📋 Tender Overview
The project will contribute to market system development of the bio-based and agri-food, circular and sustainable energy value chains in Luxor, Qena, Sohag and Beni Suef (with a particular focus on women and youth). This will be done through capacity building/upskilling, creation of market linkages and integration of sustainble practices and policies to reduce poverty, mitigate climate change and reduce environmental degradation.
Country/region Topic Period Budget
Egypt
Inclusive economic Development
SME development
Business support & economic inclusion
Employment creation
01.08.2025 - 30.06.2029
CHF 3’500’000
The project in brief
Background Egypt is facing increasing economic pressures, over-proportionally affecting the poor, in particular in Upper Egypt, where 55% of the population, remains below the poverty line. While agriculture and manufacturing employ 33% of the population, agriculture consumes 80% of Egypt’s scarce water resources1 and manufacturing consumes 26% of Egypt’s energy2. Egypt has made progress reducing CO2 emissions, but efforts must intensify to achieve set targets3. Egypt is also struggling with waste management and recycling, as pollution spreads across several organic and inorganic waste streams. IFC (2018) estimated that the market value of the country’s agricultural waste could reach 920 million USD annually. Green investment opportunities for the private sector in Egypt are estimated to amount to at least USD 38 billion between 2020 and 20304. Although Egypt has developed its framework conditions to promote green growth, MSMEs providing green technologies and solutions continue to face challenges limiting their growth and technology adoption rates. In addtion to their remoteness from metropolitan entreprenurship hubs, rural MSMEs in Upper Egypt face additional challenges, including lack of infrastructure development, limited market integration, access to finance and a high prevalence of informality.
Objectives Contribute to transforming the market system in Upper Egypt to be more conducive to MSME growth and enable inclusive and sustainable economic and industrial development within the green and circular economy.
Target groups • 5,500 direct beneficiaries • 105 MSME’s (35% female-led) • 35 start-ups (40% female-led) • 8 governmental bodies • Private sector representatives • 3 universities • 3 banks • NGOs and CDAs • Governors of Luxor, Qena and Sohag (new).
Results Expected results: Output 1.1: Green and circular start-ups and MSMEs are capacitated to improve their productivity, competitiveness and resilience. Output 1.2: Financial institutions are strengthened to design, implement and mainstream green finance solutions that drive green growth and circular economy. Output 2.1: Policymakers are equipped with strengthened frameworks and institutional capacities to effectively support green and circular start-ups and MSMEs, fostering sustainable economic growth and innovation. Output 3.1 Capacities of 10
