For preserving Egypt’s rich artisanal heritage while advancing economic inclusion, QNB Egypt has signed a new cooperation protocol with Waqfeyat Misr Foundation – WMF to launch the second phase of the “Master Artisans”( Asṭwāt) initiative.
The program, originally launched in 2023 under the Arabic title “Asṭwāt”,” is dedicated to reviving traditional crafts and supporting local master artisans—particularly women and youth—through skills training, microenterprise development, and cultural preservation.
This new phase builds on the success of the initiative’s first year, which witnessed the graduation of its first cohort of artisans skilled in heritage trades such as weaving, pottery, embroidery, and copperwork.
Bridging Culture and Economic Opportunity
The “Master Artisans” initiative reflects Egypt’s growing interest in combining economic empowerment with cultural preservation. Through partnerships with NGOs, vocational experts, and craft institutions, the program provides hands-on training, access to raw materials, and go-to-market support for heritage-based products.
It is particularly focused on empowering female artisans, many of whom are sole breadwinners in underserved communities. By equipping them with the skills to participate in Egypt’s expanding creative economy, the initiative promotes both gender equity and social resilience.
Supporting National Goals
The program also aligns with the Central Bank of Egypt’s financial inclusion strategy, which seeks to bring marginalized communities into the formal economic system through inclusive banking, education, and entrepreneurship support.
QNB Egypt’s role extends beyond sponsorship; it includes logistical coordination, financial literacy training, and support for artisan-led microenterprises to scale their business models sustainably.
As the second phase of the “Master Artisans” program begins, stakeholders say the long-term goal is to build a nationally recognized label of quality for Egyptian crafts—positioning local artisans not just as cultural custodians, but as competitive entrepreneurs in a global market.
