National Bank of Egypt and Danone Egypt Renew Partnership to Launch Second Phase of «El Omda» Project

Adham mohamed3 hours ago

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The National Bank of Egypt (NBE) and Danone Egypt have signed a cooperation protocol to renew their partnership through the launch of the second phase of the “El Omda” project, which aims to support small-scale dairy distributors in villages and rural areas across Egypt, helping improve the efficiency of supply chains in the sector.

The new phase builds on the success of the first phase and is expected to contribute to sustainable economic growth and the development of Egypt’s dairy industry.

The first phase of the “El Omda” project achieved tangible positive results, directly benefiting more than 400 small-scale distributors, 50% of whom received financing through the National Bank of Egypt.

At the community level, the project also helped create numerous job opportunities, while beneficiaries’ average income reached approximately three times the minimum wage.

Following the signing, Nader Saad, Head of Small and Medium Enterprises and Executive Business Sector at the National Bank of Egypt, said the bank was committed to continuing its active role in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs by providing financing solutions, banking services and non-financial services tailored to the needs of different groups and sectors.

He noted that the bank’s partnership with Danone Egypt represents a model of cooperation aimed at delivering a tangible development impact by supporting value chains and supply chains and empowering small-scale distributors, thereby strengthening their ability to develop their businesses, improve productivity and ensure long-term sustainability.

Saad added that, through the protocol, the National Bank of Egypt seeks to expand the project’s reach and serve more beneficiaries while providing additional financial and non-financial solutions, digital services and capacity-building programs. These efforts are in line with the bank’s strategy to promote financial inclusion, empower enterprises and advance sustainable economic and social development.

For his part, Hisham Radwan, General Manager of Danone Egypt, said: “We are proud to renew our partnership with the National Bank of Egypt to launch the second phase of the El Omda project, which I have had the honor of being involved in since the signing of the protocol in 2018.”

He added: “The first phase successfully established a sustainable model for creating economic value for both the company and the community by providing sustainable employment opportunities that generate income for project beneficiaries, as well as empowering entrepreneurs to develop their businesses and achieve growth.”

Radwan continued: “We look forward to building on the project’s success in its second phase by expanding its reach and engaging new beneficiaries across Egypt. This will support Danone Egypt’s ongoing mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible and make healthy food choices accessible to everyone, in line with the state’s objectives to strengthen food security.

“We are pleased to continue our cooperation with the National Bank of Egypt, whose financing support and diverse services represent a key pillar in empowering small-scale distributors and entrepreneurs.”

the partnership draws on the complementary expertise of both parties. Danone Egypt provides technical support and training to help business owners develop their skills and better understand market needs, while the National Bank of Egypt provides the financing needed by young entrepreneurs participating in the “El Omda” project to purchase specially equipped trucks.

This enables them to distribute Danone’s fresh dairy products and reach more rural areas across Egypt.

The protocol reaffirms Danone Egypt’s and the National Bank of Egypt’s commitment to continued cooperation in supporting the growth of Egypt’s dairy sector through partnerships that strengthen the capabilities of those working in the industry and create new opportunities for growth and expansion.