رئيس مجلس الإدارة
سعيد اسماعيل
رئيس التحرير
مروة أبو زاهر

14 يناير 2026

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رئيس مجلس الإدارة
سعيد اسماعيل

رئيس التحرير
مروة أبو زاهر

الوسم: alekhbaryia

Agthia Group Shareholders Approve 19.0% Increase in

Posted on by aberabozaher

Agthia Group Shareholders Approve 19.0% Increase in

Full-Year Dividends at Annual General Meeting

 

 Agthia Group PJSC (“Agthia” or “the Group”), one of the region’s leading food and beverage companies, held its Annual General Meeting today. During the meeting, shareholders approved the Group’s financial results for the year ending 31 December 2024, as well as all other recommendations by the Board of Directors, including the recommendation to distribute a cash dividend of 21.03 fils per share for the full year 2024, totaling AED 175 million — a 19.0% increase compared to 2023. This includes a second-half dividend of 10.72 fils per share, in line with the Group’s semi-annual dividend policy. An interim dividend of 10.31 fils per share (AED 85.7 million) was already paid for the first half of the year, underlining Agthia’s commitment to delivering sustained shareholder value.

 

Agthia Group

 

Khalifa Sultan Al Suwaidi, Chairman of Agthia Group, said: “The Board’s recommendation and subsequent approval of a 19% year-on-year increase in full-year dividends reflects our ongoing commitment to creating sustainable, long-term value to our shareholders. Our progressive dividend policy remains a key pillar of shareholder engagement, underscoring our confidence in the Group’s strategic direction and operational strength. As we continue to pursue growth across regional and international markets, we remain firmly focused on unlocking further value in the years to come to all our stakeholders.”

 

 

Agthia Group recently reported a solid fiscal performance in the financial year 2024, with Group net revenue growing over 7.7% year-on-year to reach AED 4.9 billion. While Group EBITDA declined 1.5% year-on-year to AED 679 million, reflecting pressures in parts of the business, strong performances from Abu Auf and core UAE businesses helped partially offset the impact. Group’s Reported Net Profit climbed 7.4% to AED 321.8 million, with earnings per share up 7.9%, reinforcing Agthia’s resilience in navigating complex operating environment while delivering shareholder value and remaining well-positioned for sustainable growth and strategic expansion.

Arkan Palm signs construction contract to build EBank’s headquarter in 205 Project’s Financial District

Posted on by Fatma abdelhamed

In the continuity of the unique contracting series and the keenness of big corporates and entities to be located in Sheikh Zayed 205 Project, Arkan Palm for Real Estate Development,

a subsidiary of Badr El -Din Group, has signed a contract with the Export Development Bank of Egypt (EBank) to construct the bank’s headquarter at the Financial district.

Leadership officials from both sides attended the signing ceremony of the contract that includes completing the construction work of the building within two years, while the bank is set to fully finish and outfit it.

205 Project, is a partnership between Arkan Palm for Real Estate Development and New Urban Communities Authority (NUCA), and spreads over an area of 205 acres in Sheikh Zayed. It is a commercial, residential, administrative, entertaining and hotel project.

The project includes three hotels, as the International Hotels Group (IHG) is assigned to operate them. It also includes the tallest skyscrapers in Sheikh Zayed and West Cairo as of height 135 meters above the sea level, each of them comprises 40 stories.

One Kilometer of 205 Project’s southern side overlooks “26th of July axis” and 1.2 kilometers of the northern side overlooks on Al Bostan St. in Sheikh Zayed, where all the most famous brands are located, such as “Arkan”, “American Plaza”.

Only 30% of the land is developed. The rest remains open and green, with a two-kilometer-long river flowing through the space, elegantly separating the residential areas from the community and business zones.

“Arkan Palm is set to continue signing of contracts with big entities in various sectors to be located in the heart of its distinguished 205 Project, as the company is offering through it a unique experience in the integrated residential, and services project,” said Mamdouh Badr El-Din, Chairman of Arkan Palm.

Badr El-Din added that the Arkan Palm was keen since the beginning of the project’s planning on implementing an innovative product, providing integrated services away from the residential part, such as: Banks, clinics, headquarters of companies and organizations, and entertainment areas according to the highest standards of quality and sustainability to ensure the happiness and satisfaction of the clients.

Additionally, Amr Badr El-Din, Managing Director of Arkan Palm said the company is achieving the highest levels of constructions in 205 Project, as it is racing the time to complete the whole project and inaugurate a number of mega projects in it.

Badr El-Din added that 205 is the biggest downtown area in West Cairo, as it includes a lot of community service districts among them the Financial District that will be the central hub for big financial entities in West Cairo.

On his part, Ahmed Galal, the Chairman of EBank said that the bank is keen on having a new headquarter in Sheikh Zayed 205 Project after the bank’s successful experience with Badr El-Din Group, as one of the bank’s branches is located in Arkan Plaza in Sheikh Zayed area.

Galal also praised the innovative and well-planned design of the Financial District located in the 205 Project, noting that Arkan Palm paid close attention to the small details in order to implement a unique product that adds value to the real estate sector and meets the needs of investors and companies.

He elaborated that EBank currently has 45 branches nationwide, and is keen on expanding in West Cairo, where the significant opportunities, and strong predictions for growing investments in the near future.

MPC decides to cut key policy rates by 225 basis points

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MPC decides to cut key policy rates by 225 basis points

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) decided today to cut the CBE’s overnight deposit rate, overnight lending rate, and the rate of the main operation by 225 basis points to 25.00 percent, 26.00 percent, and 25.50 percent, respectively. The Committee also decided to cut the discount rate by 225 basis points to 25.50 percent.  

MPC

 

Globally, the prevailing uncertainty surrounding the outlook for economic growth and inflation has led central banks in select advanced and emerging market economies to opt for a cautious approach towards the future path of monetary policy. While economic growth remains broadly stable, recent developments in global trade are expected to dampen the outlook due to concerns regarding supply chain disruptions and weakening global demand. In particular, oil prices declined significantly due to supply-side factors and expected softening in global demand amidst ongoing trade uncertainties. Meanwhile, prices of key agricultural commodities, particularly grains, have exhibited volatility, driven by climate-related disruptions. Nevertheless, inflation remains vulnerable to upside risks, including heightened geopolitical tensions and continued disruptions in global trade due to rising protectionism.

 

Domestically, preliminary indicators for Q1 2025 suggest a sustained recovery in economic activity for the fourth consecutive quarter, with growth exceeding the 4.3 percent registered in Q4 2024. Real GDP growth in Q4 2024 was primarily driven by the positive contributions of non-petroleum manufacturing, trade, and tourism. Nonetheless, estimates for the output gap indicate that actual economic activity remains below its full potential, despite continued growth throughout 2024, but is projected to reach full potential by end of FY 2025/26. Accordingly, the current output gap estimates support the forecasted disinflation path over the short term, as demand-side inflationary pressures are expected to remain subdued given the prevailing tight monetary stance.

 

Q1 2025 witnessed a significant decline in annual inflation due to a sizable favorable base effect, cumulative monetary tightening, and the fading impact of previous shocks. In particular, annual headline and core inflation decelerated to 13.6 percent and 9.4 percent in March 2025, respectively, with the latter recording its lowest rate in almost three years.

 

The slowdown in annual headline inflation is the result of a sharp decline in annual food inflation from 45.0 percent in March 2024 to 6.6 percent in March 2025. However, annual non-food inflation exhibited relative downward stickiness, dropping from 25.7 percent in March 2024 to 18.9 percent in March 2025, due to its slower response to previous shocks and the impact of fiscal consolidation. Additionally, monthly inflation dynamics have moderated since the beginning of the year and are approaching their historical levels, suggesting an improvement in inflation expectations.

 

The sharp decline in annual headline inflation by approximately 9.0 p.p. in Q1 2025, as largely anticipated, significantly tightened the monetary stance, availing ample room for commencing the easing cycle. Furthermore, inflation is expected to continue declining throughout 2025 and 2026, albeit at a slower pace compared to the decline in Q1 2025. The slower disinflation path is attributed to the impact of recently implemented and planned fiscal consolidation measures in 2025, in addition to the downward stickiness of non-food inflation. However, upside risks surrounding the inflation outlook persist, emanating from possibly higher than expected passthrough of fiscal measures, as well as uncertainty regarding the impact of the current China-US trade war, and an escalation of regional geopolitical conflicts.

 

In view of the above and considering the prevailing monetary stance, the MPC judges that cutting policy rates by 225 basis points aligns with upholding the appropriate monetary stance, with the aim of anchoring inflation expectations and safeguarding the projected disinflation path. The Committee will continue to assess its decisions regarding the magnitude and pace of monetary policy easing on a meeting-by-meeting basis. These decisions will continue to be a function of the forecast trajectory, and will remain sensitive to the prevailing balance of risks. The MPC will keep monitoring economic and financial developments, and will not hesitate to utilize all tools at its disposal to achieve its price stability mandate, steering inflation towards its 7 percent ± 2 p.p. target, on average, in Q4 2026.

Monetary Policy Sector

[email protected]

 

ITIDA Launches “Invest-IT” to Accelerate Startup Investment Readiness Across Egypt

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ITIDA Launches “Invest-IT” to Accelerate Startup Investment Readiness Across Egypt

15 Tech Startups Showcase Solutions at Program Kickoff Run by TIEC in Collaboration with Flat6Labs

Fifteen promising Egyptian tech startups unveiled their breakthrough innovations during the launch of the first edition of Invest-IT, a nationwide program led by the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC)—an affiliate of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA)—in collaboration with Flat6Labs, the MENA region’s leading seed and early-stage venture capital firm.

 

ITIDA

 

Designed to enhance investment readiness for tech startups in the Seed and Pre-Series A stages, Invest-IT targets emerging entrepreneurs across various Egyptian governorates, aiming to help them secure funding, expand operations, and drive sustainable economic growth through innovation.

 

 

The launch event brought together key stakeholders in Egypt’s tech ecosystem, including Eng. Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of ITIDA; Hany Al-Sonbaty, Founder and Chairman of Flat6Labs; Dina El-Shenoufy, Chief Investment Officer at Flat6Labs; Lamiaa El Rashidy, Incubation Manager at TIEC; along with the founders of the participating startups.

 

“The Invest-IT program represents a pivotal milestone in our efforts to empower Egyptian startups during their most critical phase—investment readiness. At ITIDA, we are deeply committed to building a resilient and inclusive technology ecosystem that not only nurtures innovation but also equips startups to scale and compete on a global stage.” — Eng. Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of ITIDA

 

He added: “Our strategy is holistic—starting from igniting a culture of innovation within universities, scaling up our nationwide Digital Egypt Innovation Hubs (Creativa), and delivering future-ready digital skills, all the way to facilitating access to essential funding and investment for scaling through strategic private-sector partnerships.”

 

From AI and fintech to logistics, proptech, and smart energy solutions, the diversity of startups participating in Invest-IT showcases Egypt’s rapidly maturing innovation landscape and its potential to become a regional startup powerhouse.

 

Featured Startups

The Seed Funding group includes:

The White Guard: cybersecurity and high-quality PPE manufacturing

Dragify: AI solutions for the financial services sector

HNDL: fleet management tech in the logistics domain

Turuq: technology-driven packaging and shipping services

Skoolix: smart digital learning tools

KENNAH: proptech for underutilized real estate assets

Atoms AI: AI-powered semiconductor inspection

PhotonSmart: energy-efficient smart home devices for hospitality and residential sectors

The Pre-Series A cohort features startups with mature business models, such as:

Valify: AI-based digital identity verification

Mrkoon: digital platform linking waste management suppliers and retailers

Qubefyn: AI-powered data intelligence solutions

Venu: venue-booking and management platform for events

Amanleek: insurtech for individuals and businesses

LyRise: affordable enterprise AI solutions

Hoopoe Digital: location-based digital services powered by large-scale Wi-Fi data

Hany Al-Sonbaty, Founder of Flat6Labs and Managing Director of Sawari Ventures, emphasized: “Invest-IT represents a model of integrated collaboration—bringing together resources, capital, and mentorship to empower startups with both technical know-how and purpose-driven leadership. At Flat6Labs, we believe entrepreneurship is not only about funding, but about people, values, and creating lasting impact.”

 

 

 

Program Structure

The Invest-IT program is structured in two distinct phases designed to accelerate startup growth and investment readiness. In Phase One, startups receive intensive workshops, personalized mentorship, and access to essential resources aimed at strengthening their business models and investment fundamentals. Phase Two focuses on investor engagement, where participants are connected with a curated network of investors through targeted matchmaking opportunities to facilitate funding and growth.

Madinet Masr Announces the Development of “Buyut Al-Khalifa” Project to Revive Urban Heritage in Historic Cairo in

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Madinet Masr Announces the Development of “Buyut Al-Khalifa” Project to Revive Urban Heritage in Historic Cairo in

Under the auspices of the Supreme Council of Antiquities

Collaboration with Built Environment Collective
As part of its sustainability and social responsibility strategy, this project marks a key milestone in Madinet Masr’s heritage revival initiative.

 

Madinet Masr (EGX code: MASR.CA), one of Egypt’s leading urban community developers, has announced the launch of the “Buyut Al-Khalifa” project to revitalize the urban fabric of Al-Rukbiyya Street in the heart of Historic Cairo. and to preserve endangered urban sites. The project is carried out in collaboration with the Built Environment Collective, in collaboration with the Supreme Council of Antiquities. This initiative aligns with Madinet Masr’s CSR strategy, which focuses on the preservation and restoration of archaeological sites and historical buildings.

 

Madinet Masr

Located in Historic Cairo – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the “Buyut Al-Khalifa” project aims to restore heritage buildings and rehabilitate the urban fabric while conserving the area’s cultural identity and improving residents’ quality of life. Spanning 3,000 square meters on Al-Rukbiyya Street, the project involves the restoration of two historic buildings, the refurbishment of 19 facades of modern buildings, and the development of 1,200 square meters of public spaces through paving, greenery, and lighting. The project also features the creation of two urban farms irrigated with groundwater harvested from the dewatering projects of listed monuments, enhancing and promoting heritage-based crafts, in addition to providing educational and professional opportunities. This reflects Madinet Masr’s commitment to sustainable development, heritage conservation, and positioning Cairo as a global tourist destination.

 

Commenting on the project, Eng. Abdallah Sallam, President and CEO of Madinet Masr, said: “Community engagement is a cornerstone of our identity and vision. We are proud to take part in developing the Buyut Al-Khalifa project, which seeks to revive endangered urban sites, especially in archaeological and heritage areas. This initiative aligns with our 65-year legacy in the Egyptian market, during which we have played a pivotal role in developing integrated and sustainable urban cities and communities.”

 

 


Sallam added: “Our collaboration with the Built Environment Collective, and the Supreme Council of Antiquities is a true representation of strategic partnerships that create an added value for society and reflect our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities.”

 

Dr. May Al-Ibrashy, Chairwoman of Built Environment Collective, commented: “We are pleased to partner with a leading real estate developer like Madinet Masr to develop Buyut Al-Khalifa project. This represents a strategic partnership between the private sector and civil society to revive the urban essence surrounding the historical landmarks and buildings. The site’s inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its ‘living heritage,’ supports our belief that heritage is a key driver for development, not just a legacy of the past, but a foundation for shaping the future.”

 

For her part, Dena Habib, Vice President of Corporate Relations at Madinet Masr, added: “At Madinet Masr, we believe that sustainability is a fundamental element in all our operations. Buyut Al-Khalifa project reflects this commitment, as we are keen to achieve environmental, social, and economic sustainability. We always strive to partner with entities that share our values and vision of creating a positive societal impact. To that, our collaboration with Built Environment Collective reflects this vision; creating a sustainable urban environment that meets the needs of current and future generations while preserving Egypt’s heritage and identity.”

 

Buyut Al-Khalifa project is part of Built Environment Collective “Athar Lina” (Heritage is Ours”الأثر لنا” ) initiative, launched in the Al-Khalifa area in 2012, which takes a participatory approach combining heritage conservation with socio-economic empowerment through traditional crafts and sustainable urban development. It also aligns with two national tourism development initiatives: the Citadel Square development, located 500 meters east of the site, and the “Descendants of the Prophet مسار أحفاد النبي ” path, which passes through the area. Implementation of “Buyut Al-Khalifa” project is set to begin implementation in May 2025 over three years.

 

The project focuses on using eco-friendly materials and sustainable construction techniques, while improving quality of life and providing employment opportunities forming a comprehensive model for heritage conservation and local community development.

Mohamed Elkholy, group senior marketing director at Akam Developments, emphasized that innovation have become essential pillars in the real estate

Posted on by Fatma abdelhamed

Mohamed Elkholy, group senior marketing director at Akam Developments, emphasized that innovation and the integration of advanced technologies have become essential pillars in the real estate development sector.

This direction aligns with Egypt’s national vision for establishing smart, sustainable projects that adhere to the highest global standards, aiming to create eco-friendly buildings that enhance well-being and promote happiness.

Speaking during a panel discussion titled “Innovation and Opportunities in Real Estate Development” at the 10th edition of the She Can Conference, Elkholy stressed that the future of real estate lies in adopting technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and sustainable smart systems.

He pointed out that the Egyptian government has already set a strong precedent through initiatives like the New Administrative Capital, where strict building regulations foster both sustainability and smart infrastructure.

“Innovation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity,” said Elkholy. “The global transition toward technology-driven real estate is transforming the market, and Egypt is actively keeping pace with this trend.”

The panel was moderated by Architect Lilly Ghorab, Business Development Manager at Mohamed Talaat Architects, and featured Omar El-Tayebi, CEO of TLD – The Land Developers, alongside Eng. Rasha El-Kady, Head of Tourism at the Egyptian Junior Business Association and one of the Middle East’s Top 30 Creative Thinkers.

Elkholy noted that since entering the Egyptian market, Akam Developments has remained committed to creating environmentally responsible, human-centric communities that prioritize quality of life and well-being.

He explained that the company’s innovation model is data- and research-driven, with every project preceded by comprehensive customer needs assessments conducted by its dedicated research division.

He cited Scenario, the company’s first residential project, as a prime example of user-focused innovation. Prior to its launch, Akam conducted a detailed study involving 4,500 Egyptian women to better understand their daily struggles—particularly the challenge of balancing work, household duties, and self-care.

“We found that many women—especially working mothers—are overburdened, despite being the cornerstone of the family,” Elkholy explained. “This insight led us to design Egypt’s first residential compound specifically tailored to support women’s everyday needs.”

Among Scenario’s unique features is a centralized kitchen facility—the first of its kind in Egypt—offering customized meal preparation to reduce the daily cooking load for residents.

The compound also includes secure children’s play areas connected to fitness centers, enabling mothers to work out while keeping an eye on their kids.

Elkholy concluded by reaffirming Akam’s mission to serve both people and the planet, designing every development to improve community well-being, environmental sustainability, and long-term value.

In his closing remarks, he shared advice with young entrepreneurs and She Can participants, encouraging them to pursue their ambitions guided by four core principles: patience, commitment, excellence in performance, and continuous learning.

He emphasized the importance of being patient through early career challenges, maintaining discipline and time management, striving for excellence through ongoing personal development, and embracing lifelong learning to improve practical skills and unlock greater opportunities in the job market.

Finally, he urged attendees to hold steadfast faith in God’s wisdom and timing, trusting that what is meant for them will always lead to goodness and serve their best interests in the long run.

Raya Holding Reports Record-Breaking Profitability in FY 2024

Posted on by Fatma abdelhamed

Raya Holding for Financial Investments, a leading Egyptian investment company operating across diverse high-potential sectors, announced its consolidated and standalone financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. The results reflect the group’s strongest financial performance to date, marking a year of exceptional profitability, strategic growth, and a milestone 25th anniversary.

Raya Holding reported a 44.2% year-on-year increase in consolidated revenues, reaching EGP 45.1 billion for FY 2024. This was supported by a diversified portfolio and resilient operating model across 11 subsidiaries and 7 countries. Gross profit increased by 48% YoY to reach EGP 9.4 billion, with a gross profit margin of 21%.

EBITDA rose to EGP 4.86 billion, up 52% YoY, with the EBITDA margin improving to 10.8%. Net income before minority interests increased by 237% YoY, reaching EGP 1.9 billion, while net income after minority interests surged by 283% YoY to EGP 1.69 billion, with a net profit margin of 3.7%.

Q4 2024 Performance

Raya Holding delivered its highest quarterly revenue in history, recording EGP 12.8 billion in Q4 2024, a 48.7% YoY increase. Net profit after minority interests reached EGP 578 million, growing by 1095% YoY and 27% QoQ.

Highlights Across Portfolio Companies

.Raya Trade & FMCG: Revenues reached EGP 20.3 billion, a 33% YoY growth driven by retail expansion and distribution strength

.Raya Information Technology: Revenues grew by 57% YoY to EGP 10.8 billion, supported by the launch of a fully owned Tier III data center

.Aman Holding: Revenues reached EGP 6.4 billion, up 41% YoY, with successful expansion plan into the Saudi market

.Raya Foods: Revenues grew by 51% YoY, driven by strong demand in frozen export markets, becoming the number one exporter of frozen strawberries in Egypt

.Raya Electric: Launched its Manufacturing-as-a-Service (MaaS) model with LG, advancing local industrial capacity

.RCX, Ostool, Raya Smart Buildings, Restaurants & Auto: All achieved double-digit growth across client base, logistics, commercial spaces, and product lines

Raya Holding Company receives the title of Best Employer in Egypt

.Raya Holding was proudly named a Top Employer in Egypt for 2025, reaffirming its commitment to creating a positive and empowering work environment for over 18,000 employees

.2024 also marked a major milestone, 25 years of Raya Holding, a journey that has shaped industries, empowered communities, and delivered sustainable value to stakeholders

Raya Holding enters 2025 with clear priorities: regional expansion, digital innovation, ESG integration, and sustained financial growth. With a strong foundation and future-focused mindset, Raya continues to lead as a flagship investment group in Egypt and beyond.

Seesaw Acquires MENA-based Edtech Startup Little Thinking Minds to Expand Learning Solutions Globally

Posted on by Fatma abdelhamed

Seesaw, the leading global PreK-12 learning experience company, has announced its acquisition of Little Thinking Minds, a MENA based female founded leading edtech specializing in Arabic literacy solutions.

Trusted by over 25 million educators, students, and families worldwide, this strategic partnership positions Seesaw to expand its already significant footprint in the MENA region, strengthening its offerings with comprehensive, culturally relevant educational content and literacy tools in both Arabic and English.

Seesaw offers a suite of award-winning interactive and AI-driven learning tools and digital curriculum products designed to enhance student engagement, facilitate real-time assessments, and strengthen school-home communication.

With this acquisition, Seesaw will combine its interactive technology with Little Thinking Minds’s evidence-based Arabic literacy curricula and assessment solutions in order to transform learning for PreK-12 students, educators, and families in the MENA region and beyond.

In addition to its comprehensive solution set for American and British schools, Seesaw will launch its first Arabic-language platform in 2026, reinforcing its commitment to authentic and multilingual learning experiences.

Together, the two companies will enable educators to create joyful, inclusive, and personalized learning experiences, ensuring that every student is supported throughout their academic journey.

Ministries and school leaders will benefit from data-driven insights through Seesaw’s interactive dashboards and student portfolios, offering a clearer view of student progress and learning outcomes.

“This partnership marks a major step in our mission to create engaging and effective learning experiences for students worldwide,” said Matthew Given, CEO of Seesaw.

“Little Thinking Minds has built a strong reputation and effective products for improving Arabic literacy, and by joining forces, we can empower more students and teachers with localized, high-impact learning solutions.”

Founded in 2004, Little Thinking Minds is a pioneering edtech startup dedicated to closing the literacy gap for Arabic-speaking students worldwide, with a strong focus on the MENA region.

Through its platforms—I Read Arabic, I Start Arabic, and the Mizan Assessment Platform—the company has empowered over 400,000 students across 10+ countries with evidence-based digital literacy solutions.

Backed by independent research, LTM’s programs have demonstrated a 25% improvement in literacy levels and are trusted by public and private schools, refugee education programs, and government initiatives to deliver measurable outcomes.

Little Thinking Minds has established itself as one of the strongest edtech startups in the region, successfully attracting investors and securing significant funding.

In 2018, the company raised a Series A investment led by Algebra Ventures, with participation from Mindshift Capital, Al Turki Ventures and the ISSF Fund. This funding — along with support from early investors including the Women’s Angel Investor Network (WAIN) and Oasis500 — allowed Little Thinking Minds to scale its platform, expand its reach, and further develop its Arabic literacy solutions, solidifying its role as a leader in the MENA edtech ecosystem.

“We’re incredibly proud to be joining the Seesaw family,” said Rama Kayyali, co-founder and CEO of Little Thinking Minds.

“As the leading Arabic language K-12 edtech in the region—with curriculum alignment across most Arab countries, a strong footprint in both public and private schools, and pioneering research and development in AI for Arabic literacy—this milestone represents a powerful next step in our mission.

Together with Seesaw, we’re poised to scale our impact even further, delivering cutting-edge, culturally relevant learning experiences that empower children across the MENA region and beyond.”

This acquisition – originated with EDT&Partners – is a significant development in the MENA edtech ecosystem, reinforcing Seesaw’s commitment to multilingual education and expanding its reach into Arabic-speaking markets.

Seesaw and Little Thinking Minds currently serve over 800,000 users at over 3,000 schools, ministries, and school groups in the MENA region and will now look to rapidly expand their global reach with their combined solution set.

Ericsson highlights innovation in connectivity at GITEX Africa 2025

Posted on by Fatma abdelhamed

“Next Starts Now” as Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) participates in GITEX Africa 2025 , as a key sponsor, taking place from April 14 to 16 in Marrakech, Morocco.

GITEX Africa provides an important platform for industry leaders like Ericsson to showcase the latest solutions designed to drive the continent’s connectivity and digital evolution.

Visitors to the Ericsson booth will have the opportunity to engage with industry experts and explore how the company’s advanced solutions in network infrastructure, automation, enterprise business,

and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can play a transformative role in Africa’s diverse industries, from smart cities and mobility to telecommunications and beyond.

Ericsson showcases its technologies that support sustainable growth

Ericsson will also showcase its technology that supports sustainable growth across key sectors including Private Networks, Network APIs,

and high-performing programmable networks aligning with Morocco’s ambitious Vision 2030, which aims to drive innovation and economic growth through technology.

By leveraging Ericsson’s cutting-edge solutions, including network automation, Artificial Intelligence, and sustainable infrastructure,

markets such as Morocco that are putting technology innovation as a key focus, are well-positioned to advance their digital transformation journey.

Ericsson’s focus on enhancing connectivity, enabling smart cities, and driving industrial digitalization supports their goals of fostering economic development,improving public services, and creating a vibrant, knowledge-driven economy.

Majda Lahlou Kassi, President of Ericsson Morocco and Vice President and Head of Ericsson West and Southern Africa,

will delve into how building high-performing programmable networks will empower the evolution of telecom companies into tech companies in her keynote speech,

and Badr Ndour, Head of Networks Ericsson West and South Africa, will join other experts on a panel discussion titled “Capital Deployment in Critical and Next-Gen Infrastructure” to discuss how advanced technology can boost economic development.

Majda Lahlou Kassi, President of Ericsson Morocco and Vice President and Head of Ericsson West and Southern Africa,

says: “GITEX Africa is a vital platform to engage with key stakeholders in Morocco and Africa reinforcing our commitment of ensuring a connected continent that is smarter and more resilient.

As mobile subscriptions in the continent are forecasted to grow and the demand for connectivity continues to rise, we remain prepared to empower communication service providers, businesses,

and governments with innovation that bridges the digital divide and creates new opportunities for businesses and communities in Morocco and across Africa.

This also aligns with Morocco’s ambitious Digital 2030 Agenda, which aims to drive innovation and economic growth through technology.”

Ericsson’s participation in GITEX Africa 2025 aligns with its Africa in Motion vision of fostering a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable digital future for Africa.

The company remains dedicated to supporting communication service providers (CSPs) and enterprises with future-proof technology solutions that enhance network efficiency, drive business growth,

and improve user experiences that contribute to accelerating the continent’s digital transformation and boosting connectivity to unlock new opportunities for businesses, governments, and consumers.

Ericsson invites industry leaders, customers, and media to visit its booth located in Hall 11 at GITEX Africa 2025 to experience firsthand how its technology is enabling Africa’s digital future.

Orange Egypt announces 15th edition of Orange Social Venture competition

Posted on by Fatma abdelhamed

Orange Egypt has announced the opening of applications for the 15th edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) in 2025.

The competition, with a total prize fund of €70,000, recognizes enterprises and startups that use technical innovation to find novel solutions to societal concerns.

This demonstrates Orange‘s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and contributing to social and economic development by incentivizing technical innovation focused at producing solutions that effect good change at the community and environmental levels.

.The competition is divided into two phases

The first is the local phase, during which Orange Egypt will accept proposals from companies willing to participate in the competition platform via the URL (https://poesam.optimytool.com/en) until May 18, 2025.

Then, a jury made up of entrepreneurial leaders and cadres, as well as Orange executives, will review the proposals and pick three winning local firms to advance to the competition’s international round.

They will compete against other qualifiers from different nations for three prizes for the top three winners: €25,000 for first place, €15,000 for second place, and €10,000 for third place.

For the fifth consecutive year, the competition has awarded a grand prize to female entrepreneurs to enhance women’s participation in entrepreneurship in the region

and to highlight Orange’s commitment to supporting talented women in establishing startups and providing them with the necessary support to continue their journey and contribute to the development of their communities.

Each local competition will pick up to three female-led or co-founded businesses to compete for the €20,000 “International Women’s Prize”.

For her part, Maha Nagy, Chief Communications Officer Orange Egypt, emphasized that Orange’s 15-year commitment to organizing the competition demonstrates its belief in the importance of technological innovation and entrepreneurship in addressing societal challenges, as well as its belief in startups’ ability to positively impact society.

She went on to say, “In view of the fast advancements in the technology industry and entrepreneurship, Orange is dedicated to offering a platform for financing and technical assistance for new initiatives that use technology to enhance society and the environment.

We are proud of our competition’s long history of supporting sustainable development and helping to create new solutions that improve people’s lives in their communities”.

Madinet Masr Partners with Al Joud Foundation to Prepare Over 36,000 Iftar Meals with two Maedet Al-Rahman in

Posted on by aberabozaher

Madinet Masr Partners with Al Joud Foundation to Prepare Over 36,000 Iftar Meals with two Maedet Al-Rahman in

Taj City & Sarai as Part of “Together in Goodness” Initiative

Abdallah Sallam: At Madinet Masr, we are committed to supporting local communities through partnering with leading charitable organizations, ensuring vital support reaches the most deserving groups, fostering social solidarity and generating a tangible positive impact.

Madinet Masr

Madinet Masr (EGX code: MASR.CA), one of Egypt’s leading real estate developers, has announced its collaboration with Al Joud Foundation for the second consecutive year as part of the “Together in Goodness” initiative. The partnership aims to prepare over 36,000 Iftar Meals with two Maedet Al-Rahman; in Taj City & Sarai. This profound humanitarian initiative reflects Madinet Masr’s commitment to empowering local communities and uplifting the most vulnerable groups, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

 

As part of this ongoing partnership, Madinet Masr and Al Joud Foundation launched two Maedet Al-Rahman in Taj City and Sarai, Madinet Masr’s flagship projects to provide meals for eligible families in nearby areas. Each banquet served 600 fasting persons daily, amounting to 1,200 beneficiaries in total. This initiative highlights the shared commitment of both parties towards social solidarity and utilizing the holy month of Ramadan to maximize aid for those in need.

 

Commenting on the collaboration, Eng. Abdallah Sallam, President and CEO of Madinet Masr, stated: “Ramadan is a month of compassion and giving. At Madinet Masr, we are committed to supporting local communities through partnering with leading charitable organizations, ensuring vital support reaches the most deserving groups, to enhance social solidarity and generating a tangible positive impact.”

 

He added: “Our partnership with Al Joud Foundation, one of the most trusted charitable entities, reflects our commitment to uplift underserved families, and fostering comprehensive community development. This strategic approach guarantees aid delivery to the most vulnerable, fostering sustainable, transformative change that aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030.”

For his part, Ayman Abbas, Managing Director of Al Joud Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying: “We are thrilled to partner with Madinet Masr as a strategic partner for Al Joud Foundation for the second year in a row. Our collaboration, which began last Ramadan, continues this year during this blessed month, which carries a unique joy in giving.” He further noted: “Since its inception last year, the partnership between Al Joud Foundation and Madinet Masr has been highly fruitful, with the company setting a remarkable example of success in both the business sector and social responsibility. We encourage more companies and commercial institutions to stand in solidarity with civil society organizations to amplify and sustain charitable efforts.”

 

Al Joud Foundation has successfully launched 11 community iftar banquets during Ramadan, providing a total of 10,000 meals daily. Established in 2015, Al Joud Foundation is a non-profit organization that extends its humanitarian efforts across various sectors, including medical care, food aid, monthly financial assistance, and training and qualification programs, all aimed at serving the most vulnerable families and enhancing their quality of life. The foundation is dedicated to collaborating with different stakeholders to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development.

Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt Meets with the Chairman of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion

Posted on by aberabozaher

Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt Meets with the Chairman of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion

Mr. Hassan Abdalla, Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), welcomed Dr. Alfred Hannig, Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), on Monday, 7th of April, 2025, in the presence of a number of CBE’s officials.

Central Bank of Egypt

The Governor commenced the meeting by expressing his appreciation for the fruitful cooperation between the CBE and the Alliance for Financial Inclusion, through availing access to learn from the international best practices in the field of financial inclusion, and supports the exchange of scientific expertise with central banks and relevant regulatory authorities in member states.

 

 

محافظ البنك المركزي

Mr. Abdalla also showcased the strides achieved by the CBE, in cooperation with the banking sector and relevant

ministries and authorities, in line with the Egyptian state’s vision to achieve economic empowerment for all segments of society, especially women, youth, Persons with Disabilities (PWD’s), Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and entrepreneurs.

 

These achievements were built up on the foundation of an accommodating legislative and regulatory ecosystem, and the launch of incentive initiatives, which contributed to increasing financial inclusion rates in Egypt to reach 74.8% by the end of 2024.

 

For his part, Dr. Hannig, Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) commended Egypt’s pioneering experience as a front runner in financial inclusion and sustainable finance, acknowledging its advancements in this field as a role model. He stated that AFI is actively collaborating with the CBE to extend this expertise to various countries through facilitating peer to peer knowledge exchange to benefit from the CBE’s efforts in this regard.

 

Worth mentioning, in 2013, the CBE joined AFI, which was established in 2009. The Alliance comprises over 90 financial institutions, central banks, and regulatory bodies from 83 countries. AFI aims to develop the tools utilized to promote financial inclusion, exchange technical and practical experiences between countries, and assist members in the formulation and implementation of economic policies and reform strategies.