Programme to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt

Promoting sustainable economic development in Egypt was one of the German Development Cooperation’s main priorities. The programme aimed to improve the competitiveness of SMEs by creating jobs and reducing poverty. The focus lied within supporting industries such as the "Egyptian Cotton Processing", "Fruit and Vegetable Industry" and "Environmental Technologies and Services". The SMEs in these industries with other private sector organisations who work in close cooperation with each other received training and developed consultancy activities that began at the value chain. The associations and consulting firms were supported to strengthen their own skills and capacities.

adelphi assisted the GTZ by providing expertise in the environment technology field with market analysis and advice on strategy development. Furthermore, it played an important role in transferring know-how and technology from German companies in the environmental field, such as experts in the construction of "Business Development Services", to the Egyptian Environmental SMEs.