In a major step toward reviving Egypt’s rich tradition of handicrafts and expanding economic opportunities for local artisans, the Egyptian government has launched a new e-commerce platform under the brand “Creative Egypt.” The website—www.creativeegypt.org—offers more than 900 handcrafted products across seven sectors, representing a modern gateway for both cultural preservation and job creation.
The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in coordination with the Cabinet Media Center, aims to raise awareness of Egypt’s diverse heritage crafts while creating access to new markets, both locally and internationally. The online store features an extensive array of artisanal goods, including leatherwork, textiles, glassware, pottery and ceramics, wood products, stones, and metalwork.
National Brand Rooted in Cultural Identity
The “Creative Egypt” project was first launched in 2015 as the country’s first registered brand dedicated to handmade and heritage-based products. It acts as a national umbrella for Egypt’s craftspeople, designers, and creative entrepreneurs—showcasing their talents through both digital and physical retail spaces.
In addition to retail, the project plays a vital developmental role. Since its inception, Creative Egypt has supported 120 startup companies in transitioning from the informal to the formal economy. A further 50 startups have received tailored assistance to help them establish and market their own brands. These efforts are part of the government’s broader strategy to empower micro-enterprises, strengthen rural economies, and sustain the transmission of traditional knowledge across generations.
Digital Expansion to Global Markets
The launch of the online store marks a new phase for Creative Egypt, making its curated collection of traditional goods accessible to a global audience. The platform allows customers to browse products by category and supports secure purchasing, effectively opening up Egypt’s craft scene to e-commerce and export opportunities.
By digitizing these heritage trades, Egypt not only preserves its cultural identity but also positions its artisans to compete in the creative economy. The initiative reflects a wider governmental effort to blend tradition with innovation, creating sustainable livelihoods while promoting Egypt’s soft power on the world stage.
