For promoting Egypt’s rich heritage of traditional crafts, Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity and Chairperson of the Board of the Rural and Environmental Industries Support Fund, and Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development, have signed a Cooperation Protocol for the national project “Ayadi Misr”.
The agreement, signed at the Cabinet headquarters in New Alamein City, is a major step toward empowering vulnerable communities, women, and youth, while supporting local craft clusters across Egypt’s governorates.
A Government Partnership to Empower Artisans and Local Economies
The protocol establishes a framework for joint cooperation between the two ministries, focusing on:
- Local economic development
- Economic empowerment of marginalized groups
- Support for craft-based economic clusters
The initiative specifically targets the marketing and promotion of handmade and heritage products through a national digital platform.
Expanding “Ayadi Misr” Digital Platform
At the core of the agreement is the expansion of the “Ayadi Misr” digital platform, a national e-commerce initiative designed to connect artisans with markets locally and globally. By digitizing Egypt’s handicraft economy, the platform plays a critical role in preserving cultural heritage while creating economic opportunities.
Digital Transformation to Bridge Urban-Rural Gaps
The ministries committed to strengthening Egypt’s digital infrastructure to ensure rural communities can fully participate in the digital economy.
This digital push is a strategic step to integrate rural artisans into the national and global markets, using technology to reduce economic disparities. Besides, the strategic goals of the protocol entail empowering women and youth in underserved regions, supporting traditional handicrafts as cultural and economic assets, advancing digital transformation in product marketing, as well as boosting inclusive economic growth aligned with Egypt Vision 2030
Supporting Egypt Vision 2030
This initiative supports the broader national agenda outlined in Egypt Vision 2030, which aims to foster sustainable, inclusive development and bridge the gap between rural and urban economies. By merging traditional craftsmanship with modern digital tools, Egypt is empowering its citizens while preserving its cultural identity.
Dr. Manal Awad added, “Through this partnership, we’re enabling communities to access tools and markets that were once beyond reach. Digital transformation is the key to economic empowerment.”
