Egypt Invests Billions in ⁣Women-Led Businesses, Creating Jobs

Updated June 21, 2025

Cairo-The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA) has channeled notable investment into women-led businesses across Egypt. CEO Bassel Rahmy announced the agency allocated EGP 17.4 billion over the past‍ decade to bolster micro and small enterprises.This financial support has fueled approximately 900,000 projects and ‍generated an estimated ‍1.2 million job opportunities, ⁤playing a key role in women’s economic empowerment.

Rahmy emphasized the agency’s focus‍ on directing funds to areas most in need. He noted that ‌EGP 9.4 billion, ​representing 54%​ of the total‌ investment, was allocated to projects ‌in Upper Egypt, border governorates, and other underserved regions. MSMEDA aims to double this financing, aligning with the government’s broader strategy to enhance women’s economic⁤ participation ‌and unlock their potential as drivers of national growth. The role of women in SMEs is vital for economic development.

The announcement occurred during the “Women in SMEs” Conference, hosted by the Women Entrepreneurs Club under MSMEDA’s patronage. The conference drew representatives from financial institutions, entrepreneurship support organizations, ambassadors, and prominent female leaders from diverse ⁢economic sectors, highlighting⁢ the importance of financial‌ assistance for these businesses.

MSMEDA is ⁤committed to collaborating with government bodies, civil society organizations, and development partners to further women’s economic empowerment, Rahmy saeid. He stressed⁢ the importance of supporting women in launching and expanding enterprises across⁤ industrial ⁣and service sectors. This approach⁢ aims to cultivate a new generation of pioneering women entrepreneurs who can contribute to Egypt’s economic ‍conversion through digital transformation and innovation.

Rahmy ​also highlighted the importance of ‌participating in conferences to exchange expertise, share triumphant models, and align with international best practices, especially in the SME ​sector and women’s ​empowerment. these efforts align with ‌Egypt Vision 2030 and the United ‌Nations Lasting Development Goals.

during the event, Rahmy outlined‌ the range of financial and ⁤non-financial services MSMEDA⁢ offers to entrepreneurs. The agency is expanding⁣ the accessibility of its services nationwide, especially for women and young people, ​by⁣ leveraging digital tools and platforms.

Mona⁢ Mourad,founder and CEO of the ⁢Women Entrepreneurs Club,affirmed ‌the Club’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of Egyptian women and‌ enabling them to lead in medium and large-scale enterprises. She cited the conference’s collaboration with the American University in Cairo’s Center for entrepreneurship and Innovation and Alcatel-Lucent as an example of how partnerships can accelerate women’s leadership in digital transformation and institutional growth.

Mourad ‌praised MSMEDA for⁤ its pivotal role in building women’s capacities ‌across various economic activities, particularly by supporting productive, sustainable projects. She added that ⁤the agency’s presence at the⁢ event reflects the growing synergy between state institutions and development actors in creating a thriving ecosystem for female entrepreneurship.

Rahmy recognized several women who have built successful businesses with MSMEDA’s support, including Yasmin El-Sweifi, owner of a restaurant chain; Mona Sami, founder of an educational toy business; and Sherine Saleh, who established a medical and cosmetic supplies manufacturing project. Rahmy ⁤said their achievements demonstrate the transformative impact of targeted support and inclusive development policies.

What’s next

MSMEDA plans to continue expanding its support programs⁤ and partnerships to further empower women entrepreneurs across Egypt, focusing on innovation and sustainable growth.