Egypt launches 2025–2030 handicrafts strategy, targets $600m in exports

Egypt launched its National Strategy for Handicrafts (2025–2030) on Saturday, aiming to raise handicraft exports to $600 million, increase domestic market share to 70 per cent, and create 120,000 new jobs, according to a Cabinet statement.

Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly unveiled the strategy during the opening of the Torathna 2025 Exhibition for heritage and handicraft products, held under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Prepared by the Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA) in cooperation with multiple ministries — including social solidarity, industry, culture, and local development — the strategy aims to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Egypt’s traditional crafts, both locally and globally.

“This strategy is a response to shifts in global trade, supply chains, and sustainability standards,” said Madbouly. “It includes measurable goals, clear responsibilities, and financing mechanisms to ensure implementation and continuous evaluation.”

A Temporary Steering Committee, headed by the Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Mosry and coordinated by MSMEDA’s CEO Basel Rahmy, will oversee the first phase (2025–2026). A National Council for Handicrafts will later be established to lead the sector’s long-term development.

Madbouly called Egyptian handicrafts a “living symbol of national identity and civilisation,” and urged state institutions, private stakeholders, and civil society to support the initiative as a step toward both heritage preservation and economic diversification.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser