For promoting inclusive economic growth and sustainable development in Upper Egypt, Banque Misr Foundation for Community Development has signed three strategic cooperation protocols aimed at training and economically empowering 2,000 young people and women for entry into the labor market.
The agreements, totaling EGP 48 million, were signed in partnership with Ra’ai Misr Foundation, Al Qura Foundation, and the Fayoum Association for Development and Organic Agriculture — all of which are long-standing civil society organizations operating in Egypt’s most underserved regions.
A Targeted Approach to Regional Development
The protocols were signed by Essam El Wakeel, Chairman of the Banque Misr Foundation for Community Development, alongside Counselor Amir Ramzy, Chairman of Ra’ai Misr Foundation; Eng. Mohamed Ayman Koraldeen Qura, Chairman of Al Qura Foundation; and Omar El-Masry, Chairman of the Fayoum Association for Development and Organic Agriculture.
The initiative falls within Banque Misr’s broader strategy to foster inclusive socio-economic development across Egypt, particularly in Upper Egypt, where unemployment and limited access to financial resources remain key challenges.
1. Ra’ai Misr Foundation: Scaling the “New Beginning” Program
The agreement with Ra’ai Misr Foundation will fund the second phase of the “New Beginning” project in the governorates of Minya and Assiut. This phase will provide:
- 1,000 job opportunities for youth and women
- Access to specialized vocational training
- Micro-project financing and
- Startup toolkits to help beneficiaries launch sustainable small businesses
The first phase of the initiative, previously implemented in Minya, successfully trained 400 individuals, of whom 320 launched micro-enterprises that significantly improved their quality of life.
2. Al Qura Foundation: Launching “Pulse of the South”
Through the second protocol, Al Qura Foundation will implement the “Pulse of the South” project in Sahil Selim and Abutig districts of Assiut. The initiative aims to economically empower 600 families through:
- Training in traditional handicrafts and vocational skills
- Distribution of integrated training packages
- Financial support to launch micro-enterprises
This program aligns with national goals to preserve heritage crafts while driving economic resilience in rural areas.
3. Fayoum Association: Integrated Village Development in Senouris
The third protocol with the Fayoum Association focuses on holistic community development in villages within the Senouris district of Fayoum governorate. It includes:
- Handicraft and vocational training
- Financial literacy and life skills education
- Microfinance opportunities for approximately 400 families
This community-driven model addresses not only economic needs but also builds long-term capacity among residents.
Banque Misr’s Vision: Sustainable, Inclusive Growth
These partnerships reflect Banque Misr Foundation’s commitment to creating real, measurable impact through collaboration with Egypt’s civil society. By combining skills development, access to capital, and social empowerment, the foundation is helping to bridge the opportunity gap in rural and under-resourced communities.
Through these initiatives, Banque Misr reinforces its role as a driver of inclusive development, aligned with Egypt’s national agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
