Women entrepreneurs in Egypt received EGP 1.3 billion in financing through the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA) during the FY2026/2027 Economic and Social Development Plan, reinforcing the country’s commitment to expanding women’s participation in economic growth and entrepreneurship.
According to official development plan data, the funding formed part of EGP 5.2 billion in total financing provided during the year and supported approximately 25,900 women-owned projects, representing nearly 49% of all businesses financed by the agency.
Women Receive More Than Half of Microfinance Beneficiaries
The report shows that women accounted for a significant share of Egypt’s microenterprise financing.
Female entrepreneurs received EGP 986.7 million in microenterprise funding, benefiting around 25,600 women, representing 51.3% of all beneficiaries within the microfinance portfolio.
Meanwhile, women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises received an additional EGP 368.9 million, supporting 322 female business owners.
These figures reflect the government’s continued efforts to improve women’s access to finance and strengthen their role in Egypt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Supporting Women’s Economic Empowerment
The financing program aligns with Egypt’s broader strategy to increase women’s participation in economic development by creating opportunities for entrepreneurship, income generation, and productive employment, particularly in underserved governorates.
Beyond financial support, the initiative aims to create an enabling environment that encourages women to establish, expand, and sustain successful businesses.
Trade Sector Receives the Largest Share
Among women-owned businesses receiving financing:
- 63% operated in the trade sector.
- 15% were industrial enterprises.
- 12% worked in the services sector.
- 9% operated in agriculture and livestock activities.
- 1% represented professional and freelance activities.
The distribution highlights the diversity of women’s entrepreneurial activities while demonstrating growing participation across multiple sectors of Egypt’s economy.
Upper Egypt Leads in Funding Distribution
Upper Egypt received the largest share of financing directed to women-owned businesses, accounting for 57% of total funding.
It was followed by governorates in the Nile Delta, then urban and border governorates, reflecting continued efforts to direct development resources toward regions with the greatest economic needs.
Beyond Financing: Comprehensive Business Support
MSMEDA’s support extended well beyond financial assistance through a broad range of non-financial services designed to help women grow sustainable businesses.
Women represented:
- 87% of beneficiaries of e-commerce and digital marketing services.
- 94% of industrial technical support programs.
- 59% of entrepreneurship development programs.
- 47% of participants in domestic trade exhibitions.
- 63% of exhibitors at Turathna, Egypt’s flagship heritage and handicrafts exhibition.
Women also benefited from agricultural training, export support, business information services, digital coding solutions, and one-stop-shop business services aimed at simplifying business development and market access.
Strengthening Women’s Role in Egypt’s Economy
The latest figures underscore Egypt’s continued investment in women’s economic empowerment through expanded financing, entrepreneurship support, technical assistance, and market access initiatives.
By combining financial resources with training, innovation, and business development services, the government continues to strengthen women’s contribution to inclusive economic growth while supporting the objectives of Egypt Vision 2030 and sustainable development.
