In a special ceremony held to mark International Women’s Day, the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA) honored Egyptian women entrepreneurs at its event titled “Aziza.” The event celebrated the invaluable contributions of Egyptian women in the realm of entrepreneurship, emphasizing their crucial role in economic development.
In this event, Basil Rahmi, CEO of MSMEDA, highlighted the agency’s constant dedication to supporting Egyptian women and enhancing their economic empowerment. He emphasized that Egyptian women are integral to the country’s economic development, stressing that the agency is committed to providing all the necessary resources and opportunities to help women achieve their entrepreneurial aspirations.
In his opening speech, Rahmi expressed immense pride in the role of women in Egypt’s economic and social development. He acknowledged that MSMEDA continuously works to encourage more women to enter the field of entrepreneurship through a range of financial and non-financial services. These services aim to overcome the barriers women often face in the world of business and empower them to succeed.
He also praised the collaboration of various entities, including the Central Bank of Egypt, the Hayat Karima initiative, the Egyptian Integrated Development Initiative, and the Export Council for Handicrafts, for their support in the event. Their collective efforts aim to promote women’s economic empowerment across the country.
Celebrating Women’s Achievements: Sharing Success Stories
Mrs. Ghada Tawfik, Advisor to the Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, discussed the various initiatives aimed at supporting women across different governorates, with a focus on financial inclusion. Mrs. Ahood Wafi, Chairperson of the Hayat Karima Foundation and member of the National Council for Women, presented success stories from women beneficiaries of the presidential Hayat Karima initiative. This initiative has had a significant impact in improving the economic status of women by helping them launch and develop small and micro-businesses.
The discussions also included several workshops and panel discussions focusing on entrepreneurship topics such as export basics and dealing with international markets. Rahmi emphasized that the event provided valuable insights to women entrepreneurs on how to access marketing platforms through MSMEDA’s collaborations with prominent institutions like the Grand Egyptian Museum and Cairo International Airport.
Empowering Women through MSMEDA’s “Aziza” Initiative
MSMEDA’s ongoing commitment to supporting Egyptian women entrepreneurs was evident in the launch of the Aziza initiative. This program, introduced last year, aims to provide easy financing options to women running micro, small, and medium-sized businesses. The initiative supports women across Egypt who wish to either develop their existing businesses or launch new ones, offering a comprehensive package of financial, technical, and marketing assistance to ensure the sustainability and success of their projects.
The agency also highlighted its continued efforts to create an environment that nurtures women entrepreneurs and helps them transform their ideas into successful businesses. The collaboration with various entities in the event underscores the importance of a collective effort to ensure women receive the support they need to thrive in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Promoting Sustainability and Growth for Women-Led Businesses
Rahmi stressed that MSMEDA’s goal is not only to provide financial support but also to ensure that women entrepreneurs are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in a competitive market. The agency’s comprehensive approach to training, marketing, and financial support for women-led businesses aims to make a significant impact on the growth of women-led enterprises across Egypt.
In line with this, MSMEDA continues to offer a range of services that provide practical knowledge on key topics such as export techniques, dealing with international markets, and navigating the logistics of participating in international exhibitions. These services are designed to enhance the market reach and financial sustainability of women-owned businesses, providing them with a competitive edge in the global economy.
Looking to the Future: Ongoing Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
As Egypt celebrates International Women’s Day, MSMEDA remains steadfast in its dedication to advancing women’s roles in entrepreneurship and economic development. Through initiatives like Aziza, the agency continues to foster a supportive environment for women entrepreneurs, providing the tools and resources they need to succeed.
The celebration of women’s entrepreneurial achievements is a testament to their resilience and determination. As Egypt’s entrepreneurial landscape continues to evolve, MSMEDA’s efforts to empower women will remain a central pillar in the pursuit of inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Through collaboration with other stakeholders and continued investment in women’s potential, the agency is helping to create a future where women are not only contributors to the economy but also its driving force.
