The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Central Bank of Egypt are expanding the SME National Champions programme by partnering with QNB Egypt to accelerate the growth of high-potential small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Following a successful launch in February 2025, the programme is gaining momentum through added EBRD partnerships with local financial institutions. Announced at a dedicated launch event with QNB Egypt, the latest collaboration kicks off the programme’s roll-out for high-potential SME clients in Egypt.
The SME National Champions programme seeks to empower Egypt's most promising SMEs, while supporting them with the knowledge, resources and networks needed to expand into regional and global markets. Selected businesses will receive personalised consulting and specialised capacity-building support tailored to their unique needs and objectives.
The launch event with QNB Egypt began with a flagship masterclass titled An Exporter’s Business Through the AI Lens, featuring leading technology experts and successful exporters. Participants explored real-world applications of artificial intelligence in export operations and learned how to leverage intelligent automation to enhance their competitiveness in global markets.
The SME National Champions Programme is part of a broader, long-term collaboration between the EBRD and QNB Egypt. It aims to enable Egyptian SMEs’ growth, through dedicated financial and non-financial services. QNB Egypt has been a longstanding partner of the EBRD since 2015 and is one of Egypt’s leading financial institutions, playing a vital role in expanding access to finance for underserved SMEs. Over the years, the EBRD and QNB Egypt have collaborated on several initiatives, including on financial inclusion and sustainable finance.
As part of the programme, the EBRD will match a selected number of QNB’s SME clients with experienced local and international consultants for bespoke one-on-one business advisory projects. These projects target specific challenges and unlock new growth opportunities, particularly with regard to export development. In addition, SMEs will benefit from expert-led masterclasses focused on practical skills and global best practices essential for expanding into new markets. This comprehensive support will help QNB Egypt build and expand its non-financial offering for SMEs.
SMEs play a crucial role in Egypt’s economy, driving innovation, productivity and job creation. By joining forces with key partner financial institutions, the EBRD is fostering the sector’s competitiveness and contributions to sustainable economic growth.
Egypt is a founding member of the EBRD. Since the start of its operations there in 2012, the Bank has invested more than €13.1 billion in 203 projects across the country.
