Egypt to begin trial runs for shift to cash subsidies in three governorates until July

Egypt to begin trial runs for shift to cash subsidies in Cairo, Port Said, El Wadi El Gedeed: The Supply Ministry will implement on a trial basis the proposed switch to handing out cash to subsidy recipients from the current system of in-kind subsidies using ration cards in Cairo, Port Said, and El Wadi El Gedeed, Minister Ali El Moselhy said. The trial will end in July, and the new system will be officially rolled out nationwide in FY2020-2021. The rationale behind switching to cash subsidies is to pay beneficiaries directly rather than subsidizing suppliers. The move could help streamline the system both in terms of state finances and fair access to the mns who rely on subsidies.