Egypt prioritizes women's economic empowerment with LE 1.3B in 2025 funding

CAIRO - 12 August 2026: The Economic and Social Development Plan for the fiscal year 2026/27 affirms that women's economic empowerment is among the Egypt's top priorities.

 

This will be achieved through expanding funding for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), thereby increasing women's participation in economic activity, improving income levels, and supporting the economic independence of families.

 

The plan clarifies that the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA) injected over EGP 1.3 billion in funding for women during 2025.

 

This represents approximately a quarter of the total funding provided by the agency, reflecting the state's continued commitment to expanding the base of beneficiaries of financing programs and supporting female entrepreneurs in various governorates, particularly in the most disadvantaged areas.

 

Data from the plan shows that funding directed towards women contributed to financing approximately 25,900 projects. Micro-enterprises received the largest share of this funding, while MSMEs also received a significant portion, creating thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities for women.

 

The plan also highlighted that women benefited from infrastructure and community development projects and training programs, reflecting the state's integrated approach that goes beyond simply providing loans.

 

This approach extends to capacity building, skills development, and creating a suitable environment for the success and sustainability of women-led projects.

 

The Economic and Social Development Plan for the fiscal year 2026/2027 added that Upper Egypt governorates received the largest share of funding allocated to women, and the commercial sector was the primary beneficiary.

 

This underscores the state's commitment to enhancing women's participation in various economic activities.

 

The plan indicates that these efforts are part of a broader strategy aimed at increasing women's participation in the labor market, encouraging entrepreneurship, transforming small businesses into effective tools for achieving economic and social development, raising the standard of living for Egyptian families, and promoting women's financial and economic inclusion throughout the country.