Free Vocational and Professional Training Programme

MSMEDA Free Training

Offers free entrepreneurial and vocational training for Egyptian micro-enterprise owners through MSMEDA capacity-building services.

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA) is Egypt's national agency for SME and entrepreneurship development, established in 2017 under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister as the successor to the Social Fund for Development. On a rolling, year-round basis, MSMEDA provides free vocational and professional training to micro-enterprise owners, entrepreneurs, and individuals across all Egyptian governorates. Training topics include business planning, marketing, operations, financial management, food processing, garment manufacturing, and traditional crafts such as khayamiya tent-making. There is no cost to participants — the programme is an in-kind grant equivalent. No cash award is made.

Delivery occurs through MSMEDA's branch network and via partner NGOs including ADEW (Association for Development and Enhancement of Women), Mehna Mostkbl Development Foundation, and other affiliates. Between 2022 and 2025, MSMEDA delivered over 1,600 training programmes, enrolling more than 9,251 individuals in entrepreneurship curricula. Approximately 56,000 women have received entrepreneurship development training over MSMEDA's operational history, and women-focused curricula are embedded in all delivery channels. Rural communities and Upper Egypt are priority areas for in-person delivery. No application portal, competitive selection, or formal deadline applies — participants enrol through local MSMEDA branches or partner NGOs.

Applicants seeking free training should contact the nearest MSMEDA governorate branch or reach out to affiliated partner NGOs directly. Priority populations include women entrepreneurs, youth, rural residents, and individuals unable to access commercial training. Because the award is in-kind (free training services) rather than monetary, there is no award amount to match or report. Organisations that already hold MSMEDA financing relationships may request training support as a bundled component of their advisory services agreement.