The future of business in Egypt is turning green and for good reason. The environmental and economic benefits of circular practices are becoming harder to ignore. UNIDO has now opened the second round of its “Circular Egypt” program, offering high-growth businesses a chance to expand with expert support, financing and access to new networks. The program could be a game-changer for those turning waste into opportunity.
“Circular Egypt” is part of the Inclusive Green Growth in Egypt (IGGE) project, a national initiative implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). This second batch of the program specifically targets businesses operating in the circular economy, those working with waste-based products, waste-to-energy solutions and by-product innovations. The goal is to help these growth-stage enterprises overcome barriers, strengthen their operations and scale sustainably.
At the center of the offer is an in-depth support package that addresses the real challenges businesses face as they grow. Selected participants will receive technical assistance on key areas such as managing supply chains, optimizing operations, scaling effectively and handling cash flow and budgeting during growth. These services are designed to strengthen the business internally while preparing it to take advantage of new external opportunities.
Applicants will also receive support in navigating the complex world of financing. Many promising businesses in Egypt struggle to identify the right funding channels or to present bankable proposals. Through “Circular Egypt,” entrepreneurs will learn how to optimize the financing instruments that best suit their growth stage and how to access them with confidence. This financial support goes beyond advice, the program offers access to a matching grant of up to USD 125,890 to help implement specific growth plans.
Networking and visibility are also a core part of the initiative. The program facilitates connections with buyers, suppliers, financiers and policymakers, opening doors that are often closed to smaller businesses. At the same time, entrepreneurs will gain valuable market insights into the latest regulations affecting the green economy and how these may impact their operations, helping them adjust strategies in a timely and informed way. For many businesses, understanding and adapting to new policies is as important as access to capital.
Applications are open until 18 July 2025 at 16:00 Vienna time (17:00 Cairo time) and must be submitted through the UNIDO eProcurement Portal. Applicants need to create an account and access the official Call for Proposals using RFP number 7000007797.
The “Circular Egypt” program is backed by the Italian-Egyptian Debt-for-Development Swap Program and delivered in cooperation with the Egyptian Ministry of Environment. Technical assistance is provided by Chemonics Egypt. Together, these institutions aim to create a fertile environment for green businesses to thrive, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which form the backbone of Egypt’s private sector.
The broader IGGE project aims to support Egypt’s efforts to grow its economy and create jobs while protecting natural resources. It views MSMEs as essential players in the green economy because of their role in local development and their ability to work with resources that are often underutilized or wasted. The project’s goal is to create the right conditions for these businesses to succeed by encouraging market system changes, improving institutional support and making sure green approaches are embedded in government strategies.
IGGE is also committed to inclusion. It works to support businesses owned or led by women and promotes the employability of youth and women in green sectors. This is especially critical in rural and underserved regions, where job creation and sustainable development must go hand in hand. By improving both financial and non-financial services for green MSMEs, the project helps build a stronger ecosystem around entrepreneurship.
The initiative pays particular attention to four key governorates: Luxor, Qena, Sohag and Beni Suef. These areas are rich in natural resources and agricultural activity, making them ideal targets for circular and sustainable energy value chains. By focusing here, the program not only supports national economic goals but also promotes inclusive development where it is needed most.
For businesses working within the green or circular economy, whether in energy, manufacturing, bio-based production or resource recovery, this initiative offers the tools and funding to unlock untapped potential. Many of these enterprises deal with large volumes of by-products or organic waste that typically go unused. Through this program, they can access the knowledge, financing and partnerships needed to turn those materials into new business opportunities. Whether it’s through composting, clean energy production or developing circular supply chains, the pathway to sustainable growth becomes clearer.
As Egypt continues its transition toward a greener economy, programs like “Circular Egypt” send a clear message: sustainability and business growth can go hand in hand. For entrepreneurs who see value where others see waste, the moment to act is now.
