The National Bank of Egypt (NBE) has signed a cooperation protocol with Plan International Egypt to launch a comprehensive initiative supporting the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector — one of the cornerstones of the Egyptian economy and a key engine for job creation and growth.
Empowering Women, Youth, and Marginalized Communities
Speaking after the signing, Soha El-Turky, Executive Vice President of the National Bank of Egypt, stated: “This partnership is a crucial milestone in enabling underserved groups — particularly youth and women — to integrate into the formal economy positively. Through tailored financial and non-financial services, we aim to support inclusive financial access, in line with Egypt’s 2030 Vision and the bank’s strategy for financial inclusion and sustainable development.”
A Development-Focused Collaboration
The agreement with Plan International Egypt, a leading global NGO focused on child rights and community development, will enable the joint design and implementation of impactful interventions — from entrepreneurship training and awareness programs, to detailed research and assessments of the MSME landscape in targeted communities.
Rozanne Khalifa, Country Director of Plan International Egypt, praised the partnership, calling it a model for cross-sector collaboration: “Partnering with the National Bank of Egypt, the country’s largest bank, allows us to co-create integrated programs that support entrepreneurship, promote income-generating projects, and raise awareness around economic empowerment.”
Driving Innovation and Sustainable Enterprise
Dr. Emad Farag, Head of the SMEs Group at NBE, emphasized the importance of the protocol in supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems across Egypt’s governorates: “We’re offering targeted financial packages, skill-building programs, and innovative banking solutions to support artisans, youth-led startups, and women entrepreneurs. Beyond funding, we’re providing access to non-financial services such as training and mentorship to accelerate business growth and formal economic integration.”
Dr. Farag also highlighted the bank’s commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation, noting that new initiatives will focus on transforming promising ideas into sustainable, competitive businesses — especially in underserved regions.
