Deputy Foreign Minister for International Cooperation Somaya El-Ahdal met with Bassel Rahmy, CEO of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA), to discuss expanding support for small businesses and entrepreneurship, and to align efforts behind a unified work plan for the coming phase.
The meeting focused on enhancing coordination to maximise the developmental impact of MSMEDA’s programmes, in line with national priorities. Discussions also underscored the importance of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector in driving job creation—particularly for youth and women—boosting exports, and supporting Egypt’s transition towards a green economy.
El-Ahdal reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to supporting MSMEDA through its international cooperation portfolio, highlighting its role in mobilising development financing in partnership with bilateral and multilateral partners. She noted that these efforts aim to channel funding towards projects that deliver tangible economic and social returns.
She added that directives from Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasise support for productive sectors, particularly industry and agriculture, while recognising the critical role of MSMEs in deepening local manufacturing and strengthening value chains. El-Ahdal stressed continued backing for MSMEDA’s initiatives to help integrate businesses into the formal economy, enhance sustainability, and expand access to incentives under Egypt’s investment framework.
For his part, Rahmy said MSMEDA is working closely with the ministry’s international cooperation team to implement directives from Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, who also chairs the agency’s board. These efforts aim to foster a more supportive ecosystem for SMEs, expand access to financing, and enable entrepreneurs to scale up operations and generate employment.
Rahmy also highlighted the importance of aligning with international cooperation programmes to accelerate the formalisation of the informal sector, increase SME exports, and facilitate access to regional and global markets. He pointed to ongoing efforts to secure grants for community development and infrastructure projects, which play a key role in preparing underserved areas for MSME expansion and in reducing irregular migration by creating labour-intensive job opportunities.
He praised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ role in strengthening partnerships with development partners, noting that such cooperation enhances confidence in Egypt’s SME sector and reinforces its contribution to inclusive economic growth.
