Ministry of Social Solidarity Empowers NGOs for Economic Development with World Bank Support

The Rural and Environmental Industries Support Fund, part of Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity, has launched a specialized training program for selected NGOs and financial institutions as part of the first phase of a microfinance project. This initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the World Bank and aims to enhance economic empowerment through a strategic financial framework.

This training is part of the fund’s ongoing efforts to build the capacities of partner entities, enabling them to implement funding programs in accordance with established regulations and standards. This approach ensures effective execution while promoting governance and transparency throughout all operational stages.

The training program was inaugurated by Angie El Yamani, Executive Director of the Rural and Environmental Industries Support Fund; Ahmed Adel, Head of the Central Administration for Financial Inclusion Development at Banque Misr; and Medhat Abdel Rashid, Environmental and Social Management System Officer at the fund. They were joined by Yasmin Youssef and Youssef Mbarez, both Assistant Executive Directors at the fund, along with Walid Hamid, Assistant General Manager of Financial Inclusion at Banque Misr, and a team from the fund’s financing department, as well as representatives from 14 participating civil society organizations.

El Yamani emphasized that building the capacities of partner entities is a fundamental pillar for the success of economic empowerment programs. She highlighted the fund’s commitment to providing an integrated system that combines financing, training, technical support, and digital transformation to achieve high levels of efficiency and developmental impact.

She further noted that the strategic financial framework for economic empowerment relies on developing operational mechanisms and standardizing procedures among various partners. This ensures quick access to financial services for target groups while enhancing governance and transparency. The training sessions are part of a comprehensive package of technical support programs aimed at improving execution efficiency and achieving targeted developmental impact, aligning with the Ministry of Social Solidarity’s shift from mere assistance to empowerment and production.

The workshop covered several key topics, including mechanisms for disbursing funds to beneficiaries, procedures for opening bank accounts for beneficiaries and partner organizations, financial operations management systems, regulatory compliance for monitoring and financial oversight, as well as an introduction to digital financial systems and their usage.

Ahmed Adel presented operational and financial aspects related to program implementation along with mechanisms for executing digital financial transactions. This aims to prepare partner entities for effective implementation according to high standards of efficiency and discipline.

The program also included an interactive session addressing questions from representatives of participating NGOs regarding various operational and financial aspects linked to program execution. Discussions covered disbursement procedures, beneficiary interactions, bank account management, digital systems use, monitoring requirements, and periodic reporting.

An open discussion was held regarding anticipated challenges during different phases of execution and necessary measures to ensure adherence to approved regulations and standards. This dialogue aimed at aligning visions among partner entities in preparation for effective implementation.

The session provided an opportunity for sharing experiences among participating organizations while reviewing practical scenarios related to fund management and beneficiary interactions. This exchange strengthens readiness among implementing entities ensuring proper application of approved operational and financial procedures.

This training is part of a cooperation protocol between the Rural and Environmental Industries Support Fund and Banque Misr under the strategic financial framework for economic empowerment. It coincides with finalizing contracts with selected NGOs in the first phase of the microfinance project being executed in partnership with the World Bank. This sets the stage for disbursing funds to targeted beneficiaries across various governorates.