Why Egypt is a Unique Opportunity

DOT’s program in Egypt has focused on Small & Medium businesses (SMEs) and successfully implemented its initial pilot programming in late 2004. SMEs are a critical sector in Egypt's plan for the economic prosperity and empowerment of its citizens.   The NetCorps Egypt program was designed specifically for SME Owners to learn world-class management methods, incorporate new methods in their companies using technology and raise performance in areas of most risk/opportunity for SMEs.

The NetCorps Egypt interns are remarkable role models for their communities.  Interns participating in the NCE pilot were carefully recruited for their business and technology education, their prior exposure to SMEs, and their strong communication skills. Twenty-two motivated young Interns completed their specialized NetCorps training and worked with 40 business owners from the Assiut community in upper Egypt.

Having SME’s learn to actually apply ICT to their business was a cornerstone of the program.  Excellent results were reported by the SME participants – including increased skills in new areas of sales management and how ICT could help improve the operations and profitability of their businesses.

Impact

Key Findings of SME Survey

• SME learners reported a significant ICT skills increase in all areas of focus and 100% of SME’s found 100% of curriculum areas were valuable to their business

Selected SME Comments

“This program has been, for me personally and for my company, one of the best in the field of business.  I have learned a lot especially, computer skills and management.  The trainers were fantastic, the techniques they used in delivering the information made it easy for us to understand” ”

Key Findings of Intern Survey

• 100% of interns (48% female) were satisfied with their training and would recommend the program to others!

Selected Intern Comments

“It helps me to understand the real situation of the SMEs business in my community it also helped me to find a situation for their problem and how to find a simple way to organize and operate their work and keep focus in the ways of enhancing their sales. It also assist me to find more skills and manner that i never know in my self.”

What’s Next

Building on the impressive results of the Pilot Program, DOT is currently mobilizing a partnership network to support the national roll-out of entrepreneurial and SME programs.  Interested partners are encouraged to join our team!