The National Bank of Egypt (NBE) has equipped one hundred fishermen in Luxor with modern, fully-motorised boats free of charge, a life-altering intervention designed to secure stable incomes and long-term economic independence for large, vulnerable families.
The vessels were delivered under the ‘Livelihood Boats’ (Marakeb El Rezk) initiative, a collaborative effort between the NBE and the Sonaa El Kheir Foundation, a member of the National Alliance for Civil Development Work. The programme aims to economically empower local fishers by providing the tangible tools required to achieve self-reliance and elevate their families’ standard of living.
Hany Abdel Fattah, Chief Executive of the Sonaa El Kheir Foundation, outlined the profound practical impact of the handover. He explained that the modern boats, complete with motors and comprehensive fishing gear, were granted with strict priority given to the primary breadwinners of large families who previously could not afford to own their own vessels.
Addressing the beneficiaries at the handover, Luxor Governor Engineer Abdel Muttalib Emara expressed his deep respect for the fishermen’s daily resilience. He urged them to channel this newfound support into increased production, whilst preserving their heritage by passing their invaluable knowledge down to younger generations of fishers. The governor also extended his gratitude to the NBE for fostering partnerships that leave a lasting, sustainable mark on local communities.
For the NBE, the initiative represents a shift from traditional aid to genuine economic empowerment. Dina Abou Taleb, Head of Marketing and Community Development at the NBE, emphasised that the bank’s involvement transcends direct, fleeting charity. Instead, it places real production tools directly into the hands of the workers, granting them the dignity of a sustainable income.
Mohamed Awara, NBE Community Development Manager, added that investing in human capital through practical tools creates a vital ripple effect. The initiative, he noted, uplifts not just the direct beneficiaries but their wider families and the surrounding community, fostering essential social and economic stability in alignment with the state’s broader development goals.
The handover ceremony, which marked a new chapter for the local fishing community, was also attended by Dr Hiam El Tabbakh, Advisory Board Member for the Foundation, and Dr Mohamed Abdel Galil, Deputy Chief Executive and Projects Sector Manager at Sonaa El Kheir.
