In a bold initiative merging economic empowerment and cultural preservation, the Export Development Bank of Egypt (EBank) has signed a landmark cooperation protocol with the Egyptian Foundation for Integrated Development (Al Nidaa) to fund a rural development project aimed at reviving the traditional craft of copper engraving in Upper Egypt.
The initiative targets supporting over 120 women artisans currently working in two village-based production units in Qena governorate, and includes plans to train and employ an additional 30 women, boosting local employment and sustaining one of Egypt’s oldest and most intricate crafts.
Expanding Production and Impact
With the project’s integrated development approach, the annual production of copperware is projected to increase from 6,000 to 8,000 handcrafted pieces.
In addition, the project will deliver specialized training in artisanal skills, financial literacy, and sustainable business practices, enabling women to transform their craftsmanship into viable long-term sources of income. The intervention supports both economic inclusion and social upliftment in economically marginalized rural communities.
Strategic Vision for Inclusive Development
The partnership reflects EBank’s strategic commitment to sustainable development and women’s economic empowerment, particularly in Upper Egypt, where traditional crafts are under pressure from modernization and lack of market access.
“Handicrafts represent a promising sector when supported with proper financing and professional marketing,” said a bank spokesperson. “This initiative aligns with our vision of inclusive growth and our belief in the untapped potential of Egypt’s cultural heritage as an economic driver.”
For Dr. Walid Borieqa, Executive Director of Al Nidaa Foundation, the collaboration exemplifies a model partnership between the financial and nonprofit sectors, aiming to uplift women, preserve national identity, and generate meaningful, community-rooted impact.
“This project is designed to generate long-term change—not only economically, but socially and environmentally as well,” he noted. “It is a living example of how heritage preservation can intersect with economic development to transform lives.”
Revitalizing Egypt’s Artisanal Industries
As part of a broader movement to revitalize Egypt’s artisanal industries, the project champions the idea that heritage crafts are not merely remnants of the past but are dynamic tools for innovation, entrepreneurship, and global cultural exchange. The partnership aims to position Egyptian copper engraving as a competitive product in both local and international markets.
This initiative contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of gender equality (Goal 5), decent work and economic growth (Goal 8), and sustainable communities (Goal 11). It also demonstrates the value of cross-sectoral collaboration in building more resilient and inclusive rural economies.
