This project is still under review by the EWS. Project information and/or project analysis may be incomplete.
DFF - Project DeFacto (EBRD-55208)

Countries
  • Egypt
Geographic location where the impacts of the investment may be experienced.
Financial Institutions
  • European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
International, regional and national development finance institutions. Many of these banks have a public interest mission, such as poverty reduction.
Project Status
Active
Stage of the project cycle. Stages vary by development bank and can include: pending, approval, implementation, and closed or completed.
Bank Risk Rating
B
Environmental and social categorization assessed by the development bank as a measure of the planned project’s environmental and social impacts. A higher risk rating may require more due diligence to limit or avoid harm to people and the environment. For example, "A" or "B" are risk categories where "A" represents the highest amount of risk. Results will include projects that specifically recorded a rating, all other projects are marked ‘U’ for "Undisclosed."
Voting Date
Nov 4, 2025
Date when project documentation and funding is reviewed by the Board for consideration and approval. Some development banks will state a "board date" or "decision date." When funding approval is obtained, the legal documents are accepted and signed, the implementation phase begins.
Sectors
  • Finance
  • Industry and Trade
The service or industry focus of the investment. A project can have several sectors.
Investment Type(s)
Loan
The categories of the bank investment: loan, grant, guarantee, technical assistance, advisory services, equity and fund.
Investment Amount (USD)
$ 24.96 million
Value listed on project documents at time of disclosure. If necessary, this amount is converted to USD ($) on the date of disclosure. Please review updated project documents for more information.
Project Cost (USD)
$ 24.96 million
Value listed on project documents at time of disclosure. If necessary, this amount is converted to USD ($) on the date of disclosure. Please review updated project documents for more information.
Primary Source

Original disclosure @ EBRD website

Disclosed by Bank Jan 15, 2026


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Project Description
If provided by the financial institution, the Early Warning System Team writes a short summary describing the purported development objective of the project and project components. Review the complete project documentation for a detailed description.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION Provision of an EGP loan in the amount equivalent to USD 25m to DeFacto Egypt a subsidiary of DeFacto Perakende Ticaret A.S ("DeFacto Turkey"; the "Guarantor"; or the "Group"). PROJECT OBJECTIVES The Loan will support the expansion of the Borrower's operations in Egypt, involving expanding its footprint, advancing its digitalization initiatives, increasing local production through larger capacity of toll manufacturing at third party Egyptian apparel producers, and financing additional working capital needs resulting from growing operations. TRANSITION IMPACT ETI score: 64 Primary Quality (Inclusive):Through the EBRD's engagement, DeFacto has committed to increase its female workforce share in Egypt by 7 percentage points, from 23% to 30% (over a current total workforce of c. 735 employees). DeFacto will also launch a new internship programme across its stores in Cairo and Giza, as well as its Head Office in Egypt targeting university students and the programme aims for at least 35% female participation, thereby contributing to DeFacto's objective to increase its female workforce share and will be promoted through partnerships and job fairs with leading Egyptian universities. Secondary Quality (Competitive):The use of proceeds of the Loan will support the expansion of the Borrower's operations in Egypt, involving expanding its footprint with approximately 20,000 square metres (up to 20 new stores), advancing its digitalization initiatives, increasing local production through larger capacity of toll manufacturing at third party Egyptian apparel producers, and financing additional working capital needs resulting from growing operations. CLIENT INFORMATION DeFacto Egypt for Trading ("DeFacto Egypt", the "Company", or the "Borrower") was established in 2013 and operates primarily as a trader of apparel products. The Company currently operates 29 leased retail stores across 9 governorates in Egypt. EBRD FINANCE SUMMARY USD 24,961,660.38 EGP loan equivalent to USD 25m. TOTAL PROJECT COST USD 24,961,660.38 ADDITIONALITY Financial Additionality - Financing Structure:EBRD's financing provides strong additionality by offering DeFacto Egypt an EGP-denominated loan underpinned by the robust balance sheet and financial performance of DeFacto Turkey (The "Guarantor"). Non-Financial - Risk mitigation:EBRD's long-term relationship with the client encourages greater risk-taking and financing willingness. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SUMMARY Categorised B (2019 ESP).Environmental and Social (E&S) risks associated with expansion of stores and toll manufacturing are site specific and readily addressed. E&S Due Diligence has been conducted internally and included a review of a project questionnaire and a document review including the Company's integrated report. ESD representatives have visited the Client's operations in previous transactions and the Company has been reporting on E&S matters to the Bank including compliance with its existing Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP). The Company's E&S Management System is well known to the Bank and client has a well-developed EHSS risk management framework with the capacity and capability to operate in line with the Bank's Performance Requirements (PR's). Corporate policies and procedures are applicable to the Egyptian operations and risks regarding the CAPEX works to refurbish and fit-out stores are readily identified and addressed. Recent Company developments include the Client adopting a net zero commitment, technology investments to substantially improve water efficiency in denim production and continued development of circular economy business models. Environmental audits of supplier have begun in 2025 and the Company has become a member of the Better Cotton Initiative. Company Policies and the supplier Code of Conduct will apply to Egyptian suppliers and includes an independently audited approved supplier programme. Supplier audits are also carried out by Company personnel based at the Egyptian office. The Client's ESAP is maintained to ensure continued compliance with the PR's. The Bank will monitor the Project through review of Annual Environmental and Social Reports and site visits, if necessary. TECHNICAL COOPERATION AND GRANT FINANCING None.
Investment Description
Here you can find a list of individual development financial institutions that finance the project.
Private Actor 1 Private Actor 1 Role Private Actor 1 Sector Relation Private Actor 2 Private Actor 2 Role Private Actor 2 Sector
- - - - DeFacto Egypt Client Industry and Trade
- - - - DeFacto Perakende Ticaret AS Parent Company -

Contact Information
This section aims to support the local communities and local CSO to get to know which stakeholders are involved in a project with their roles and responsibilities. If available, there may be a complaint office for the respective bank which operates independently to receive and determine violations in policy and practice. Independent Accountability Mechanisms receive and respond to complaints. Most Independent Accountability Mechanisms offer two functions for addressing complaints: dispute resolution and compliance review.
ACCESS TO INFORMATION You can request information by emailing: accessinfo@ebrd.com or by using this electronic form: https://www.ebrd.com/eform/information-request ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF EBRD The Project Complaint Mechanism (PCM) is the independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who have been or are likely to be adversely affected by an European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the PCM, it may assess compliance with EBRD's own policies and procedures to prevent harm to the environment or communities or it may assist you in resolving the problem that led to the complaint through a dialogue with those implementing the project. Additionally, the PCM has the authority to recommend a project be suspended in the event that harm is imminent. You can contact the PCM at: pcm@ebrd.com or you can submit a complaint online using an online form at: http://www.ebrd.com/eform/pcm/complaint_form?language=en You can learn more about the PCM and how to file a complaint at: http://www.ebrd.com/work-with-us/project-finance/project-complaint-mechanism.html

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