Dr. Sharif Farouk, Egypt's Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, recently participated in a high-level panel discussion titled "Policies and Investment for Entrepreneurial Prosperity" at the Global Entrepreneurship Forum (GEF Egypt 2026) in Cairo. The forum, which took place from November 6 to 8, brought together various stakeholders to discuss ways to promote entrepreneurship and investment in Egypt. During the discussion, Dr. Farouk highlighted the efforts of his ministry to develop the country's internal trade system and modernize its distribution network.
The minister emphasized that developing retail outlets and improving their operational efficiency is crucial for supporting entrepreneurship and providing investment opportunities for young people and small and medium-sized enterprises. He noted that Egypt's retail distribution network currently comprises around 30,000 licensed retailers, 8,000 outlets for the "Jameity" project, and 1,060 consumer complexes. Dr. Farouk stressed that his ministry aims to develop approximately 40,000 retail outlets in partnership with the private sector as part of a comprehensive plan to modernize the country's trade and distribution system.
One of the key initiatives under this plan is the "Cary On" project, which aims to modernize retail outlets according to a unified brand identity and operational standards. The project also seeks to improve management and service methods, as well as implement modern systems for inventory management and sales. Dr. Farouk revealed that his ministry has already opened 20 new branches of the "Cary On" project in September, bringing the total number of branches to 24. The ministry plans to develop around 250 to 300 "Jameity" outlets and licensed retailers into "Cary On" outlets in various governorates this year.
The "Cary On" project focuses on developing the activities of existing retail outlet owners and integrating them into a more efficient commercial system while maintaining their role as key partners in providing goods to citizens. The development process includes providing a unified brand identity, regular supply of goods, and modern inventory management and sales systems, as well as training on operational methods and customer service. The project is implemented in collaboration with the Holding Company for Food Industries.
To support small and medium-sized enterprises and young people, the Holding Company for Food Industries and the Egyptian Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency signed a memorandum of understanding to develop "Jameity" outlets and licensed retailers. The agreement includes providing services such as reviewing feasibility studies, offering financial and non-financial services, training on management, marketing, and operation, and facilitating licensing and commercial registration procedures.
Dr. Farouk highlighted the success of the "Jameity" project in providing around 24,000 job opportunities. He emphasized the importance of building on this experience and leveraging the expertise of existing retail outlet owners to support their business development and enhance their competitiveness. The minister also noted that joining the "Cary On" project allows existing retail outlet owners to develop their businesses and access available financing from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency.
The minister stressed the importance of utilizing technological solutions and modern innovations in developing internal trade, particularly in areas such as inventory management, sales, distribution, electronic payment, digital marketing, and data analysis. He revealed that his ministry is exploring cooperation opportunities with technology companies to leverage their innovative solutions in developing the "Cary On" project, including digital transformation, computing, automation, and artificial intelligence.
Key points
- Egypt plans to develop 40,000 retail outlets
- The "Cary On" project aims to modernize retail outlets
- The project will be implemented in partnership with the private sector
