A new regional initiative by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the German development agency GIZ will help Egyptian small businesses export online through e-commerce.
Egypt took a significant step toward building a more connected digital economy on 9 April, when the International Trade Centre (ITC) and GIZ officially launched a new programme to help small businesses trade online across borders.
The Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Mohamed Farid Saleh, and EU Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst presided over the launch ceremony where key government and international partners reaffirmed their strong commitment to the initiative.
A regional initiative with national reach and impact
Through the new initiative, ITC will work with small businesses to harness digital channels so they can expand exports, unlock new business opportunities, and create jobs. GIZ will work with public institutions to strengthen the policy framework and digital platforms. Together, the two organizations aim to foster a more enabling and integrated digital trade ecosystem across the region.
Co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), this regional initiative covers eight countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Four of them – Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia – will receive targeted national-level support.
Creating opportunities to export online
During the event, Saoussen Ben Romdhane from ITC and Edouard Descotis from GIZ outlined the programme’s strategy and key activities for 2026, emphasizing opportunities for Egyptian small businesses to compete online.
The event also featured a panel discussion on the opportunities and challenges facing Egypt in cross-border e-commerce, data governance and trade facilitation.
The launch marks a major step forward for Egypt and the wider South Mediterranean region. When small businesses have the tools for digital trade, they can better compete, create jobs, and accelerate regional economic integration. 
9 April 2026, Cairo, Egypt – Mohamed Farid Saleh, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade highlighted Egypt’s vision to strengthen its digital trade ecosystem and support small businesses in expanding beyond borders.
Photo by ITC and GIZ