In a move to bolster its startup ecosystem, Egypt’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA) has signed a cooperation agreement with Outreach Egypt, the implementing partner for the Orange Corners Egypt program. The partnership aims to expand access to non-financial services for entrepreneurs, strengthening the national economy’s competitiveness.
Quick Facts
- Focuses on non-financial support for entrepreneurs.
- Targets underserved regions in Upper Egypt and the Delta.
- Over 50% of program beneficiaries are women.
A Strategic Push for Non-Financial Services
The agreement was signed by Basil Rahmy, CEO of MSMEDA, and Heba El-Rifai, General Manager of Outreach Egypt, at the Dutch Embassy in Cairo, attended by the Ambassador of the Netherlands, Peter Mollema.
Rahmy emphasized that the partnership aligns with MSMEDA’s developmental role in creating a supportive climate for entrepreneurship. He stated that supporting young innovators is a primary driver of sustainable development. The collaboration with Outreach Egypt and Orange Corners is designed to create an environment that fosters the growth of startups and improves their market access.
“The agreement targets providing technical and advisory support to hundreds of entrepreneurs, with a focus on innovative and sustainable models,” said Rahmy. He added that the initiative follows directives from Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly to increase business development services, which are fundamental to the sustainability and competitiveness of new ventures. The cooperation will include training, mentorship, networking, and educating entrepreneurs on the legal framework provided by Enterprise Development Law No. 152 of 2020.
Dutch Initiative Deepens Egyptian Roots
Ambassador Peter Mollema highlighted the Orange Corners program as a leading initiative by the Kingdom of the Netherlands to support entrepreneurship globally. He noted that the collaboration with MSMEDA shows a shared commitment to empowering Egyptian youth, particularly in areas with greater service needs like Upper Egypt and the Delta.
“The program contributes to developing the entrepreneurship ecosystem and expanding access to services,” Mollema stated, pointing out that women constitute over 50% of the program’s beneficiaries, reinforcing efforts toward inclusive growth.
Building Hubs Beyond Cairo
Dalia Al-Nazir, Manager of the Orange Corners Egypt program, stressed that effective partnerships are critical to building robust startup ecosystems. She explained that the collaboration with MSMEDA will connect entrepreneurs with impactful support systems, opening new paths for sustainable growth.
Al-Nazir added that the program is concentrated on supporting entrepreneurs, especially women, in several governorates, including Assiut, Luxor, Alexandria, Beheira, Kafr El-Sheikh, Dakahlia, and Menoufia, to achieve a tangible developmental impact at the local level.
About MSMEDA
The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA) is the primary Egyptian government body responsible for developing and supporting the SME sector. It works to create a favorable business environment, provide financial and non-financial services, and foster a culture of entrepreneurship across Egypt.
About Orange Corners Egypt
Orange Corners is an initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, implemented in collaboration with local partners. The program provides young entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, networking, and funding to help them start and grow their businesses. In Egypt, it is managed by Outreach Egypt and focuses on creating opportunities for youth and women outside of the main metropolitan hubs.
Source: Ahram Gate
