The National Bank of Egypt (NBE) and Danone Egypt have renewed their partnership with the launch of the second phase of the OMDA project, which supports micro-distributors of dairy products in villages and rural areas across Egypt and contributes to greater efficiency throughout the sector’s supply chain.
Building on the success of the first phase, the second phase of OMDA will expand support for micro-distributors, contributing to sustainable economic growth and the continued development of Egypt’s dairy industry. The first phase delivered strong results, directly benefiting more than 400 micro-distributors, half of whom received financing through the National Bank of Egypt. The project also helped to create job opportunities, with beneficiaries earning an average income of about three times the minimum wage.
Following the signing, Nader Saad, Head of SMEs and Executive Business Sector at the National Bank of Egypt, said: “The Bank remains committed to playing an active role in supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs by providing financial solutions, banking services and non-financial support tailored to the needs of different segments and sectors. Our partnership with Danone Egypt is a model of collaboration that aims to create meaningful development impact by supporting value and supply chains and empowering micro-distributors to develop their businesses and improve their productivity, scalability and sustainability.”
He added: “Through this protocol, the National Bank of Egypt looks forward to expanding the number of beneficiaries, while providing further financial and non-financial solutions, digital services and capacity-building programmes, in line with the Bank’s strategy to advance financial inclusion, empower businesses and support 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 OMDA, a project I have had the privilege of being part of since the cooperation protocol was signed in 2018. The first phase succeeded in establishing a sustainable model that creates economic value for both the company and the community by creating sustainable job opportunities that generate income for beneficiaries, while empowering entrepreneurs to develop and grow their businesses.”
Mr Radwan added: “As we move into OMDA’s second phase, we look forward to building on what we have achieved by expanding the project and reaching new beneficiaries across Egypt. This supports our efforts at Danone Egypt to continue our mission of bringing health through food to as many people as possible and making healthy food choices accessible to all, in line with the country’s food security objectives. We are pleased to continue our collaboration with the National Bank of Egypt, whose financial support and range of services play an essential role in empowering micro-distributors and entrepreneurs.”
The partnership brings together the expertise of both organisations. Danone Egypt provides technical support and training to help project participants develop their skills and better understand market needs, while the National Bank of Egypt provides financing for young entrepreneurs benefiting from OMDA to purchase equipped trucks. This enables them to distribute Danone Egypt’s dairy products to more rural areas across the country.
The protocol reaffirms the commitment of Danone Egypt and the National Bank of Egypt to continue working together to support the growth of Egypt’s dairy sector, through partnerships that strengthen the capabilities of those working within it while creating and driving opportunities for growth and expansion.
