Cairo – As part of the U.S. government’s support for entrepreneurship in Egypt in general and as part of the U.S. Embassy’s long-standing commitment to economic development in Egypt, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has cooperated with a number of Egyptian organizations to launch the Women Entrepreneurs Network (WEN).  The Network will provide training in financial literacy, connections to online marketplaces, and assistance in general to Egyptian women who want to start and manage their own businesses.

The Network was launched on November 18 by USAID in cooperation with the National Council for Women, Federation of Egyptian Industries, Alexandria Business Women Association, Business Women of Egypt 21, Entreprenelle, Etijah, Flat6Labs, and Nile University.  It will be a platform for women entrepreneurs, associations, service providers, and other stakeholders to ensure that more women across Egypt receive services essential to their entrepreneurial success.

At the launch, which was attended by more than 200 women entrepreneurs, businesswomen, and actors in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, USAID/Egypt Mission Director Sherry F. Carlin said, “We are confident that the Women Entrepreneurs Network will be a dynamic force in helping members achieve success by creating linkages among relevant stakeholders and services.”

Since 1978, USAID has invested nearly $30 billion in the people of Egypt through projects that promote a healthy, educated, and employed population.  The Women Entrepreneurs Network is part of a comprehensive package of technical assistance from the American people that promotes job creation, economic recovery, private sector business growth, and a stronger trade and investment environment.

To learn more about USAID’s work in Egypt, please see https://www.usaid.gov/egypt and follow along on Facebook and Twitter at @USAIDEgypt.