Refugees in Egypt build brighter futures through entrepreneurship

Ezdihar Adnan Alnabky and Abdul Rahman Rihan are two Syrian refugees who came to Egypt and turned determination into opportunity.

With support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) through the PROSPECTS Partnership, they’ve transformed their talents into thriving small businesses, from vibrant upholstery workshops to stunningly handcrafted leather goods.

Through a holistic Enterprise Development Programme, they gained the skills to craft business plans, manage finances, connect with suppliers, and navigate local markets with confidence.

The training programmes approach goes beyond technical skills; it fosters self-reliance, entrepreneurial spirit, and community resilience. What began as ideas and talent are now growing into businesses rooted in ambition and resilience.

Today, Abdul Rahman is expanding his workshop and creating jobs for others. Ezdihar is setting her sights on launching her own leather training programme to pass on the skills she’s gained to others.

Their stories reflect what’s possible when refugees are given the chance to succeed through access to the right tools, support, and opportunities. The ILO, alongside partners, continues to support refugees and host communities in Egypt on their journey toward self-reliance and economic empowerment.