SME

The Small and Micro Enterprise Project (SME)

http://www.aba-sme.com/

is one of the leading programs of the Alexandria Business Association (ABA). It was founded in 1989 in cooperation with USAID to provide financial support to existing micro-business owners unable to receive funds or loans from the formal banking system. The SME Project was quickly capable of achieving financial and operational sustainability, making it a pioneer in micro-finance in Egypt and the Arab world. Benefiting from the long-standing expertise of SME’s management enabled it to become a consultancy service provider within Egypt, but also abroad.

vision

To be a reliable and effective partner for advancing social & economic development

Mission

Providing financial & non-financial services to the most-deserving clients & small project owners, to help them achieve a better life; while maintaining the balance between social and economic performance

History

-2006 Aggregate Loan Disbursements exceed 1 Billion Egyptian Pounds.
-2007 Establishment of Training Center and Show Room
-2008 Establishment of Bail Fund to Support Clients (Crisis, Death & Disability)
-2009 Life and disability insurance
-2010 The launch of Youth programs

 

The SME Project today:

  • Operates in 14 governorates with more than 90 branches, serving more than half a million customers around the country.
  • A human capital of more than two thousand employees, 60% of which are working in the field as financial service providers.
  • Is currently undergoing institutional transformation in order to solidify its structure and ensure a smooth-running operation, even in the event of managerial turnover.
  • A strong focus on digitalization and financial inclusion guide our direction.
  • Whilst still being concentrated on micro-finance, now, it has the opportunity to become licensed to serve the small and medium-sized enterprise as well.
  • Is contributing to the transformation from the informal sector to the formal sector.
  • Is focused on geographical expansion and development of new financial &non-financial products, including financial leasing.
TOTAL AMOUNT LENT 22 BILLION L.E
Total No. of Loans
5.4 Million
Total No. of Borrowers
2 Million
Average Loan Size
8,630 L.E
Current Portfolio
2.3 Billion L.E
Active Borrowers
487 Thousands (50% Women)
Repayment Rate
98.7%
No. of Staff (include trainees)
2,533 ( 36% Women )
No. of Branches
90 Branches over 15 Governorates

Success Stories

Group Lending Program

Sabreen Thabet

Sabreen sells fresh produce consisting of fruits and vegetables. Like many Egyptian women, her main goal is to support her family and create a brighter future for her kids. She is now free of debt and completely independent.

Individual Lending Program

Mohamed El-Sabaawy

Mohamed started out working from home with a rudimentary sewing machine. Now, he is the proud owner of a production line and is a supplier to major schools. He went from working alone to currently having over 24 employees working with him.