The Egyptian-Lebanese Businessmen Association has unveiled a bold new initiative aimed at bolstering Egypt’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through affordable financing.
Amr Fattouh, Chair of the Association’s Committee on Entrepreneurship and SMEs, announced the launch of the “T’qdar” initiative on Monday.
The programme, established in collaboration with the National Bank of Egypt (NBE), provides soft loans to small businesses at a decreasing interest rate of 5%.
“The initiative comes within the framework of the cooperation protocol signed between the Egyptian-Lebanese Businessmen Association and the National Bank of Egypt,” said Fattouh.
“It aims to support the growth and sustainability of small businesses operating in Egypt’s industrial and productive sectors by easing access to finance at preferential rates.”
The financing programme targets factories and companies with annual sales not exceeding EGP 50 million in key sectors, including industry, agriculture, and information technology.
Fattouh emphasized that the initiative’s benefits include full financing—up to 100% of the total investment cost—with fixed monthly repayments.
Eligible uses for the funds cover the purchase of machinery and equipment, upgrading production lines, and financing working capital.
The programme also offers significant non-financial support. “In addition to banking facilitation, beneficiaries will receive technical and institutional support from the Association,” Fattouh added. “The initiative will also serve as a link to other national programmes promoting economic empowerment.”
The initiative reflects an ongoing push by the National Bank of Egypt to support economic development and entrepreneurship across the country. Through such partnerships, the government and private sector aim to unlock the potential of SMEs, considered a vital engine for job creation and economic resilience.
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