MSMEDA Expands Partnership with Japan's JICA to Boost Youth-Led Industrial Projects

Strategic Insights -

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA) in Egypt has strengthened its partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to support youth-led industrial and productive enterprises. Under the leadership of Bassel Rahmy, CEO of MSMEDA, the agency has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with JICA to transfer Japanese expertise to Egyptian industrial enterprises. The discussions highlighted the importance of improving production quality, meeting international standards, and increasing the ability of small and medium-sized businesses to serve domestic demand and access global markets.

Key Takeaways:

  • The meeting between Bassel Rahmy, CEO of MSMEDA, and Yu Ebisawa, Resident Representative of JICA in Egypt, marks the beginning of Ebisawa's first official visit to MSMEDA since assuming his post in 2025.
  • The discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation aimed at supporting youth-led industrial and productive enterprises, aligning with Egypt's strategy to reduce imports and preserve foreign currency reserves.
  • Current efforts under an ongoing technical cooperation project between MSMEDA and JICA are concentrated in the food processing sector in Minya and the plastics manufacturing sector in Alexandria.
  • Future cooperation will focus particularly on supporting industrial and feeder industries, which play a critical role in integrated value chains and have significant potential for job creation and economic impact.
  • Yu Ebisawa expressed his appreciation for the strong and productive partnership with MSMEDA and affirmed JICA's readiness to continue and strengthen cooperation in support of small enterprise development and enhanced productivity across Egypt.
  • The partnership aims to improve production quality, meet international standards, and increase the ability of small and medium-sized businesses to serve domestic demand and access global markets.

Statistics:

  • The technical cooperation project between MSMEDA and JICA is focused in two sectors: food processing in Minya and plastics manufacturing in Alexandria.
  • The ministries of trade and industry are working closely with MSMEDA to strengthen the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector in Egypt.
  • According to MSMEDA, Egypt has 3.8 million SMEs in operation, which contribute to around 80% of its gross domestic product.
  • MSMEDA has implemented several strategic initiatives to support the growth of SMEs, including training programs, business incubators, and loan facilities.

Sources:

  • Dailynewsegypt, "MSMEDA expands partnership with Japan's JICA to boost youth-led industrial projects"
  • MSMEDA, "Bassel Rahmy, CEO of MSMEDA, meets with Yu Ebisawa, JICA's Resident Representative in Egypt"