The CEO of Egypt's Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA), Mostafa Hassan, met with a delegation from the Arab Women Investors Union led by President Hoda Galal Yassa on September 24, 2026. The meeting aimed to discuss future cooperation in supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, young people, and women. This discussion also explored MSMEDA's participation in the 2026 Arab-African Investment and International Cooperation Summit in Luxor.

During the meeting, Hassan outlined MSMEDA's plans to work closely with civil society organizations and institutions involved in developing the business environment. The agency aims to help small businesses reach export markets by opening new domestic and international marketing channels for Egyptian products and improving their competitiveness. This initiative is part of MSMEDA's broader strategy to support the growth of small businesses.

MSMEDA will work with development partners to address challenges facing small businesses and help them attract private investment. The agency plans to utilize modern technology to increase productivity, support knowledge-based businesses, and help entrepreneurs turn new ideas into commercially viable projects. This approach is expected to enhance the capabilities of small businesses in Egypt.

Hoda Galal Yassa invited Hassan to participate in the Arab-African Investment and International Cooperation Summit, scheduled to take place in Luxor from October 18 to 22. The summit, organized by the Arab Women Investors Union, is expected to bring together delegations representing 43 countries. This event provides a platform for discussing investment opportunities and cooperation between Arab and African nations.

Yassa affirmed that cooperation with MSMEDA could include vocational training linked to employment opportunities, particularly in the industrial and tourism sectors. This collaboration aims to enhance the skills of workers in small and medium-sized businesses, enabling them to compete effectively in foreign markets. The two sides also discussed entrepreneurship programs and training initiatives.

The meeting between MSMEDA and the Arab Women Investors Union highlights the efforts to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in Egypt. By working together, both parties aim to create more opportunities for growth and development in the country. This cooperation is expected to have a positive impact on the Egyptian economy.

The Arab-African Investment and International Cooperation Summit will provide a platform for MSMEDA to showcase its plans and initiatives for supporting small businesses. With the participation of 43 countries, the summit is expected to facilitate dialogue and cooperation between Arab and African nations, ultimately contributing to the growth of investments in the region.

Key points

  • MSMEDA to participate in the 2026 Arab-African Investment and International Cooperation Summit in Luxor.
  • Agency plans to help small businesses reach export markets and improve competitiveness.
  • Cooperation with Arab Women Investors Union to include vocational training and entrepreneurship programs.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.