Reem El Saady, AD Deputy Head of Egypt at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), has reaffirmed her strong commitment to empowering Egypt’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), leading the launch of the “SME National Champion Program” in partnership with QNB Alahli and under the patronage of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE).
The program stands as a flagship model for non-financial SME support in Egypt, aiming to unlock growth potential, foster export readiness, and promote innovation across one of the economy’s most vital sectors.
“A Catalyst for Transformation” — Reem El Saady’s Vision for SMEs
Speaking at the launch event, Reem El Saady described the initiative as more than a support mechanism—it is a pathway to transformation. She emphasized that the program is designed to help Egyptian SMEs become export-ready, resilient, and globally competitive. By tailoring development strategies to the specific needs of each business, the initiative lays the groundwork for scalable, sustainable success.
Under her leadership, the program provides a comprehensive suite of non-financial services that address key growth challenges. These include intensive business and financial skills training, along with personalized technical and marketing consultancy services. Participating SMEs benefit from access to both local and international experts, ensuring that solutions are informed by global best practices and local market realities. The program also focuses on equipping businesses with the strategic insight and tools needed to expand in both domestic and international markets.
Why SMEs Matter
As one of the region’s leading figures in SME development, Reem El Saady has long championed the role of small businesses in driving inclusive economic growth. She views Egypt’s SMEs as essential contributors to job creation, innovation, and national resilience. However, she notes that to unlock their full potential, they need structured support systems that go beyond financing.
With this program, the EBRD is bridging the gap between ambition and execution. Reem believes that Egypt’s entrepreneurs already possess the vision and passion needed to succeed. The role of the EBRD, in partnership with institutions like QNB Alahli, is to provide the technical support, strategic advice, and capacity-building tools necessary to turn that vision into long-term, competitive success.
A Model for Success
Reem El Saady also praised QNB Alahli for its commitment to SME development and its impressive track record in supporting entrepreneurs across Egypt. The bank has exceeded the Central Bank of Egypt’s lending targets for SMEs, dedicating over 25% of its total credit portfolio to the sector, including 10% specifically for small businesses.
According to Reem, this deep engagement and understanding of the SME landscape make QNB Alahli an ideal implementation partner. She highlighted the bank’s proactive role not only in financing but also in offering advisory and developmental support—factors that align closely with the program’s holistic approach.
Support from the Central Bank of Egypt
The event also featured remarks by Sherif Lokman, CBE Sub-Governor for Financial Inclusion, who reaffirmed the importance of supporting SMEs as a pillar of Egypt’s Vision 2030 and financial inclusion strategy. He noted that expanding the base of export-ready SMEs is key to strengthening Egypt’s economic footprint globally.
Sherif Lokman commended the collaborative approach taken by the EBRD and QNB Alahli, describing the program as a vital tool for enabling Egyptian businesses to compete on an international scale. He also highlighted the Central Bank’s ongoing commitment to fostering partnerships that accelerate SME growth and economic diversification.
Looking Forward
Under Reem El Saady’s leadership, the SME National Champion Program is set to become a transformational force in Egypt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. It will play a pivotal role in enabling high-potential SMEs to overcome market challenges, access new opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to the national economy.
