The Ministry of Social Solidarity, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), and various banks collaboratively launched “Herafi” program. The program will support small-scale producers of handmade and heritage products. This initiative is part of the presidential campaign to assist informal workers.
The program focuses on empowering productive cooperative societies, families, and small entrepreneurs, as part of a presidential initiative. Solidarity Minister- Nevine El Kabbaj- explained that the program facilitates the launch of microenterprises through offering finances at reduced interest rates, business trainings; as well as promoting awareness about handmade and heritage products.
El Kabbaj emphasized that these mechanisms enhance the handicrafts and heritage sector within a comprehensive vision. Additionally, she outlined the Ministry’s plan for 2024 involves expanding economic empowerment for informal workers, extending insurance and health protection to the youth and women in the handicraft sector. The plan also entails supporting traditional handicraft industries to preserve the rich Egyptian heritage, through creating opportunities for doubling the exports of the creative economy, reached $350 million in 2023 and employed over two million individuals.
Mervat Sabreen, Assistant Minister of Social Solidarity for Protection and Social Safety Networks, highlighted the objectives of the program’s initial phase in 2024. The primary goal is to train 1,000 small-scale producers in various handicrafts such as jewelry, ceramics, textiles, and traditional fashion. The training includes financial education, as well as introducing banking services provided for handicraftsmen, including charge-free cards, e-wallets, and bank accounts.
Sabreen, further, explained that the training covers project classification and as well as successful marketing and pricing strategies. Insurance coverage for handicraftsmen is a discussion topic; in addition to introducing “Your pension is in your hands” document that outlines the benefits and participation mechanisms, along with the advantages provided to the workers’ families.
