In line with its commitment to supporting innovation in the fields of environment and sustainability, Banque Misr organized a celebration for the closing day of the first cycle of the first green business accelerator "TEQDAR Go Green", attended by Mr. Ahmed Issa – Deputy CEO of Banque Misr, representatives from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and Chemonics Egypt Consulting, along with a number of entrepreneurs from 9 startups that qualified for the finals after passing multiple stages of evaluation and selection, out of more than 100 companies that applied to the program since its launch.

The closing ceremony witnessed presentations from the finalist companies chosen within the program, which is the first of its kind in Egypt specializing in supporting startups working in the sectors of recycling, renewable energy, energy and resource efficiency, and waste-to-energy. Banque Misr announced that it is about to invest in a select group of these companies through "Misr Innovation and Entrepreneurship Beyond Borders", its investment arm dedicated to startups, as part of the bank's vision to support the innovation ecosystem and enhance the growth of companies with environmental and social impact.

The "TEQDAR GO Green" program was launched in cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) within the "Inclusive Green Growth in Egypt" project funded by the Swiss Government, and in partnership with Chemonics Egypt as the provider of technical support, with the aim of accelerating the growth of high-potential green companies in the sectors of recycling, renewable energy, energy and resource efficiency, and waste-to-energy.

Dr. Suzan Hamdy – Head of Sustainability and Sustainable Finance Sector at Banque Misr, affirmed that this program is in line with the Egyptian State's Vision 2030, which places sustainability and the transition towards a green economy at the core of its development priorities. Banque Misr believes that environmental innovation represents a key pillar towards a more resilient and sustainable future, as the accelerator falls within the bank's broader strategy to enhance green technology and link it to integrated financing and consulting solutions that support entrepreneurs and facilitate the growth of their companies.

She also expressed deep appreciation for the participating startups for the innovative ideas they presented in recycling, renewable energy, energy and resource efficiency, and waste-to-energy, and valued the fruitful cooperation with the strategic partners "UNIDO" and "Chemonics Egypt", confirming that this type of partnership is what enhances the chances of success for development initiatives and creates a sustainable impact on the Egyptian economy.

Ms. Annachiara Scandone – Manager of the Inclusive Green Growth in Egypt (IGGE) Project and Industrial Development Expert at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), expressed the project's pride in cooperating with Banque Misr in supporting the implementation of the "TEQDAR Go Green" program, which is an innovative track aimed at promoting the growth of green micro, small and medium enterprises, and represents the beginning of a new generation of green growth acceleration programs in Egypt.

The "TEQDAR Go Green" program highlights the pivotal role that these projects play in Egypt's environmental transformation when adequate support is available, and sheds light on the positive impact of sustainable and circular business models in achieving tangible social, economic, and environmental benefits.

Banque Misr always seeks to support the green economy, as the bank adopts an integrated strategy aimed at financing projects that contribute to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability, through a package of initiatives and operational activities that support the transition towards sustainable finance, in line with the national sustainable development agenda and Egypt's Vision 2030.