The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA) is significantly enhancing its initiatives to empower women entrepreneurs across Egypt. Through a range of support programs, MSMEDA is not only strengthening existing female-led businesses but also encouraging the creation of new, sustainable projects. The agency’s comprehensive approach includes a focus on training, financial assistance, and market access to ensure the long-term success and expansion of women’s enterprises.
In a recent statement, Basel Rahmy, the CEO of MSMEDA, emphasized the agency’s ongoing commitment to bolstering women’s economic and social roles through targeted programs. “We aim to provide female entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed—whether they are expanding an existing business or starting a new venture. Our goal is to make sure they have access to the necessary financial, technical, and marketing support,” said Rahmy.
The agency has rolled out several initiatives aimed at educating women about the benefits and incentives offered under Egypt’s SMEs Development Law No. 152 of 2020, which has played a pivotal role in creating a conducive environment for business growth. This law, designed to boost the economy through support for micro and small enterprises, includes various incentives specifically tailored for women entrepreneurs.
Strategic Focus on Empowering Women Across Egypt
MSMEDA’s strategy revolves around several core pillars:
- Training & Capacity Building: Providing free training programs to help women gain essential skills for running small and micro-enterprises. This includes helping them transition into self-employment and assisting in the development of new, economically viable projects.
- Support for Women’s Business Clusters: A key area of focus is the promotion of production clusters and artisan networks.
- Financial Support: MSMEDA offers a range of financial products to women entrepreneurs, including access to grants, low-interest loans, and micro-financing. This ensures that women can easily establish or expand their businesses with a secure financial foundation.
- Marketing & Market Expansion: The agency provides specialized marketing support, including access to both local and international markets. By offering training on e-commerce and digital marketing, MSMEDA is helping women entrepreneurs scale their products and services to new audiences.
During an awareness event held in Cairo, MSMEDA hosted over 100 women entrepreneurs, including members of the Egyptian Businesswomen Association (EBA 21). The event focused on educating participants about MSMEDA’s funding programs and how they can benefit from the provisions of the SMEs Development Law, which facilitates easier access to finance and other support services.
In Matrouh, the agency organized a series of e-commerce workshops aimed at empowering Bedouin women. These workshops, in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Center of Matrouh, provided hands-on training for expanding businesses in today’s digital world.
Similarly, in Fayoum, MSMEDA launched a specialized training program under the “Rabeh Project” in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). This program focused on training women in traditional crafts to enhance their products’ competitiveness, both within Egypt and on international markets. The program aimed to provide these women with the tools to expand their businesses and generate sustainable income.
International Recognition & Success Stories
One of MSMEDA’s standout success stories is that of Heba Abdel Hamid Nabil, a client of the agency whose business is based on banana fiber products, a sustainable and eco-friendly industry. Heba’s project was showcased at the 6th Commercial Exhibition and Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, organized by the COMESA Businesswomen’s Association. This exposure not only highlighted Heba’s business but also emphasized MSMEDA’s commitment to promoting green economy projects on an international stage.
Rahmy noted that MSMEDA’s efforts align with Egypt’s broader development goals, particularly in regard to gender equality and economic inclusion. “Our support for women is not just about creating opportunities for business success. It’s about fostering a more inclusive economy, where women can actively contribute to and benefit from Egypt’s growth,” he explained.
Key Achievements and Services of MSMEDA:
- Training Programs: Offering free, tailored training courses on business management, marketing, and digital transformation to help women build and scale their businesses.
- Comprehensive Financial Support: Providing access to a variety of financial services, including loans, grants, and microfinance, enabling women to launch or expand their businesses successfully.
- SMEs Development Law: Promoting the provisions of Law No. 152 of 2020, which incentivizes business expansion and makes it easier for women entrepreneurs to access the resources and support they need.
- Targeted Support for Underserved Regions: Special programs in rural and marginalized areas, including Upper Egypt and border governorates, to empower women and increase their economic contributions.
- Global Exposure: Facilitating international visibility and business opportunities through participation in global trade events, such as the COMESA exhibition, where Egyptian women entrepreneurs are showcased on the global stage.
Highlights of MSMEDA’s Support for Women Entrepreneurs:
- Free Training: Empowering women with the skills to build and manage small and micro-enterprises.
- Financial Products: Providing loans, grants, and micro-finance to help women expand or start businesses.
- E-Commerce & Marketing: Offering training in digital marketing and e-commerce to reach a global customer base.
- Global Representation: Promoting Egypt’s women entrepreneurs on the international stage to create new business opportunities.
By continuing to support and uplift women entrepreneurs, MSMEDA plays a pivotal role in creating a more inclusive economy where women’s contributions are recognized and celebrated.
