The National Bank of Egypt (NBE) and Danone Egypt have signed a cooperation protocol renewing their partnership with the launch of the second phase of the "Al Omda" project, which supports small-scale dairy distributors in villages and rural areas across Egypt and helps make the sector's supply chains more efficient. The new phase builds on the success of the first, contributing to sustainable economic growth and the development of Egypt's dairy industry.

The first phase of "Al Omda" delivered tangible results: more than 400 small distributors benefited directly, 50% of whom received financing through NBE. At the community level, the project created numerous job opportunities, and beneficiaries' average income reached around three times the minimum wage.

Following the signing, Nader Saad, Chief Executive of SMEs and Business Banking at NBE, said the bank is keen to keep playing an active role in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs, and in providing financing solutions as well as banking and non-financial services tailored to the needs of different segments and sectors. He described the partnership with Danone Egypt as a model of cooperation aimed at achieving tangible development impact by supporting value and supply chains and empowering small distributors, strengthening their ability to grow their businesses and improve their productivity and sustainability.

Saad added that through the protocol NBE aims to widen the pool of beneficiaries and offer more financial and non-financial solutions, digital services and capacity-building programs, in line with the bank's strategy of supporting financial inclusion, empowering businesses and promoting sustainable economic and social development.

Hesham 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 Al Omda project, in which I have been honored to take part since the protocol was signed in 2018. The first phase succeeded in offering a sustainable model for creating economic value for both the company and the community, by providing sustainable jobs that generate income for the project's beneficiaries and by enabling entrepreneurs to develop their businesses and grow."

Radwan added: "We look forward to building on the project's success in its second phase by expanding its scope and reaching new beneficiaries across the country. This supports our mission at Danone Egypt of bringing health through food to as many people as possible and making healthy food choices accessible to all, in line with the state's food security goals. We are pleased to continue our cooperation with the National Bank of Egypt, whose financing support and range of services are a cornerstone in empowering small distributors and entrepreneurs."

The partnership draws on the complementary expertise of both parties. Danone Egypt provides technical support and training to develop business owners' skills and understanding of market needs, while NBE provides the financing young entrepreneurs in the "Al Omda" project need to buy equipped trucks, helping them distribute Danone's fresh dairy products and reach more rural areas of Egypt.

The protocol underscores Danone Egypt's and NBE's commitment to continued cooperation in support of the growth of Egypt's dairy sector, through partnerships that build the capabilities of those working in it and create new opportunities for growth and expansion.