National Bank of Egypt and Danone Renew Partnership to Launch Phase II of ”El-Omda” Project to Empower Small Distributors
In a step aimed at enhancing supply chains and developing Egypt’s dairy sector, National Bank of Egypt (NBE) and Danone Egypt signed a cooperation protocol to renew their partnership and launch the second phase of the "El-Omda" project. The initiative is dedicated to supporting small-scale dairy distributors in villages and rural areas across various governorates.
The continuation of this project reinforces both parties' efforts to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), create new job opportunities, and achieve sustainable economic growth, alongside boosting the efficiency of the distribution ecosystem in the domestic market.
Concrete Numbers and Results from Phase I
The first phase of "El-Omda" achieved tangible positive results, directly benefiting more than 400 small distributors—50% of whom received direct funding through the National Bank of Egypt.
On a social level, the initiative contributed to generating numerous sustainable job opportunities, with beneficiaries' average income reaching nearly three times the minimum wage. This underscores the project's pivotal role in improving living standards and supporting the economic stability of rural families.
NBE: Expansion in Financing and Digital Services
Nader Saad, Head of SMEs and Executive Business Sector at NBE, emphasized the bank’s commitment to continuing its active role in empowering entrepreneurs and delivering innovative financial and banking solutions.
Saad explained that the partnership with Danone represents a model for direct developmental cooperation within value chains. He noted that during Phase II, NBE aims to expand the beneficiary base, offer more digital services, non-financial solutions, and capacity-building programs, aligning with the bank's strategy for financial inclusion and sustainable development.
Danone Egypt: Enhancing Food Security and Reaching Governorates
For his part, Hesham Radwan, General Manager of Danone Egypt, stated that the long-standing partnership with NBE since 2018 has established a successful framework for creating shared economic value for both the company and society.
Radwan noted that the expansion into Phase II aims to reach new geographical areas and beneficiaries, supporting the company's mission to deliver healthy food to as many people as possible, while advancing national goals to promote healthy nutrition choices and foster food security.
Cooperation Mechanism: Equipped Trucks and Technical Training
The partnership framework relies on technical and financial integration. Danone Egypt provides the technical support and field training required to enhance distributors' skills and market understanding.
In return, NBE supplies the necessary financing for young entrepreneurs to purchase trucks specifically equipped for distributing fresh dairy products. This ensures efficient reach into the heart of rural villages and guarantees the sustainable growth of these micro-enterprises.