MEDinCHAMBERS Focus Group in Cairo Helps Shape Green Transition Support for Egypt’s Textile, Clothing, Leather and Footwear Sector

Stakeholders in Cairo identified priority services, from training and technical advice to traceability and finance, to help Egyptian companies meet emerging European Union sustainability requirements.

Publication Date
05/07/2026
Reading Time
3 minutes
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Cairo focus group supports MEDinCHAMBERS national needs assessment

On 28 June 2026, the Confederation of Egyptian European Business Associations (CEEBA) convened the first national stakeholder focus group under the MEDinCHAMBERS project in Cairo. The meeting brought together a wide range of actors from Egypt’s textile, clothing, leather and footwear sector to discuss the sustainability challenges companies are facing and to identify the most useful forms of support that could be developed through the project.
The focus group was organised as part of MEDinCHAMBERS national needs assessment activities. Its purpose was to ensure that the services designed by the project respond to real demand and can be applied in day-to-day business operations. By focusing on what companies and support organisations need most, the consultation marked an important step toward building practical, demand-driven solutions that help Egyptian businesses adapt to emerging European Union (EU) sustainability requirements while strengthening their competitiveness in international markets.

A broad ecosystem perspective

The consultation reflected the diversity of the national ecosystem. It brought together representatives from textile and ready-made garments industry chambers and export councils, alongside technical and regulatory bodies such as the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC) and the National Textile Research & Technology Institute. The discussion also included ITC, business support organisations, private sector companies, and Alexandria University, creating the conditions for a well-rounded exchange of perspectives across the sector.

From challenges to priorities for action

Across two interactive discussion sessions, participants explored the main sustainability-related challenges affecting Egyptian companies. Particular attention was given to the complexity of evolving EU requirements and the practical difficulties of translating them into operational steps. Stakeholders also discussed the need to access green technologies, accelerate digitalisation, and strengthen traceability across value chains.
The conversation highlighted that traceability is increasingly linked to market access, especially as expectations grow around product-level information and responsible production. In this context, participants discussed the role of Digital Product Passports (DPP) as an emerging requirement and an opportunity to improve transparency. Certification requirements, access to finance, and the growing demand for sustainability reporting were also raised as pressing topics, alongside the need for stronger market intelligence to help companies anticipate changes and identify opportunities.

What support services are needed most

The focus group generated practical recommendations on the types of services that could have the greatest impact for companies navigating the green transition. Stakeholders emphasised the value of specialised technical advisory support and targeted training and awareness activities that are tailored to the realities of small and medium-sized enterprises. Guidance on EU sustainability legislation was identified as a priority, particularly when it is translated into clear, actionable steps.
Participants also underlined the importance of support for traceability systems and DPP readiness, as well as assistance in accessing finance and green technologies. Certification support was discussed as another area where coordinated guidance could reduce barriers for companies seeking to meet buyer expectations and enter or expand in international markets.

How the focus group contributes to MEDinCHAMBERS flagship outputs

The consultation also provided stakeholders with an opportunity to shape two of the project’s flagship outputs. The MEDinCHAMBERS Knowledge Hub is being developed as a central platform for sustainability information, guidance, and capacity building. In parallel, the Digital Detector is designed as an early-warning tool to help companies and support organisations monitor emerging EU sustainability legislation, market requirements, and funding opportunities.
By connecting the needs raised during the focus group to these tools, MEDinCHAMBERS aims to strengthen the national support ecosystem and make reliable, up-to-date resources easier to access.

What happen next

The outcomes of the Cairo focus group will feed directly into Egypt’s national needs assessment and guide the development of tailored support services. This will help ensure that MEDinCHAMBERS responds to the priorities of businesses and support organisations operating within Egypt’s textile, clothing, leather and footwear sector.
By bringing together public institutions, industry representatives, and the private sector, the event reinforced the importance of collaborative action to support the green transition and strengthen resilience and international competitiveness.

Last Update

05/07/2026