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DESITA

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DESITA – Egyptian Italian Fashion Design Institute for Women and Girls, is part of the EU-funded TAMKEEN Programme and is implemented by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

The project aims to strengthen women and girls’ socio-economic empowerment through innovative technical, creative, and entrepreneurial education in the fashion and design sector, while contributing to the competitiveness and sustainable growth of Egypt’s ready-made garments (RMG) and apparel industry. 

Through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, AICS works alongside the Ministry of Education and Technical Education (MoETE) and the private sector to establish the first Italian – Egyptian Fashion Institute in 10th of Ramadan City, Sharqia Governorate.

Training pathways are co-designed by Egyptian and Italian academic experts, ensuring curricula that are locally relevant, internationally aligned, and responsive to labour market needs.

The Institute offers two complementary pathways: a secondary-technical Applied Technology School (ATS), and a post-diploma training centre for entrepreneurs, trainers, and creative professionals, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and stronger links between education and employment. 

This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents are the sole responsibility of AICS / DESITA Project Team. They can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.

General Overview

  • Official project title: “Enhancing Women’s Empowerment in Egypt through DESITA:  Egyptian Italian Fashion Design School for Women and Girls”

  • Project duration: 24 Month (01/04/2025 – 31/03/2027)

  • Geographical coverage: Egypt, Sharkia -10th of Ramadan City- Greater Cairo

  • Budget: EUR 1.500.000

  • Funding source: The European Union under TAMKEEN Programme

  • Key actors:
    – Government Stakeholders: Ministry of Education and Technical Education-MoETE
    – Private Sector: Concrete Fashion Group 
  •  Target groups / beneficiaries:
    – The direct beneficiaries
    – Entrepreneurs
    – Design trainers
    – Ministry of Education and Technical Education
    – Teachers and trainers of the Institute
    – Management and staff of the Institute

  • Final beneficiaries:
    – Entrepreneurs and design trainers
    – School-aged students
    – Egyptian handicraft sector
    – Households of beneficiary women and girls
    – Private-sector employers

Overall Objective: to enhance women and girls’ socio-economic empowerment 

Specific Objectives: Women and girls have increased access to social and economic opportunities through enhanced design, quality and marketability of women’s products in Egypt. 

Activity 1: Establishment of a Design Training Institute
Establish partnerships with private-sector entities, assess and equip facilities, develop a sustainability plan, recruit staff, train management personnel, and operationalize the Institute. 

Activity 2: Development of Educational and Training Services
Develop competency-based curricula aligned with international standards, validate curricula with stakeholders, train teachers and trainers, and roll out programmes for students at the Applied Technology School.  

Activity 3: Capacity Building for Entrepreneurs and Trainers
Select beneficiaries through stakeholder consultations and deliver advanced design and marketing training programmes to entrepreneurs and trainers. 

Expected result 1: A Design Training Institute is established, providing educational and training services in design and marketing through both secondary and post-diploma pathways. 

Expected result 2: Educational curricula and training services are developed according to international standards, and Institute teachers and trainers are equipped with advanced design and training competencies. 

Expected result 3: Women entrepreneurs, design trainers, and start-ups improve their design, marketing, and business capacities, leading to enhanced product quality, increased marketability, and improved socio-economic opportunities. 

Media Highlights

Last update: 07/07/2026, 12:39