Egypt’s “Mashroa’ak” National Program for Community, Human, and Local Development continues to make significant strides in empowering communities and driving economic growth across the country. Since its launch in 2015, the program has facilitated the implementation of over 212,800 projects, injecting approximately EGP29.2 billion ($598.1 million) into the economy and creating over 1.442 million job opportunities.
A vision for a brighter future
Manal Awad, Egypt’s minister of Local Development, highlighted the program’s remarkable achievements, emphasizing its alignment with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s vision to combat unemployment through innovative solutions that foster comprehensive development.
In addition, minister Awad stated that the “Mashroa’ak” program exemplifies their dedication to empowering communities and fostering real economic growth opportunities. She further emphasized that the program is making a tangible difference in villages, neighborhoods, cities, and districts by providing genuine job opportunities and promoting sustainable development throughout the nation.
Empowering entrepreneurs
The program, open to all age groups, encourages the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across various sectors, including agriculture, industry, services, commerce, marketing, freelancing, and livestock. Furthermore, recognizing the crucial role of SMEs in job creation and economic development, the program provides a comprehensive support system, including:
- Flexible Funding: Micro-projects for women heads of households and youth start from EGP1,000 to EGP150,000, while SMEs can receive funding starting from EGP150,000 with no upper limit, depending on the project’s nature and bank approval.
- Simplified Procedures: The program offers temporary, free licenses to approved projects, allowing them to commence operations immediately upon receiving their loans.
- Multiple Project Tracks: The program offers three tracks for project implementation: existing projects seeking expansion, repetitive model projects, and new and innovative project ideas.
- Comprehensive Support: The program provides technical and administrative training, feasibility studies, and guidance through dedicated offices across all governorates. These offices are staffed by representatives from local administration, participating banks, and relevant licensing authorities, offering a one-stop shop for applicants.
A commitment to success
Moreover, minister Awad emphasized the program’s commitment to providing ongoing support and monitoring, ensuring its effectiveness and achieving its objectives. The program’s dedicated team prepares monthly reports, coordinates with participating banks, updates the project website, tracks loan applicant data, and addresses any obstacles faced by borrowers.
The “Mashroa’ak” program further stands as a testament to Egypt’s commitment to empowering communities, fostering economic growth, and creating a brighter future for all Egyptians.
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