Egypt launches initiative to support cotton-based SMEs

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA) has launched the “Egyptian Cotton Festival” initiative in cooperation with Cairo Governorate and in collaboration with the Egyptian Marketing Studies Foundation, aiming to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and production clusters operating across Egypt’s cotton value chain.

The initiative seeks to help businesses establish stronger linkages with major brands, enhance production and marketing efficiency, and expand access to local and international markets.

It will support enterprises specialising in cotton furnishings and textile manufacturing, spinning and weaving industries, ginning and spinning machinery, chemicals and dyeing, in addition to suppliers and agents dealing in cotton raw materials. Participating businesses will also receive assistance in developing operations through financial and technical support programmes.

Bassel Rahmy, CEO of MSMEDA, met Mahmoud Hassan, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Egyptian Marketing Studies Foundation, to announce the agency’s sponsorship of the initiative.

Rahmy said the programme aligns with directives issued by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, who also chairs MSMEDA’s board, to strengthen the capabilities of domestic small-scale industries, support export potential, and expand locally manufactured products capable of replacing imports while remaining competitive.

He noted that enterprises operating within Egypt’s cotton sector represent a promising industry that MSMEDA is keen to support, alongside sectors including furniture manufacturing in Damietta, handicrafts, heritage industries and complementary industries serving larger enterprises.