The European Union and the World Bank have voiced support for efforts exerted by the Social Fund for Development (SFD) to expand partnerships with NGOs with the aim to implement projects that will create sustainable jobs for Egyptian youth.

The EU Commission in Cairo said Wednesday the initiative is part of an urgent project to invest in employment. The project is covered by an EU grant worth 69.8 million euros, the commission added. It is being implemented by the World Bank, it noted.

The project is expected to secure more than 3,000 jobs in some of Egypt's poorest areas, the commission said.

It made it clear that the program helps selected NGOs implement a number of activities to secure jobs for youth.

The initiative was launched in 2014. Since then the World Bank has signed contracts with 13 NGOs to contribute to the project. The SFD is seeking to increase the number of NGOs contributing to that project.