Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity partnered with multiple banks to organize “Diarna” exhibitions at bank headquarters. This is a step is taken in a joint effort to foster financial inclusion and empower individuals across society. These exhibitions offer a platform for exhibitors to showcase and market their handicraft products. This is in addition to the access to various banking services, including economic activity accounts, cards, and points of Sale (POS) services.
The second round of “Diarna” exhibitions 2023 witnessed the participation of about 111 exhibitors, as part of the annual “Financial Inclusion Events”. Under the auspices of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), these events enable banks to expand their services and products beyond branch networks, and reach unbanked segments.
CBE Sub-governer for Financial Inclusion, Sherif Lokman, highlighted that the collaboration represents a crucial step towards achieving the CBE’s vision of financial inclusion and economic empowerment for MSMEs, while contributing to the sustainable development goals of Egypt’s Vision 2030.
Assistant to Social Solidarity Minister,Mervat Sabreen, emphasized the significance of the “Diarna” Exhibitions hosted by various banks in 2023. These exhibitions demonstrated the coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Social Solidarity and the CBE in support of handicrafts sector and its workers. They also reflect the ministry’s commitment to achieving economic development and promoting financial inclusion. The ministry issued nearly 11.5 million “Meeza” cards to beneficiaries of Takuful and Karama program, pensioners, differently-abled individuals, and community leaders. Additionally, the ministry adopted principles of financial inclusion to facilitate access to finance for productive families and micro enterprises.
The “Diarna” Exhibitions at banks’ premises form part of the CBE’s broader initiatives to promote financial inclusion. The CBE has implemented several regulations to enhance access to banking services for all customer segments. Further, a recently- issued regulation enables business owners and freelancers to open Economic Activity Accounts using only their National IDs, facilitating the access to formal financial services.
