The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regional office at the American University in Cairo (AUC) announced today the launch of the Hub of Advanced Policy Innovation for the Environment (HAPIE) in the presence of Her Excellency Dr Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt's minister of planning, economic development and international cooperation.
Building on J-PAL MENA's strong foundation of research and policy partnerships in the region and approaching its fifth anniversary, the HAPIE launch represents another significant milestone in leveraging evidence-based approaches.
With a name inspired by Hapi, the ancient Egyptian deity associated with the Nile’s annual flooding, HAPIE aims to improve clean air and water access in Egypt by co-generating evidence and informing the policy decisions of government partners.
HAPIE allows researchers to collaborate with J-PAL MENA and its government partners to innovate, test and scale evidence-informed air and water policies.
HAPIE is an extension of the Egypt Impact Lab into the environment, energy and climate change sectors.
Established through a partnership between J-PAL MENA and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, the Egypt Impact Lab has played a vital role in embedding evidence-based policy approaches across various development sectors in Egypt.
The Egypt Impact Lab is made possible through founding partners Community Jameel and the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, with additional support from UNICEF Egypt.
HAPIE was announced today at an event at the AUC, which brought together policymakers, development practitioners and researchers.
Panellists highlighted initiatives in the environmental sector aimed at addressing climate change through innovative technologies and sustainable practices.
Featuring remarks from Dr Al-Mashat and Professor Esther Duflo, co-founder and co-director of J-PAL and 2019 Nobel laureate in economics, the event gave participants valuable insights into formulating evidence-based climate policies in Egypt.
HE Dr Rania El-Mashat, Egypt’s minister of planning, economic development and international cooperation, said: “HAPIE’s launch marks a significant milestone in Egypt's commitment to evidence-based environmental policymaking. It establishes an ecosystem where innovation drives impact, unlocking investment opportunities and advancing Egypt’s green transformation and sustainable development. By bridging research, policy and implementation, HAPIE supports Egypt's structural reform agenda, focusing on three key pillars: strengthening macroeconomic resilience, enhancing competitiveness and driving the green transition.”
Dr Sherifa Sherif, executive director of the National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development, said: “By placing environmental policy innovation as a cornerstone of governance, we are reinforcing our commitment to a greener future for all Egyptians. This hub offers hope, driving evidence-based strategies to tackle issues like air and water quality and moving us closer to our sustainable development goals. I applaud the efforts that made this possible and eagerly anticipate its positive impact on Egypt's governance and sustainable development.”
George Richards, director of Community Jameel, said: “Egypt is a country of wide, open skies and the great River Nile – but they are menaced by climate change, pollution and other threats. Together with J-PAL, the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, and a consortium of partners in this project, Community Jameel is committed to ensuring that the new Hub of Advanced Policy Innovation for the Environment – as part of the global network of J-PAL Air and Water Labs – will put scientific evidence at the heart of the government’s efforts to ensure a safe and healthy environment, with access to clean air and water, for all Egyptians.”
Laila Hosni, executive director of the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, said: “At Sawiris Foundation, our commitment goes beyond financial support—we strive to be impact investors, developmental knowledge leaders, and technical partners dedicated to creating meaningful change. Through continuous learning and innovation, we work to design and implement effective interventions that address the most pressing challenges facing our communities. We are proud to witness the launch of HAPIE as an extension of the Egypt Impact Lab, focusing on environment, energy and climate change. This platform embodies our vision, driving the exploration of innovative, localised solutions to help vulnerable communities mitigate and adapt to the growing effects of climate change.”
Dr Ahmed Elsayed, executive director of J-PAL MENA, said: “J-PAL MENA is delighted to officially launch the Hub of Advanced Policy Innovation for the Environment, in full collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and Community Jameel. This partnership underscores our commitment to employing rigorous research to address critical environmental challenges and create a substantial impact in Egypt. I am enthusiastic about the potential of HAPIE to address air and water policies in Egypt and drive positive change and development in the future.”
HAPIE is part of J-PAL’s network of Air and Water Labs with Community Jameel, expanding on the work of J-PAL’s King Climate Action Initiative and building on the foundational support of King Philanthropies to develop new research and policy approaches at the intersection of climate change and poverty reduction worldwide.
The Air and Water Labs collaborate with government agencies to tackle critical air and water issues through evidence-based policymaking.
HAPIE, like its regional Air and Water Lab counterparts in India and South Africa, works closely with government partners to co-generate evidence-based solutions for the most pressing air and water challenges.
HAPIE is made possible with generous support from its founding partners, Community Jameel and the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development.
