Acumen Consulting

14/08/2023

Dive into the latest edition of Acumen's Lens for a closer look at Egypt's energy landscape.

22/06/2023

We are delighted to announce the successful completion of a comprehensive study conducted by Acumen Consulting for USAID Trade Egypt. Over the course of seven months, our team diligently worked to address the fees and charges imposed on exporters and importers in Egypt, with a primary focus on improving the trade process. The study aimed to identify challenges and bottlenecks faced by traders and propose effective recommendations to streamline the trade procedures, ultimately supporting exporters and importers in Egypt.

To mark this significant milestone, USAID EGypt recently organized an impactful event at Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel. The event brought together prominent figures from both the public and private sectors, fostering a collaborative environment to discuss the study's findings and recommendations.

One of the highlights of the event was an interactive and engaging panel discussion, featuring esteemed representatives from the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC), the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA), and the Export and Import Control Authority. The panelists shared insights on their current strategies and future plans to bolster support for traders in Egypt, leveraging the study's insights as a valuable reference.
The panel discussion provided a platform for open dialogue, where stakeholders exchanged perspectives and ideas on how to enhance the ease of doing business for exporters and importers. The diverse range of participants fostered a holistic approach towards improving trade facilitation in Egypt, with a shared commitment to driving positive change.

Acumen Consulting is immensely proud of the collaborative efforts and outcomes achieved through this study. Our recommendations aim to pave the way for a more efficient and supportive trade environment, empowering businesses to thrive and contribute to the economic growth of Egypt.

We extend our gratitude to USAID Trade Egypt, all the participants, and the public and private sector organizations involved for their valuable contributions and unwavering support throughout this endeavor.

22/06/2023

11/06/2023

Today, we are delighted to share the success of our workshop on women's access to finance and how microfinance institutions (MFIs) and financial institutions (FIs) can improve financial accessibility for women. This marks the culmination of our assignment with Plan International Egypt, where we conducted primary research on women's access to finance, focusing specifically on the handicrafts sector.

Over the past year, we engaged in multiple interviews and facilitated insightful focus groups to gather valuable inputs for the SWEEt project. The SWEEt project aims to empower women entrepreneurs in the carpet sector through training, resources, and financial support, fostering economic growth and reducing gender disparities. This research has been translated into a comprehensive training curriculum and actionable recommendations for financial institutions, serving as an empowering action plan to drive women's economic empowerment.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants who contributed to the study, roundtable discussions, and the workshop. Special thanks to Al Ahly Tamkeen for Microfinance , NBK Egypt, Agricultural Bank of Egypt, Banque du Caire, Banque Misr, Alex Bank, Fawry Microfinance, Al Tadamun Microfinance Foundation, EACD, Caritas, Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, AWTAD, DROSOS FOUNDATION, Aman Microfinance, MSMEDAEG, and the Ministry of Social Solidarity. Your active involvement and valuable insights have been the driving force behind our efforts to empower women in accessing finance.

We are excited about the potential collaborations and partnerships that may arise from our work with Plan International to address this important issue. Together, we can create a more inclusive financial landscape and pave the way for women's economic empowerment.

06/06/2023

We are proud to announce that we have been the local delivery partner for the Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) program, marking its successful implementation for the first time in Egypt!

Over the past year, we have had the privilege of working with six promising green projects that have been part of the CFA program since last October; TileGreen, Zr3i.com زرعي دوت كوم, ReNile, Farmtopia, Al Dawara, and IRSC. These projects have undergone rigorous financial and technical training, which has not only helped them refine their ideas but has also enriched their overall development.

Last week, we celebrated their remarkable achievements as they graduated from the program. The graduation ceremony was a momentous occasion, with the presence of numerous investors and financiers who came forward to support the flourishing green ecosystem in Egypt.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the British Embassy Cairo for graciously hosting the event. Their unwavering support, along with the assistance of His Excellency Gareth Bayley and the UK Government, has been instrumental in ensuring the success of the CFA program. Special thanks also go to Rania A. Al-Mashat for her invaluable contributions and commitment to advancing sustainable finance in Egypt.

The CFA program has not only provided these six projects with financial and technical training, but it has also empowered them to become catalysts for change in Egypt's green sector. By bridging the gap between investors and project developers, we are fostering a thriving ecosystem that propels sustainable development and addresses our pressing environmental challenges.

We are proud to have been part of this journey and are excited about the future impact these green projects will have on Egypt's sustainable growth. Together, we can create a greener and more resilient future for all. Let's continue to drive climate action and build a sustainable world!

09/05/2023

تم فتح باب التقديم لبرنامج تدعيم المشروعات الصغيرة التابع للوكالة الألمانية للتعاون الدولي و وزارة الهجرة و التعاول الدولي

اي حد عنده مشروع او فكرة مشروع و مقيم في المحافظات التابعة لمبادرة مراكب النجاة: الفيوم - البحيرة-الغربية-المنوفية-القليوبية- الدقهلية - الشرقية - كفر الشيخ - بني سويف - المنيا - أسيوط - الأقصر - قنا - سوهاج يقدر يقدم من خلال اللينك دة: https://egc.gov.eg/?page_id=1245

‎البرنامج هيقدملك دعم فني و عيني يساعدك تطور من مشروعك او فكرتك. و كمان هيدربك على ازاي تصمم خطة عمل, ازاي تعمل تخطيط مالي و ازاي تسوق لمنتجاتك.
اخر معاد للتقديم هو: ١٨ مايو 2023

19/04/2023

Ramadan is considered one of the busiest times of the year in the city of Mecca, with millions of Muslims flocking to the holy site to perform Umrah annually.

With the Umrah pilgrimage being one of the key sources of economic activity in Mecca, we take a look at some of the key figures and costs associated with the journey.

15/04/2023

Coptic Christians have been fasting for 55 days and as they break their fast today, we take a look at how inflation has affected foods that are traditionally enjoyed in Easter.

We wish you and your loved ones a happy Easter!

02/04/2023

Introducing Acumen’s Ramadanomics!
Over the next month, we will be analyzing data on consumer behavior and sentiment to gain insights into the economics of Ramadan. We wanted to share some insights about the economics of this special month. As you know, Ramadan is a time of increased spending on food, clothing, and gifts as families and communities come together to celebrate and share blessings. But beyond just spending, we are also interested in measuring and quantifying different types of consumer behavior throughout the month.