launch coincides with Egypt’s broader efforts to position itself as a regional model in migration management. Speaking at the second ministerial meeting of the Khartoum Process, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to a strategy that addresses migration through development, security cooperation, and respect for human dignity.
Egypt currently hosts over 10 million foreigners, including refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants from 133 countries. Authorities have reiterated that Egypt will not serve as a transit point for migrants aiming to reach Europe. Since adopting its national strategy against irregular migration in 2016, the government reports that no migrant boats have left Egyptian shores.
Egypt has expanded its migration policies with initiatives such as the Lifeboats Initiative in 2019, which allocated EGP 250 million to create job opportunities in villages prone to irregular migration. European support has also grown, with the EU granting Egypt €80 million in June 2024 to strengthen border management, improve search-and-rescue capabilities, and combat migrant smuggling networks.