Egypt’s Mashroak finances 228k SME projects worth EGP36b since 2015

The initiative has created more than 1.5 million direct and indirect job opportunities, mainly targeting youth and women.

Sohag Governorate topped the list with 24,600 projects worth 5 billion pounds, generating about 164,000 jobs. Minya ranked second with 24,300 projects and loans of 3.5 billion pounds, followed by Beheira with 20,500 projects valued at 2 billion pounds, and Dakahlia with 18,900 projects worth 2.4 billion pounds, the statement said.

“Mashroak acts as a development and financing arm that helps young people integrate into the labour market and become productive,” Local Development Minister Manal Awad said, noting that the programme aligns with the government’s strategy to support SMEs as a key engine of economic growth and job creation.

Awad said the ministry plans to expand the programme by opening more offices in villages and local centres to reach a wider base of youth and women entrepreneurs. The initiative not only provides financing but also offers technical and marketing support through its regional offices, she added.

The minister said she closely monitors the projects’ implementation to remove obstacles for young entrepreneurs and ensure their sustainability, while emphasising the importance of expanding awareness campaigns and training programmes to help citizens access feasibility studies and turn business ideas into viable ventures.