Commercial International Bank Egypt (CIB) has launched the Women in Business Empowerment Programme, developed with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and supported by the European Union’s Financial Inclusion Initiative. The initiative aims to boost women's economic participation and enhance their business growth and competitiveness, aligning with Egypt Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The programme provides a comprehensive package of non-financial services tailored to the diverse needs of women entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journey. These include specialized training and hands-on advisory support to strengthen leadership, managerial, and financial capabilities. Key focus areas encompass digital marketing, brand development, business management, financial literacy, and leadership, equipping participants with practical tools to enhance sustainability and economic impact.
Offered exclusively to women entrepreneurs who are CIB clients, the programme integrates non-financial services with customized financial solutions to foster business growth. CIB offers a range of banking products, including credit cards, preferential business financing facilities, and innovative funding options. These are complemented by integrated services such as payroll management, insurance solutions, and the ability to pay government fees through the bank's channels.
Eligible participants can access advisory services funded up to 80% by the EBRD, providing specialized expertise to tackle operational challenges faced by women-led businesses.
Yasser Abdallah, Deputy CEO for Retail and Commercial Banking at CIB, stated: "Supporting women entrepreneurs is not merely a social responsibility; it is a strategic investment in a more inclusive and sustainable future. Through our partnership with the EBRD, we are building an integrated ecosystem of non-financial services that aligns with the ambitions of businesswomen and equips them with practical tools to grow and compete with confidence."
Hany El-Deeb, Head of Small and Medium Enterprises and Commercial Banking at CIB, added: "The programme focuses on capacity building alongside financing, covering critical areas such as management, financial literacy, and business development. This holistic approach enables women-led businesses to achieve both financial and non-financial objectives, strengthening their contribution to a more inclusive and sustainable economy."
The first phase will emphasize marketing strategies and brand building, with additional specialized tracks planned across multiple disciplines over the coming year.
Yehia El-Husseiny, Director of Advisory Services for SME Finance and Development at the EBRD, remarked: "We are proud to partner with CIB on a programme designed to equip women-led small and medium-sized enterprises with the skills and expertise needed to realise their full potential and play a vital role in driving the local economy."
El-Husseiny noted that the initiative builds on the EBRD's longstanding support for women entrepreneurs, highlighting CIB's role as a leading bank in delivering tailored non-financial services for women in business. He emphasized that investing in women's empowerment is a cornerstone of sustainable development and economic growth.