In a massive push to democratize access to startup resources across Egypt, the Medium, Small and Micro Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA) has concluded the latest edition of its “Qetar El Kheir” (Train of Goodness) initiative. Operating in partnership with Banker’s Lounge Academy and several national banks, the Ramadan 2026 campaign reached thousands of young Egyptians across 22 governorates to promote freelance work, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.
Quick Facts
- Reached 22 Egyptian governorates during Ramadan 2026.
- Targeted border regions including Arish, Aswan, and Red Sea.
- Offered free entrepreneurship training and financial service access.
Driving Grassroots Entrepreneurship Across Egypt
The initiative prioritized direct engagement with aspiring founders outside traditional urban tech hubs, focusing heavily on border governorates and Upper Egypt. Bassel Rahmy, CEO of MSMEDA, highlighted that the campaign successfully connected thousands of citizens with the agency’s resources.
Many participants have already transitioned into active entrepreneurship, utilizing free training courses to launch new ventures or scale existing micro-businesses. The program also mapped out specific regional investment opportunities tailored to each governorate.
The campaign maintained a wide geographical footprint, hosting open dialogues with Nubian youth in Aswan, as well as participants in the Red Sea, Sohag, Assiut, Minya, and multiple Delta governorates. It also marked International Women’s Day with a dedicated session for Baheya Foundation warriors, attended by Rahmy, and organized a large-scale forum at Al-Azhar University.
Unlocking SME Support and Financial Incentives
Beyond basic business training, the program served as a critical educational vehicle for regulatory frameworks. Representatives detailed the financial and non-financial support available through state ministries, emphasizing the operational advantages of Enterprise Development Law 152/2020 and Law 6/2025, which introduced significant tax incentives for small businesses.
The campaign’s concluding open forum in Arish, North Sinai, underscored this focus. Hosted at the Red Crescent Society and attended by students from Arish University’s faculties of commerce, business administration, and computer science, the session highlighted a strong local appetite for tech and business development.
MP Moussa Akirsh commended the agency’s efforts to bring direct awareness of state-backed startup incentives to North Sinai, emphasizing the importance of open communication between government bodies and emerging local founders.
Bridging the Skills Gap with Banker’s Lounge Academy
The strategic partnership with Banker’s Lounge Academy provided the initiative with specialized training personnel tailored to current labor market demands. Dr. Emad Katara, Head of Banker’s Lounge Academy, noted that reaching Arish was a critical milestone in their five-year commitment to supporting youth in remote areas.
“Our presence in Arish is a clear message that knowledge must reach every young person,” Katara stated.
He added that the initiative was designed to offer practical value beyond theory.
“The initiative is not just training content; it is an integrated experience aimed at empowering youth, connecting them to the labor market, and creating real opportunities,” Katara concluded.
About MSMEDA
The Medium, Small and Micro Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA) is the primary governmental body in Egypt responsible for coordinating and developing the SME sector. The agency provides financial and non-financial services, training programs, and regulatory support to foster entrepreneurship, drive economic growth, and create sustainable employment opportunities across the country.
Source: Shorouk News
