Egypt's Minister of Local Development Manal Awad revealed that Mashroak Initiative has funded 213,689 projects since its launch in 2015, with a total loan value surpassing EGP 32.4 billion, as per a Cabinet statement. This came during Awad's presentation on Sunday of a report outlining the efforts of the national project, Mashroak, for community, human, and local development in April 2025, reflecting the state's ongoing efforts to economically empower youth and women and support small, medium, and micro enterprises across the country. The initiative has created over 1.4 million job opportunities across various governorates, contributing significantly to the country's local economy and sustainable development efforts. The report showed that Upper Egypt governorates, particularly Minya, Sohag, and Beni Suef, lead in terms of the number of funded projects. Minya, for instance, implemented 23,400 projects with loans exceeding EGP 3.3 billion, creating 157,400 jobs. Sohag followed with 23,200 projects worth EGP 4.3 billion, generating 153,900 job opportunities, while Beheira implemented 19,200 projects valued at EGP 1.8 billion, creating 101,800 jobs. Awad also highlighted that the 260 Mashroak offices across the country offer all the necessary facilities for individuals seeking loans to set up small and medium projects, including technical and administrative training, feasibility studies, and temporary licences until permanent permits are issued. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
