MSMEDA introduces the 'Aziza' initiative aimed at fostering the empowerment of women entrepreneurs

Basil Rahmi, the CEO of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA), unveiled the "Aziza" program, a scheme that targets Women-owned MSMEs to facilitate their growth and sustainability. This initiative aims to create women entrepreneurs and give them small soft loans to help them improve the existing businesses or start new ones. Furthermore, it is providing comprehensive training in technology and in marketing in order to ensure that the medium- and small-size enterprises have the chance to reach both the local and the international markets which, very often, are characterized by significant competition.

The Aziza project has been launched during the traditional commemoration of women's day on 8^th March. This program's monetary support can be obtained from any of the MSMEDA branches around the country. On the same note, members of the public who have queries can be updated by dialing the unified number 16733.

Rahmi said that the project goals are in harmony with the government's vision to develop MSMEs and facilitate their transition into the formal economy, through which they can enjoy the privileges afforded by Enterprise Development Law 152/2020.

The launch of the Aziza initiative could not have been achieved without the presence of representatives from partner organizations and officials, a clear demonstration of MSMEDA's partnerships which are geared towards gender and economic transformation. Prominent figures present at the event were Sylvain Merlin, UNDP's Deputy Resident Representative and Djibrilla Issa, World Bank's MENA Practice Manager for Finance, Competitiveness, and Innovation.

Through the event, there were several female business owners who had been successful in different manufacturing sectors like furniture, clothes and natural coverings facts about lady entrepreneur. They pointed out the important role MSMEDA's broad range of non-financial services play in helping businesses to survive and grow. Entrepreneurs also underscored the paramount role participations at different exhibitions, specifically the on-going "Turathna Exhibition," had in the product marketing endeavors.