09/04/2026
Strengthening the textiles cluster in El Mahalla El Kubra to enhance SME competitiveness
Strengthening industrial clusters is central to enhancing SME competitiveness, fostering innovation, and supporting inclusive economic growth in Egypt.
On 6 April 2026, a workshop was held at Misr El Mahalla Company in El Mahalla El Kubra under the support to trade, industry, growth and rapid market access TIGARA project, implemented by UNIDO Egypt, to discuss and validate the action plan for the Textiles Cluster. The session brought together representatives from textile companies, the governorate, and the local textile association, ensuring a participatory and inclusive planning process.
The workshop drew on UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization's cluster development approach - one of the key methodologies applied across UNIDO programmes - building on earlier diagnostic work and a SWOT analysis conducted in December 2025. It provided a platform to present the proposed action plan, gather stakeholder inputs, and align on priorities and implementation mechanisms tailored to the local context.
Discussions covered key thematic areas essential for cluster development, including industrial upgrading and productivity, quality and compliance, export development and market access, sustainability and circular economy practices, skills development, digital transformation, governance, and access to finance.
This engagement reflects TIGARA’s commitment to strengthening industrial clusters as a strategic pathway to sustainable industrial development. By fostering collaboration among SMEs, public institutions, and sector stakeholders, the project contributes to more competitive, resilient, and inclusive value chains across key regions in Egypt.