LUXOR – The Green Business Expo 2023, held in the historic city of Luxor this June, provided a unique platform for start-ups and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Egypt to showcase their innovative green products and services and connect with industrial ecosystem service providers, financiers and customers. The exhibition not only highlighted the innovative and sustainable solutions developed by local businesses but also played a significant role in fostering collaborations among key market players and showcasing the potential of the green economy in fostering the growth of the South of Egypt.

The Expo, which was attended by over 2,000 visitors, was organized by the Inclusive Green Growth in Egypt project (IGGE), and is part of its wider efforts to support green growth in Luxor and Qena through a market system development approach. The IGGE project is being implemented by UNIDO in partnership with the Government of Egypt, thanks to the generous support of the Government of Switzerland.

The Expo commenced with a high-level opening ceremony, where Ms. Michal Harari, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland in Egypt, Ms. Doaa Selima, Executive Director of the Industrial Modernization Centre, Mr. Mohamed Meatemed, Assistant Minister for Planning, Investment and Institutional Support at the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Rafaat Abbas, Head of non-financial service sector at Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency, Mr. Sherif Saleh, Chairman of the Upper Egypt Development Authority, Mr. Mohamed Abdelkarim, Chairman of the Industrial Development Authority, Ambassador Hisham Badr, Smart Green Projects Initiative National Coordinator at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Mr. Amr Hazzaa, Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mr. Mohamed Abdel Kader, Deputy Governor of Luxor, and Mr. Ahmed Rezk, Deputy UNIDO Representative,  gathered to emphasize the importance of promoting the transition to a more green and circular economy and supporting local entrepreneurship.

The exhibition floor buzzed with activities as 70 start-ups and MSMEs showcased products and services ranged from animal feed and bio-based fertilizers from biomass residues, renewable energy solutions, such as solar photovoltaics and biogas, to sustainably-produced intermediary inputs and food retail products. Through the 2-day Expo, entrepreneurs had the chance to engage with industry experts, potential partners and customers, and investors who were keen to explore sustainable business ventures. Alongside the exhibitors, 13 financial and non-financial support institutions presented their services for green firms in a dedicated networking area. The interactive nature of the event allowed for meaningful conversations and collaborations, laying the foundation for future partnerships and growth.

In addition to the exhibition, several panel discussions and presentations took place, highlighting the role of green innovation, circular business models and climate-friendly investments in fostering inclusive green growth and creating a dialogue around the needed financial and non-financial support services.

The Green Business Expo also played a crucial role in attracting the attention of national and international development partners, including financial institutions, to the Luxor and Qena regions. The showcased products and services not only captured their interest but also demonstrated the viability of sustainable businesses in the region. The Expo served as a catalyst for market linkages and cluster building between various market players in the green economy. In fact, its success can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders. Government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector partners came together to organize and support the event, recognizing its potential to drive positive change and economic prosperity.

As of April 2023, IGGE and its partners succeeded in positively impacting more than 4,100 people, 400 start-ups and firms, and 295 government and intermediary institutions. The firms receiving direct support from the project are negotiating investment and creating new jobs, and already grew by over 35% in the past year.

Looking ahead, the impact of the Expo is expected to extend beyond the event itself. The connections made, the knowledge shared, and the exposure gained by the firms during the exhibition will contribute to their long-term growth and sustainability. The event has set a precedent for future similar exhibitions in the South of Egypt, inspiring more businesses and attracting further support towards a greener economy.

For more information about the Green Business Expo 2023 and the IGGE project, please contact:

Annachiara Scandone, UNIDO Industrial Development Expert and IGGE Project Manager, a.scandone@unido.org