Handicrafts drive the local economy wheel in Egypt

Baskets made out of reeds, date molasses, alabaster and sandstone vessels – handicrafts and small projects constitute an important basis for economic development in Egypt. It is not uncommon to hear of young Egyptians who, instead of waiting for jobs, take a more proactive stance and launch their own business by investing in small, medium and micro enterprises.

The important project entity behind the success of these projects is the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SME). It has provided funding for various projects since its establishment in 1992 of 31 regional offices which cover all Egyptian governorates.

The SME Development Agency’s regional offices facilitate all the necessary procedures for entrepreneurs to be able complete the required paperwork, receive loans quickly, access the commercial registry as well as obtain tax cards and licenses for carrying out the projects.

Seeking to help young people in their respective projects of interest, which vary between agriculture, the industrial field and other means of production, the agency tries to provide them with funding, by collaborating with multiple banks, NGOs and microfinance associations.

This simple and smooth initiative generates thousands of jobs for young people, especially for young graduates with intermediate and higher qualifications, professional managers, craftsmen, owners of existing small projects, as well as people with special needs.

Seizing Opportunities

Young entrepreneurs who wish to develop their own ideas for projects could go to the SME Development Agency for assistance. For example, there they would be able to join training courses and be introduced to many project ideas by the agency itself. The latter would then ideally provide non-financial assistance through marketing, exhibitions and post-funding services such as following up on the project and offering technical support and courses in the export field.

Handicrafts: Driving the Local Economy Wheel

Many Nubian women in Egypt are famous for handicrafts; they are known for the high-quality products displayed in Nubian houses on the banks of the Nile. These products attract many tourists from all over the world, who enjoy purchasing bottles of colored sand, woven baskets and plates among other items.

One successful example of female entrepreneurship is Fatima El Nubeya, who owns her own business in the village of west Suhail in Aswan.

Fatima joined a local association which offers handicraft training to Nubian women, using material such as palm leaves, for instance. The association also teaches its participants the proper ways to secure sales, through marketing and exhibiting. This opportunity indeed helped Fatima grow her business, and she has quickly earned a name for herself as one of the most famous women in the local handicraft industry.

Handicrafts made of palm leaves can be manufactured easily. Artisans like Fatima collect the palm leaves, divide them into several groups and then paint each group with bright colors that will attract the buyer’s attention, be that red, blue, yellow or other colors bought from an herbalist. The artisan prepares boiling water, mixes color with wicker in a pot and allows the leaves to soak. After a specified time, the leaves are left to dry, before being re-boiled until the material becomes soft and malleable, allowing for it to be reshaped into products.

Rich in natural resources, Egypt’s various governorates distinguish themselves through their consistent and historical heritage of handicrafts. From big cities such Cairo and Aswan to remote villages in Fayoum and Siwa, handicrafts are strongly connected to the tourism industry, a key sector in Egypt’s economy.Many handicrafts tell the story of Egypt and its people, thereby they generate interest and encourage tourists to repeat their visits to Egypt.

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