The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA) has disbursed approximately 900 million Egyptian pounds in 2024 through 41 new contracts with private companies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to support microenterprises. These efforts have directly contributed to providing around 80,000 loans during the reporting period, targeting underserved regions and demographic groups across Egypt. Women received 50 per cent of the loans issued, reflecting MSMEDA's focus on empowering female entrepreneurs. Youth also benefited significantly, accounting for 35 per cent of the loans. Furthermore, Upper Egypt governorates were allocated 50 per cent of the total financing, emphasising MSMEDA's commitment to addressing regional disparities. The loans ranged in size from 3,000 to 242,000 Egyptian pounds, tailored to the specific needs of microenterprises. Specialised financing was provided for handicrafts and heritage industries through the agency's Herfa (Handicrafts) Programme, while broader funding initiatives targeted productive and agricultural projects. Looking ahead to 2025, MSMEDA plans to expand its financing efforts further, with an emphasis on green economy projects and transitioning enterprises from the informal to the formal sector. The agency also aims to introduce new financing products tailored to women, alongside its ongoing support for existing economic clusters and local industries. These figures underscore MSMEDA's pivotal role in driving microenterprise development, job creation, and economic empowerment across Egypt. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
