Approximately 24,000 small and micro-enterprises led by women have been financed across Egypt since 2020 under the Women's Enterprise Support Programme, according to Basel Rahmy, CEO of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA). Implemented in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD), the initiative has targeted both rural and urban areas, with a focus on Upper Egypt and the Nile Delta, creating around 60,000 job opportunities. Speaking on Rahmy's behalf at the programme's closing conference, Raafat Abbas, Deputy CEO of MSMEDA, noted that the funding was delivered through multiple channels—banks, finance companies, NGOs, and direct lending via MSMEDA's branch network. Rahmy emphasised MSMEDA's commitment to deepening partnerships with international development institutions that prioritise women's economic empowerment, adding that such collaboration helps Egypt benefit from global expertise in implementing inclusive programmes.
Empowering Women across Productive Sectors The Women's Enterprise Support Programme, launched in January 2020, offered support across a range of productive sectors including food processing, garment manufacturing, and traditional tent-making (khayamiya). Women entrepreneurs benefited from vocational training, marketing assistance, and the opportunity to participate in exhibitions. Rahmy stressed that MSMEDA's strategy reflects a clear national vision to empower women economically and position them as key contributors to the Egyptian economy. This vision, he added, aligns closely with the priorities of AFD and Egypt's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also praised the strong partnership between MSMEDA and AFD and acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and the National Council for Women, whose coordination helped ensure the programme's effectiveness. Raafat Abbas
Tailored Support and Community Impact Abbas explained that the programme began with a comprehensive market assessment of the status of women's entrepreneurship in Egypt. The resulting studies helped shape customised financial products and credit solutions to support women-led businesses and promote sustainable employment. In addition to financial support, the programme provided non-financial services and capacity-building workshops in areas such as Ezbet Khairallah (Cairo), El-Desmi (Giza), and Old Cairo. These activities included training in business planning, marketing, and management, as well as assistance in accessing trade exhibitions.
AFD: Programme Exceeded Expectations Representing the French Development Agency, Andrew Hanna, Director of Sustainable Development Projects, commended the programme's strong results, particularly given its launch amid the global disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Elsa Favre, Director of the Sustainable Development Sector at AFD, reiterated the importance of the initiative to both the agency and the Egyptian government, praising its lasting contribution to women's empowerment and inclusive growth. The closing conference concluded with the honouring of participating NGOs and outstanding women entrepreneurs, and a mini-exhibition showcasing products created by beneficiaries from across the programme's supported communities.
