The Egyptian Federation for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Finance (EF-MSMEF) has honored Al Tadamun Microfinance Foundation, a leading nonprofit institution dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs, for its instrumental role in supporting the success of the Institutional Upgrading Project, a nationwide effort to elevate the operational standards of microfinance entities across Egypt.
The recognition was awarded during the Federation’s 2025 General Assembly in Cairo, where Reham Farouk, Chief Executive Officer of Al Tadamun, received the honor on behalf of the organization for its commitment to sectoral excellence and inclusive financial empowerment.
Empowering Women Economically
“At Al Tadamun, we believe that empowering women economically is key to sustainable development. Supporting the Federation’s Institutional Upgrading Project aligns with our mission to strengthen institutional frameworks and expand access to finance for underserved communities across Egypt.”, Reham Farouk stated.
She emphasized that Al Tadamun’s contribution to the project helped ensure that more NGOs and MFIs can qualify for bank financing and investor support, allowing them to scale their services and impact.
Institutional Transformation
The Federation’s Institutional Upgrading Project, led by Executive Director Hesham El Husseiny, has enabled 24 out of 26 participating institutions to upgrade from “Category C” to “Category B” under national regulatory classifications. This transformation enhances their governance, operational efficiency, and eligibility for larger funding pools.
The Federation has also launched the third phase of the project, targeting the upgrading of 20 additional entities across the country.
Honoring Dr. Mona Zulficar’s Visionary Leadership
Al Tadamun also took the opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Dr. Mona Zulficar, President of the Board of Trustees of Al Tadamun Microfinance Foundation, for her enduring leadership in Egypt’s microfinance sector. Dr. Zulficar, a prominent legal expert and advocate for financial inclusion, has played a foundational role in establishing the institutional and legal frameworks that govern microfinance in Egypt today.
“Dr. Zulficar’s strategic vision and decades-long advocacy have paved the way for a more inclusive, regulated, and impactful microfinance sector,” said Farouk. “Her work continues to inspire organizations like ours to innovate and expand our reach.”
