Egypt's national community, human and local development initiative Mashroak has financed around 221,000 small and medium-sized (SMEs) projects across the country since its launch in 2015. It has provided loans worth over 34.1 billion Egyptian pounds ($717m) and generated about 1.46 million direct and indirect jobs, the Local Development Ministry said. Sohag governorate ranked first with 23,900 projects worth 4.6 billion pounds, creating nearly 159,000 jobs, followed by Minya with 23,800 projects worth 3.4 billion pounds creating 158,000 jobs, and Beheira with 19,800 projects worth 1.8 billion pounds and generated 103,000 jobs. Dakahlia recorded 18,200 projects with a total financing of 2.3 billion pounds, creating 107,000 jobs. Local Development Minister Manal Awad said the ministry is expanding Mashroak to reach more young people and women by strengthening partnerships with banks, streamlining procedures, and offering technical and marketing support. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
