As part of Egypt’s broader strategy to promote economic inclusion and reduce rural poverty, the Ministry of Local Development has announced new funding for 614 small and micro-enterprises across the country through its Local Development Fund.
According to a report submitted by the ministry’s Strategic Management and Local Development Sector, the projects — implemented between July 1 and October 31, 2025 — received a combined total of EGP 10.18 million (approx. USD 330,000) in funding, providing direct support to 614 citizens seeking to launch productive or service-oriented ventures.
Focus on Women-Led Projects
In a statement, Dr. Manal Awad, Egypt’s Minister of Local Development, emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to economic empowerment and inclusive growth, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Notably, 70% of the funded projects were led by women, with 432 female beneficiaries compared to 182 male recipients. The projects span multiple sectors — from agriculture and handicrafts to food processing and local services — reinforcing the role of women as key drivers of grassroots development.
Supporting Inclusive and Sustainable Growth
The funding initiative is part of the government’s wider effort to stimulate self-employment, improve household incomes, and bridge economic disparities between urban and rural areas. By targeting micro and small-scale projects, the ministry aims to reach vulnerable populations, including women heads of households and youth facing employment barriers.
Minister Awad noted that the Local Development Fund continues to receive project proposals from citizens nationwide, and urged individuals interested in launching income-generating activities to apply through local administrative units in their respective governorates.
Strategic Rural Development
The Local Development Fund operates under the Ministry’s integrated rural development strategy, which aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 goals of decentralized economic growth, gender equity, and poverty reduction. By supporting entrepreneurship at the community level, the initiative helps activate local economies while reducing migration pressures on urban centers.
With Egypt’s focus on local empowerment and economic inclusion, microproject funding programs like these serve as lifelines for low-income families and rural entrepreneurs. The Ministry’s continued support signals a commitment to sustainable development that puts women and marginalized communities at the center of national progress.
