The Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFCA) of Latvia explores partnership opportunities in Egypt

On 12-14 May 2025, representatives of the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFCA) of Latvia arrived in the Arab Republic of Egypt to meet potential partners, study their interests and cooperation possibilities as well as to gain better understanding of the governmental development plan Egypt Vision 2030. Ms Dana Heiberga, Director of Development Cooperation Department, and Mr Viesturs Bērziņš, Project Manager of the Department, were joined by Ms Aiva Staņēviča, a board member of Riga Tech Girls, organisation which is currently implementing a project for developing digital skills of women in Egypt “Girls in Tech”.

During the three-day visit, CFCA and Riga Tech Girls representatives met with several NGO’s such as Knowledge Economy Foundation, Egyptian Food Bank, MSMEDA and Kendaka, discussing ways to support small and medium business as well as agriculture and upcycling. The conversation in the Nile University and ITIDA agency of MCIT was focused on digitalization, know-how transfer and technical assistance. And talks with colleagues from development agencies of Germany (GIZ) France (AFD), Spain (AECID) and Italy (AICS) allowed to gather insights on their vast experience in development cooperation in Egypt, especially in advancing digitalization. Cybersecurity and digital capacity building were among most discussed topics with all partners.

The functions of the Latvian Development Cooperation Agency are performed by the CFCA in close cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), which ensures the development and implementation of Latvia’s development cooperation policy. Digitalization as means to promote development, especially through good governance, gender equality and agriculture holds a central role in the policy. Since November 2024 CFCA has obtained pillar accreditation by the EU allowing it to undertake indirect management of development projects.

Egypt is one of the priority countries in Latvia’s Development cooperation policy and this visit has been organized with direct support of the Embassy of Latvia in Egypt.