In a significant move to foster a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape, Egypt’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA) has announced the launch of specialized training programs designed to empower individuals with disabilities. The initiative aims to equip participants with the essential skills needed to enter the world of self-employment and business ownership.
This strategic effort is being carried out in close collaboration with various civil society institutions, spearheaded by a partnership with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD).
A Strategic National Collaboration
Basil Rahmy, CEO of MSMEDA, highlighted that the initiative is a key component of the “Invest in Yourself” program, a national campaign under the patronage of First Lady Entisar El-Sisi and implemented by the NCPD. The program’s core objective is to develop the entrepreneurial skills of people with disabilities, encouraging them to pursue self-employment and facilitating their economic and social integration.
The initial phase of the program is set to be rolled out across ten governorates in Egypt. Rahmy praised the continuous cooperation with Dr. Iman Karim, President of the NCPD, in executing various activities that support individuals with disabilities in starting their ventures and marketing their products.
Targeted Skills Development
The training programs are designed to provide practical, hands-on knowledge. In collaboration with the NCPD, MSMEDA has already conducted courses in the Sohag governorate, training 35 individuals with disabilities. Participants included final-year students from the Al-Amal School for the Deaf and members of various civil society organizations.
The workshops cover a comprehensive curriculum, including identifying entrepreneurial traits, understanding the dimensions of self-employment, generating and selecting viable business ideas, and developing effective marketing skills. Rahmy confirmed that similar training sessions have also been successfully executed in the Alexandria and Kafr El-Sheikh governorates.
Expanding The Program’s Reach
MSMEDA is committed to expanding the program’s footprint across the country. Further training sessions were recently held from November 17th to 20th in the governorates of Matrouh, Aswan, and the New Valley. These sessions focus on helping participants identify their entrepreneurial capabilities, refine their project ideas, and develop robust business and e-marketing plans.
Rahmy affirmed that MSMEDA will continue to offer these vital training courses through its branches in all governorates. This falls under the agency’s broader strategy to promote a culture of entrepreneurship as a primary tool for creating sustainable employment opportunities and improving economic conditions for business owners and their employees.
About The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA)
The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA) is an Egyptian governmental body responsible for developing and supporting the SME sector in Egypt. The agency provides a range of financial and non-financial services, aiming to foster a culture of entrepreneurship, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s economic growth by empowering citizens to establish and grow their own businesses.
Source: Elbalad TV
