QNB Egypt Enhances SME Readiness for Growth and Expansion Through the SME Champions Program
QNB Egypt, a subsidiary of QNB Group, a leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, organized a specialized forum as part of the national SME Champions Program, building on the ongoing cooperation between QNB Egypt and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), under the auspices of the Central Bank of Egypt.
The forum aims to support export-oriented SMEs by equipping them with the knowledge and capabilities needed to enhance their competitiveness. It also seeks to help businesses strengthen their capacity for sustainable growth and expansion across local, regional, and international markets.
The program is founded on the shared commitment of QNB Egypt and the EBRD to advancing the SME sector as a key driver of economic growth. It combines tailored financing solutions with specialized advisory services, while facilitating knowledge exchange and the adoption of international best practices.
Mohamed Bedeir, Chief Executive Officer of QNB Egypt, and Dr Yehia El-Husseiny, Director of Advisory Services for SMEs at EBRD in Egypt, attended the event alongside senior officials and specialized experts from both sides, as well as representatives of participating SMEs.
The sessions addressed several priority areas that contribute to strengthening SME competitiveness. Discussions explored the integration of sustainability practices and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards into business strategies as a foundation for long-term growth. Participants also examined best practices for effective participation in international trade fairs, highlighting their role in building strategic partnerships and unlocking new opportunities in global markets. In addition, the sessions showcased a range of financial solutions designed to enhance business efficiency, including trade finance solutions and foreign exchange (FX) hedging mechanisms.
Mr. Ahmed Fouad, Head of SMEs at QNB Egypt, said: "At QNB Egypt, we believe that supporting SMEs extends beyond providing finance. It is about equipping businesses with the knowledge, expertise, and best practices needed to achieve sustainable growth and long-term success. Driven by our belief in the vital role this sector plays in advancing economic development, boosting exports, and creating job opportunities, we continue, through our partnership with the EBRD under the auspices of the Central Bank of Egypt, to deliver an integrated suite of financial and non-financial solutions that enables Egyptian exporters to strengthen their competitiveness and expand confidently across regional and international markets."
Dr. Yehia El-Husseiny, Director of Advisory Services for SMEs at EBRD in Egypt, said: The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development play a vital role in supporting and developing the private sector in Egypt, particularly SMEs and start-ups. In this context, the 'SME Champions Program' was launched in collaboration with QNB and under the auspices of the Central Bank of Egypt, aiming to support SME exporters that possess promising potential for growth and expansion into international markets. The program comprises two key components: the first involves hosting experts from various fields to share their expertise with participating companies, covering areas such as market assessment and entry strategies, the use of artificial intelligence to optimize operations and analyze markets, and innovative export expansion practices, as well as corporate governance and sustainability as essential elements for achieving a sustainable competitive advantage.
The second component involves providing advisory services tailored to the specific needs of each company through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) business support program, utilizing both local and international experts. These services encompass the adoption of quality standards, organizational development and digitalization, the formulation of strategies and production development plans, and the enhancement of corporate governance practices. Through this program, we aim to empower more Egyptian companies to boost their competitiveness and expand their access to global markets, thereby contributing to the growth of Egyptian exports.
This event comes part of a series of activities and knowledge-sharing program carried out under the SME Champions Program, aimed at supporting high-potential businesses, enhancing SME competitiveness, and contributing to sustainable economic development.