رئيس مجلس الإدارة
سعيد اسماعيل
رئيس التحرير
مروة أبو زاهر

رئيس مجلس الإدارة
سعيد اسماعيل

رئيس التحرير
مروة أبو زاهر

NymCard Partners with eNovate to enhance Card Production Services Across MENA

NymCard Partners with eNovate to enhance Card Production Services Across MENA

Cairo, Egypt: NymCard, the leading payments infrastructure provider in the MENA region, announced a strategic partnership with eNovate, a subsidiary of eFinance Investment Group and Egypt’s leading card manufacturing and personalization services provider. This partnership aims to complement NymCard’s comprehensive payment solutions by integrating eNovate’s advanced card production and personalization capabilities.

NymCard

The partnership is considered a step forward towards NymCard comprehensive financial solutions offered to our clients, covering card issuance and processing, alongside card production and personalization services. This integrated approach streamlines the payment card lifecycle for NymCard partners across the region.

“Our collaboration with eNovate creates a one-stop solution that addresses all of our partners’ payment needs,” said   Omar El Moataz, NymCard Country Manager. “This partnership reinforces our commitment to providing comprehensive payment solutions while simplifying the operational complexity for our clients.”

 

Ms.  Nashwa Kamel  , CEO of eNovate  added, “We are proud to partner with NymCard to complement our payment card services in the region. This collaboration reflects our commitment to delivering state-of-the-art card production and personalization solutions, ensuring high-quality services for our partners and their customers. Together, we aim to deliver an exceptional payment experience that meets the growing market demands.”

 

eNovate brings its extensive experience in digitizing payment systems for major national projects, including the Takaful and Karama program, the Farmer’s Card system, the management of Egyptian pension cards, and various other initiatives in both the public and private sectors.

This partnership combines NymCard’s advanced payment infrastructure with eNovate’s state-of-the-art card manufacturing, personalization and value-added payment solutions providing partners with a unified solution for their payment card programs.

Foundever® Expands Offshoring Operations in Egypt, Adding 5,000 Jobs and Opening a

Foundever® Expands Offshoring Operations in Egypt, Adding 5,000 Jobs and Opening a New Contact Center in Luxor

Foundever Invests €65 Million in Egypt, Leveraging Government Support for Talent Development and Cementing Egypt’s Role as a Global Hub for CX and IT Offshoring

Foundever, a leading global provider of customer experience (CX) solutions, has announced an ambitious expansion in Egypt, with plans to create 5,000 new jobs over the next four years. The company will also establish a state-of-the-art facility in Luxor, complementing its existing contact centers located at Cairo’s Maadi Technology Park and City Stars Business Complex.

As part of this expansion, Foundever has renewed and extended its existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Egypt’s Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) for an additional four years, reaffirming its long-term commitment to Egypt as a premier destination for global business services.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dr. Amr Talaat, alongside Ms. Benedita Miranda, General Manager of the Multilingual Region at Foundever; Mr. Ricardo Fernandez, CFO of the Multilingual Region at Foundever; and Mr. Ricardo Verdasca, VP of Operations for the Multilingual Region at Foundever.

This significant expansion highlights Egypt’s well-established and growing reputation as a global hub for CX services and IT offshoring. Foundever’s total investment in Egypt is projected to reach €65 million, underscoring the company’s confidence in Egypt’s capabilities and its strategic importance in the global CX landscape.

Dr. Amr Talaat, Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, stated:

“This growth mirrors the ongoing success of Egypt’s outsourcing industry, which is one of the country’s most promising sectors with a distinguished global standing. The establishment of a new center in Luxor demonstrates increasing confidence in Egyptian talents nationwide and their ability to deliver services that meet international standards. The Ministry remains dedicated to fostering an enabling environment for investment through advanced digital infrastructure, progressive policies, and comprehensive training programs designed to equip our workforce with the technical, linguistic, and professional skills required by global markets.”

Over the past year, Foundever® in Egypt has achieved a 115% growth from 2023 and continues to build on its exceptional client portfolio, now serving 15 clients across 14 different languages.

 

 

Eng. Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), commented:

“The decision by Foundever to grow its operations in Egypt underscores the trust that global CX and offshoring players place in Egypt’s unparalleled value proposition as a hub for IT and Business Process Outsourcing services. Their expansion into Luxor and other governorates highlights confidence in the exceptional talent and adaptability of Egyptian professionals. ITIDA is proud to support such initiatives, reinforcing Egypt’s standing as a premier destination for multilingual customer experience services.”

With its planned new center in the famed city of Luxor, Foundever aims to further tap into the wealth of Egyptian talent while supporting Upper Egypt’s socio-economic development.

Ms. Benedita Miranda, General Manager of the Multilingual Region at Foundever, added:

“We’re excited to expand our operations in Egypt with the creation of 5,000 new jobs across multiple regions, reinforcing the country’s position as a global hub for exceptional customer service. This milestone, achieved with the invaluable support of MCIT and ITIDA, underscores our commitment to empowering Egyptian youth with opportunities to work for leading multinational companies.

 

We are especially proud to support women through our Freelance Mama program, enabling mothers to re-enter the workforce and thrive. Our investment in Luxor marks our first venture beyond Cairo, and we see a great potential for it to become an important customer service hub. More locations will follow as we continue to grow and contribute to Egypt’s digital and economic development.” 

Egypt has a unique blend of capabilities that make it an ideal outsourcing destination. With a population of over 106 million, including a significant number of young, educated individuals, Egypt boasts a vast talent pool proficient in multiple languages. This linguistic diversity, coupled with a strong educational system and a favorable investment environment, positions Egypt as a competitive player in the global outsourcing market. The country’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and government support further enhance its appeal to international businesses.

Mina Wahba, Country Lead in Egypt, added:

“Egypt is a country with incredible potential, and we’re excited to be part of its growth. By creating jobs in Cairo, Luxor and surrounding areas, we’re enabling young talent to build meaningful careers close to home, fostering local development and opportunity. This expansion aligns with Egypt’s vision of becoming a global business services hub, and we’re proud to contribute to this national goal. We are especially grateful to MCIT and ITIDA for their invaluable support in helping us navigate challenges and successfully expand our operations across Egypt. While Luxor marks a new chapter, Cairo remains our center of excellence for shared services, driving operations, innovation in AI, machine translation, and next-generation solutions for the region and beyond.”

 

About Foundever

 

About ITIDA

The Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) serves as the executive arm of Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). Since its establishment in 2004, ITIDA has been at the forefront of advancing Egypt’s IT sector and championing the offshoring industry, boosting its global competitiveness and positioning it as a vital driver of the country’s economic growth.

ITIDA plays a central role in fostering innovation and tech-driven entrepreneurship by collaborating with public and private stakeholders, including universities, multinationals, accelerators, incubators, and investors. Through its strategic initiatives, ITIDA nurtures the growth of tech startups and reinforces Egypt’s position as a leading hub for IT offshoring services, leveraging the nation’s highly skilled workforce and advanced digital infrastructure.

www.itida.gov.eg

Ericsson enables efficient transformation to cloud native with new Compact Packet Core

Ericsson enables efficient transformation to cloud native with new Compact Packet Core

Compact Packet Core enables easy modernization of the communication service providers’ (CSPs) current Packet Core to cloud native for both 4G and 5G.

It is a footprint optimized Packet Core solution that drastically reduces the complexity of deployment and upgrades with pre-defined configurations and automation.

The new solution is a future-proof platform enabling the introduction of 5G Standalone and scalable capacity growth.

Ericsson

The new Ericsson Compact Packet Core includes the cloud-native Packet Core Controller (PCC) and Packet Core Gateway (PCG) network functions on top of a compact, one rack, version of Ericsson’s Cloud-Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS). It is a global solution with pre-defined parameter settings and streamlined migration procedures that simplifies transition to cloud-native and maximizes efficient return on investment in this key network infrastructure. Compact Packet Core fully supports 4G, 5G Non-Standalone (NSA), and 5G Standalone (SA) networks, providing CSPs with the capabilities needed to meet their strategic and operational needs.

 

 

Compact Packet Core is launched with solution lifecycle management service where Ericsson oversees automated upgrades of the network. This brings benefits such as seamless upgrades, and networks that are always up to date with the latest software innovation and security.

 

Monica Zethzon, Head of Solution Area Core Networks, Ericsson says: “With this solution we are providing a new approach for upgrading to cloud native and introducing 5G Core, built on our deep experience with the world’s most advanced networks. It significantly simplifies modernization while unlocking the full potential of our world-class cloud-native software.

 

We are proud to introduce the Ericsson Compact Packet Core for CSPs looking to accelerate their cloud-native journey and manage capacity growth.”

A smoother migration of all subscribers to cloud-native
The new solution delivers the simplicity of the “appliance” approach and adds to it by inheriting the key benefits from being cloud native. It supports key cloud-native features such as automation, In-Service Software Upgrades (ISSU), Container-as-a-Service rolling upgrades (CaaS RU) and gives CSPs the flexibility to adapt the network to new use cases or workloads as they grow and evolve their services to customers.

It delivers an optimized and validated configuration for deployment of the packet core network functions on CNIS to maximize ease of deployment, migration, and software upgrades, reducing overall complexity. With the pre-defined configurations of this solution a CSP has 80 percent fewer parameters to adjust when deploying and will enable up to 30% reduction in energy and hardware footprint due to its inbuilt capability to support the latest CPU generations as they evolve.

 

 

 

The solution has been created to solve specific challenges that CSPs are facing when transitioning from legacy infrastructure and is designed to simplify operations across the board. It guarantees seamless service continuation and retention of a CSPs business logic underpinning its technological configuration during installation, migration, upgrades, and expansions.

 

The proven Ericsson Packet Core software is used for all deployment scenarios including Compact Packet Core to secure interoperability.

Glen Hunt, Principal Analyst at GlobalData says: “It is no secret that CSPs face common and testing challenges when upgrading their cloud deployment models to introduce or expand the benefits of a cloud-native operating model or lead towards the deployment of 5G Core.

 

Ericsson’s Compact Packet Core removes the barrier to deployment that comes with lengthy interoperability and integration testing by virtue of being a pre-integrated solution, and its in-built configurations and reduced footprint demands mean a less costly, complex and time-consuming migration is possible.”

The move to cloud native is well underway, with growing momentum evident in the market. As of October 2024, Ericsson has 120+ unique 5G Core or cloud native commercial contracts, with 55+ live dual-mode 5G Core solution customers (including EPC, 5G NSA and 5G SA live customers). Also clear is the growing appetite for 5G SA. Ericsson Mobility Report research indicates close to 60% of 5G subscriptions – 3.6 billion – will be 5G SA in 2030.

 

Separate Ericsson research in Europe showed consumers are willing to pay up to 15% on top of their ticket to improve their connectivity and app experience at large events such as concerts or sporting occasions. 5G SA best allows CSPs to meet this requirement, by introducing differentiated connectivity offerings like reserving a part of their network to provide assured quality of experience for specific users or apps.

Ericsson was recently placed as a leader in the Market Landscape: Core Vendors 2024 report from analyst house Omdia, with the highest overall portfolio score of the vendors assessed having the top spot in both cloud native readiness, automation, and policy and charging. It was also named a Leader in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for CSP 5G Core Network Infrastructure Solutions, and named top of Frost Radar™ 5G network infrastructure market ranking for the fourth year running in an analysis that covers RAN, transport and core networks.

Ericsson currently powers 37 of the world’s 60+ commercially live 5G SA networks, with its RAN solutions and the cloud-native Ericsson dual-mode 5G Core solution.

Tanmeyah Joins Forces with Al Basateen District and the National Organization for Urban Harmony to Develop Palestine Square

 Tanmeyah, a subsidiary of EFG Holding and leading provider of financial solutions in Egypt with a concerted focus on micro enterprise segments, announced today its new development initiatives for Palestine Square and Ahmed Abd El-Azeem Street, situated next to the company’s headquarters in Al Maadi. This project highlights Tanmeyah’s unwavering commitment to community enhancement and environmental sustainability, falling in line with its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives and broader framework.

As part of these initiatives, Tanmeyah is spearheading the improvement projects at Palestine Square and Ahmed Abd El-Azeem Street, both adjacent to Tanmeyah’s HQ. This collaboration with Al Basateen district and the National Organization for Urban Harmony has culminated in the opening of the new and improved square in the presence of Dr. Ibrahim Saber Khalil, Governor of Cairo, Major General Yehia El Adgham, Secretary-General of Cairo Governorate;  and Major General Magdy Mohamed Abdel-Motaal, Head of Al Basateen District.

The improvements feature upgraded flooring and pavement to enhance accessibility, improved lighting for better safety, and expanded landscaping to create more green spaces. These upgrades aim to revitalize the area, optimize air conditions, and facilitate pedestrian access, thereby promoting welfare for both our staff and local citizens. Additionally, Tanmeyah’s employees actively participated in this initiative, demonstrating their commitment to fostering a vibrant community.

Jinu Johnson, CEO and Managing Director of Tanmeyah, commented, “Our dedication to the community is at the core of what we do. With these initiatives, we are actively pursuing a safer, greener, and more inviting environment for everyone. This underscores our dedication to community welfare and sustainability, as we look to build long-term, positive impacts. We believe that by investing in our surroundings, we can foster a sense of belonging and connection among community members. This project reflects our dedication to building a sustainable future, where enhanced public spaces not only uplift the neighborhood but also contribute to the well-being of all who live and work here.”

Tanmeyah

Launched in 2009, Tanmeyah has grown to become Egypt’s premier financial services provider for microfinance enterprises, providing a range of financing solutions tailored to meet client needs, build businesses, and drive socioeconomic change. With the widest branch network in the country, deep industry knowledge, and community ties, Tanmeyah has improved lives and built businesses of millions across the country. Tanmeyah has issued over three million financing facilities of various types and sizes. It currently serves more than 30,000 new clients monthly through its network of nearly 350 branches and more than 5,000 employees in 25 governorates.

Central Bank of Egypt Launches a New Service to Facilitate Transactions for Citizens

Central Bank of Egypt Launches a New Service to Facilitate Transactions for Citizens

Availing Inbound Remittances to Customers’ Bank Accounts Instantly

In alignment to the Central Bank of Egypt’s (CBE) continued efforts to enhance the electronic financial services’ infrastructure, promote digital transformation,

,and contribute to the transformation to a less-cash society

,the CBE provided several banks operating in Egypt with the necessary licenses and approvals

,enabling them to activate the service of instantaneous receipt of remittances

and their real-time crediting to customers’ bank accounts in Egypt, through the Instant Payment Network (IPN).

,The new feature marks a significant advancement in digital remittances

,allowing customers to transfer money from abroad to the Arab Republic of Egypt

.seamlessly and continuously to fulfill customers’ needs promptly at any time

,Noteworthy, the pilot phase of this service was launched in June 2024

.through the licensed bank correspondents and foreign exchange companies abroad

,This new feature represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the instant payment network

.which is anticipated to bolster customers’ reliance on digital financial services in their daily transactions

The CBE‘s National Instant Payment network- inaugurated in March 2022 – is one of the key component infrastructure projects,

.and stands as a cornerstone for the CBE’s payment systems infrastructure projects

,IPN’s services offer a convenient and efficient alternative to cash payments

.providing instant transfer services 24/7 to all banks’ customers

,This transition resulted in a surge in the IPN’s metrics

,with over 11.5 million users registered on the InstaPay app

.and transaction volumes are expected to surpass EGP 2.7 trillion by the end of 2024

NTRA launches eSIM technology in Egypt’s market

NTRA launches eSIM technology in Egypt’s market

The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Egypt (NTRA) launched the eSIM technology in Egypt’s market,

following the completion of all necessary technical tests by the four mobile operators to operate the service.

,This technology is one of the latest digital innovations in telecom field

.aiming to improve the user experience in Egypt

,It also aligns with NTRA’s objectives pursuant to Law No. 10 of 2003

,particularly in keeping abreast of scientific, technical

,and technological advancements in telecommunications

and its commitment to providing advanced technical solutions that contribute to developing telecom market and supporting digital transformation.

.The eSIM is a modern technology used instead of traditional mobile SIM cards

It allows users to switch between mobile operators easily without needing to change a physical SIM card,

,and is also more secure than traditional SIM cards

since it is embedded inside the device and cannot be easily removed, reducing the risk of theft or misuse.

This technology also improves the user experience and reinforces the efficiency and sustainability of telecom services.

,Furthermore, the eSIM technology provides users with great flexibility

.as they can get a new number and activate it directly on the eSIM

Additionally, users can transfer their current numbers to the eSIM easily without needing to replace the SIM card,

ensuring uninterrupted service. In this sense, NTRA made sure to clarify the eSIM service details

.by issuing a comprehensive guide for the use of eSIM in Egypt

Abu Dhabi to Host Forbes Middle East’s Under 30 Summit for the First Time, Celebrating

Abu Dhabi to Host Forbes Middle East’s Under 30 Summit for the First Time, Celebrating
Youth, Innovation, and Creativity

*Forbes Middle East set to bring together over 5,000 innovators and content creators
for a unique event in Abu Dhabi*

• Join a visionary cohort of change-makers on December 10-11 for an unforgettable celebration of innovation and collaboration.
• The event will showcase young Arab leaders and entrepreneurs while offering a wide range of activities, workshops, and entertainment.
• Discussions will showcase the accomplishments of young achievers featured on the Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 list.

December 4 2024: Abu Dhabi is poised to become the epicenter of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation as the Forbes Middle East Under 30 Summit unfolds for the first time at the great lawn in Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi. Set to take place on December 10-11, 2024, the event will be a celebration of the exceptional talent that defines the Arab world’s future.

The summit will spotlight an exceptional roster of visionary minds shaping the future across diverse fields, including H.E. Mohamed Bin Taliah, Chief of Government Services for the UAE Government, Prime Minister’s Office; H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government; Ayman Mokhtar, Regional President for the Middle East, North Africa, and Eurasia at Viatris; Mansoor Al Sayegh, Group CEO of the Al Sayegh Group, Vice Chairman of the Aram Group PJSC and President of the Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council – Subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Chamber; Katralnada BinGhatti, CEO of Binghatti Holding; and Haleh Hamedifar, Chairperson at CinnaGen.

“The third edition of our Under 30 summit will inspire and catalyze impactful change among the next generation of leaders in the Arab world,” said Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East. “This event will be as vibrant and energizing as the young innovators on our 30 Under 30 list while offering the opportunity to discuss the challenges, trends, and ideas that they envision embodying the future of the region and the world.”

 

At the summit, the remarkable achievements of Forbes Middle East’s 30 Under 30 listers will take center stage. With two dynamic platforms; The Innovation Hub, covering science, technology, commerce, and finance, and The Social Hub, focusing on sports, entertainment, and social impact, participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions and panels featuring investors, creators, and experts as they delve into the most pressing topics facing the next generation of business leaders. Entertainment throughout the summit will include performances by DJ Rodge, singer Astrovalk, and drum pan artist Anas Al-Halabi.

Forbes Middle East is collaborating with various partners, including event partners, Alef Education, CinnaGen, and Cyber Security Council; strategic partner, the Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council; Food Vendors Partner, Cucina Del Sul Entertainment; sky art partner, Lumasky; and gift partners, Touch Of Oud, Daima, and Karji Perfumes.

To register and find out more about the Under 30 Summit, please visit the Forbes Middle East website.

NTRA issues instructions to facilitate the use of mobile e-wallet services for people of determination

NTRA issues instructions to facilitate the use of mobile e-wallet services for people of determination

Celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and in recognition of the importance of enabling people of determination to utilize modern technology, being part and parcel of Egypt’s society, the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Egypt (NTRA)

, in cooperation with the Central Bank of Egypt, issued new instructions to mobile operators regarding mobile e-wallet services.

These instructions aim to prepare and make these services accessible to users with disabilities for conducting payments and money transfers, as well as easily and safely carrying out the process of online shopping.

NTRA issues instructions

 

The instructions include enabling people of determination to subscribe to and activate mobile e-wallet services smoothly, providing mechanisms to assist them at mobile outlets through sign language interpreters or display screens for all information and procedures, as well as offering service contracts in Braille Language.

 

Additionally, NTRA directed telecom service providers to configure their mobile applications to meet the needs of people of determination by providing visual and audio interfaces, developing voice dictation features,

 

and supporting assistive technologies such as screen readers to facilitate the use of payment and money transfer services via mobile phones.

This step aims to uphold financial inclusion and provide mobile e-wallet services to all segments of society on an equal basis. It also aligns with the State’s strategy to promote Fintech services and enable individuals to access financial services easily and securely.

It’s worth noting that NTRA had previously launched a service to receive and resolve complaints from users with disabilities in sign language.

This could be actually done through video calls via NTRA’s website (https://tra.gov.eg), where complaints are received in sign language, followed up on, and resolved.

Additionally, NTRA approved a new mobile line for users with disabilities with a 50%-discount on its monthly packages, including voice and internet services.

It also approved a 50%-discount on service fees while paying utility bills via mobile e-wallets run by licensed mobile operators in Egypt’s market.

 

Furthermore, NTRA directed the operators to give priority to people of determination in completing all their transactions at branches without the need to wait, and to adapt branches and outlets according to the Egyptian Engineering Code to meet the needs of the people of determination.

 

 

 

“Central Bank of Egypt Joins the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System “PAPSS

In line with Egypt’s unwavering efforts to enhance regional banking relations and strengthen economic collaboration with African countries, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) approved, in November 2024, the agreement to join the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).
The PAPSS – developed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) – facilitates cross-border payments and trade transactions, reducing both costs and processing times. Notably, this is a promising step towards strengthening historical economic ties and expanding bilateral trade between Egypt and fellow African countries.
In this regard, Mr. Rami Aboulnaga, Deputy Governor of the CBE, stated that the signing of the agreement for the CBE’s participation in the new system reflects Egypt’s commitment to enhancing commercial and economic ties with countries worldwide, and with African nations in particular. He also highlighted that this development is the outcome of the continuous communication and collaboration between the CBE and African central banks.
He emphasized that the multiple benefits of PAPSS are poised to incentivize banks operating in Egypt and African banks to join the system and stimulate cross-border financial transactions with one another. The System’s membership encompasses 14 central banks from (Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Djibouti, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi, Tunisia, and Comoros), alongside over 50 commercial banks. Noteworthy, several banks operating in Egypt have expressed interest and willingness to join PAPSS. Under the agreement, the CBE will oversee the participation of banks operating in Egypt in the System.
This initiative is expected to substantially boost the intra-African trade, strengthen Egypt’s economic ties with African countries, and promote financial integration among African fellows. Furthermore, it will ease pressure on the demad of foreign currencies through using a net settlement mechanism across all participating countries.

e& business from e& Egypt and pmaestro Join Forces to Accelerate Digital Transformation in Egypt

 e& Egypt and pmaestro inked a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating digital transformation across Egypt and the MENA region. This collaboration combines the strengths of two industry leaders to fuel innovation, empower businesses, and drive sustainable growth in the digital economy.

The partnership prioritizes Digital Inclusion, bridging the digital divide to ensure equitable access to technology for enterprises, SMEs, and startups. Leveraging e& business’s advanced technology ecosystem—including cloud hosting, connectivity, and smart city solutions alongside pmaestro’s agile expertise in designing and delivering tailored digital solutions, the collaboration is set to create meaningful impact and unlock new opportunities for businesses to grow.

“By joining forces with pmaestro, we are combining e& business (from e& Egypt) cutting-edge technologies with their agile innovation capabilities,” said Mohamed ElReweny, Enterprise Solution Director at e& Egypt. “Together, we aim to deliver transformative solutions that empower enterprises and startups, ensuring a future of sustainable growth and digital inclusion.”

Mohamed Mounir ElAhwal, Founder and Managing Director of pmaestro, added: “pmaestro’s mission has always been to empower businesses through tailored innovation and digital transformation. This partnership with e& business represents a monumental step forward in creating impactful solutions and driving inclusive growth across Egypt’s digital economy.”

pmaestro remains dedicated to advancing financial inclusion, empowering women and youth, and driving sustainable digital economic growth. Through key partnerships with organizations like the Central Bank of Egypt, USAID, EGYtrans, and Transmar, pmaestro has actively supported startups in sectors such as fintech, logistics, and proptech.

Makanak Real Estate organizes the Egyptian pavilion at the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition Acres 2025 in the Emirates next January

Makanak Real Estate organizes the Egyptian pavilion at the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition Acres 2025 in the Emirates next January
Makank Real Estate cooperates with the Sharjah government to organize the Egyptian pavilion at the “Acres 2025” exhibition next January
Makank Real Estate supports real estate exports. For the first time and exclusively, it organizes the Egyptian pavilion at the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition Acres 2025 in the UAE

 

As part of its expansion plan and its efforts to enhance its regional leadership in the field of organizing and holding real estate exhibitions abroad, Makanak Real Estate Company – specialized in organizing and holding international real estate exhibitions – is preparing to organize the Egyptian pavilion at the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition “Acres 2025”, which will be held during the period from January 22 to 25 at Expo Center in the Emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.

Makanak Real

Mahmoud Abdel Halim, Chairman of Makanak Real Estate Company, stated that the company’s organization of the Egyptian pavilion came in accordance with a cooperation protocol that was signed earlier between Makanak Real Estate Company, the Government of Sharjah and the Emirati Leaders Company, noting that the company took this step as part of its continuous efforts to support the Egyptian state’s plan in the file of exporting Egyptian real estate abroad, and to enhance the flow of joint Egyptian-Emirati investments in the field of real estate development.

Abdel Halim said that Makanak Real Estate aims, through organizing the Egyptian pavilion at the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition “Acres” next January, to promote and market Egypt’s urban experience and to capitalize on the major urban boom that has taken place over the past ten years, which has contributed to diversifying investment opportunities, as well as infrastructure projects that have contributed to raising investment returns and creating an attractive environment for companies to achieve the highest profits.

 

He pointed out that the Egyptian pavilion at the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition “Acres 2025” will witness the participation of major Egyptian real estate development companies that own various projects in all geographical areas in Egypt, such as the New Administrative Capital and the North Coast, New Cairo, Sheikh Zayed and October, 6th of October and others.

He added that the exhibition will also provide opportunities for Egyptian companies to gain more experience and learn about the latest technology in the field of real estate, as there will be a special pavilion for companies specialized in real estate technology and will display the latest applications and systems currently available worldwide, which have become one of the most important sales mechanisms for the real estate sector now.

 

He continued, “We will also ensure the presence of banking institutions to provide real estate financing services to interested customers, which will be a strong incentive for many customers wishing to contract with real estate companies participating in the exhibition.”

On the sidelines of the exhibition, and over its four days, many joint investment discussion sessions will be held between delegations of major investors and real estate developers, to enhance joint investment in the real estate development sector in Egypt, as well as provide an opportunity for Egyptian investors wishing to learn about opportunities in the Emirates.

 

Abdul Halim stressed that the company will provide full equipment for the Egyptian pavilion to enable each company to be present with its sales team, project data and competitive offers.

Superb display mechanisms will be provided, he added.
The exhibition is also witnessing an increasing attendance year after year, and it is expected that the number of attendees during the next session will exceed 15,000 visitors.

Makanak Real Estate Company aims, through organizing the Egyptian pavilion at the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition “Acres 2025”, to reach all members of the Egyptian community residing in the United Arab Emirates, which is estimated at more than 800 thousand Egyptians.

A large segment of these expatriates has a great desire to obtain real estate in their home country, whether for the purpose of housing or investment, which will create strong demand for Egyptian companies participating in the exhibition, in addition to targeted customers from all other foreign communities residing in the Emirates, in addition to the citizens of the UAE themselves.

 

Makank Real Estate Company aims to organize the attendance of Egyptian companies in many other international exhibitions scheduled to be held in the coming period in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the Emirates.

It is worth noting that the Sharjah Acres Real Estate Exhibition is one of the largest real estate exhibitions in the Middle East, and the largest real estate exhibition in the Emirates, organized by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Real Estate Registration Department and the Real Estate Sector Group.

It has been held for 15 years and scored large sales for real estate companies from all over the world.

Acres Exhibition 2024, which was held in Sharjah from January 17 to 20, 2024, brought about sales for participating companies exceeding 1.4 billion dirhams, and was attended by about 13 thousand visitors.

More than 93 companies from around the world participated in the exhibition, which stretched over an area of 6,000 meters.

EFG Hermes Advises on Maarif Education’s Landmark Acquisition of Ibn Khaldoun Education Company in Saudi Arabia

EFG Hermes Advises on Maarif Education’s Landmark Acquisition of Ibn Khaldoun Education Company in Saudi Arabia

EFG Hermes advised on this complex transaction, which stands as one of the most substantial investments to date in Saudi Arabia’s private K-12 education sector.

Riyadh, November 28, 2024

EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding company and the leading investment bank in the Middle East

and North Africa (MENA), announced today that it had advised on Maarif Education’s 100% acquisition of Ibn Khaldoun Education Company (IKEC). This transaction,

currently in the post-signing stage, positions Maarif Education to become the largest K-12 education provider in Saudi Arabia by both revenue and geographical presence and marks one of the largest investments in Saudi Arabia’s education sector.

The acquisition of Ibn Khaldoun Education Company, an institution with eight campuses under the name “Ibn Khaldoun Schools” in Riyadh, serving more than 13,000 students,

.will more than double Maarif’s student enrollments to over 36,000 students across the Kingdom

This transaction reflects Maarif’s strategic commitment to expanding its footprint and offering high-

,quality educational experiences to students nationwide, which is in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

.which emphasizes quality education as a cornerstone of sustainable development

,Maarif Education, which has a legacy of over 50 years in Saudi Arabia’s K-12 sector

is already recognized for its strong educational infrastructure and extensive curriculum offerings that serve a broad demographic.

,The addition of Ibn Khaldoun Schools enhances Maarif’s reach and resources

positioning it as a national leader with the scale and capabilities required to serve an expanding student population in the Kingdom.

,Karim Meleka, Co-Head of Investment Banking at EFG Hermes, said

.We are pleased to have advised on Maarif’s landmark acquisition of Ibn Khaldoun Schools”

Upon completion, this acquisition will position Maarif as the leading private K-12 education provider in the Kingdom,

.advancing its strategy to expand high-quality private education in alignment with the Kingdom’s vision

,This transaction highlights our commitment to delivering expertise and trusted advisory

.making us the partner of choice for transformative education deals across the region

,This transaction marks our 3rd advisory mandate in the sector this year

having earlier executed the USD 66.9 million ABB on Taaleem Education and the USD 514.6 million IPO of Alef Education on the ADX.”

EFG Hermes served as Maarif’s sole financial advisor on the transaction.

About EFG Holding

EFG Holding (EGX: HRHO.CA – LSE: EFGD) is a trailblazing financial institution that boasts a remarkable 40-year legacy of success in eight countries spanning two continents. Operating within three distinct verticals — the Investment Bank (EFG Hermes), Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFI) (EFG Finance), and Commercial Bank (Bank NXT) — the company provides a comprehensive range of groundbreaking financial products and services tailored to meet the needs of a diverse clientele, including individual clients and businesses of all sizes. EFG Hermes, the leading investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), offers an extensive array of financial services, encompassing advisory, asset management, securities brokerage, research, and private equity. In its domestic market, EFG Holding serves as a universal bank, with EFG Finance emerging as the fastest-growing NBFI platform, comprising Tanmeyah, a small and microfinance player, EFG Corp-Solutions, which provides leasing and factoring services, Valu, a universal financial technology powerhouse, PayTabs Egypt, a digital payment platform, as well as Bedaya for mortgage finance and Kaf for insurance as well as Fatura, a technology-backed B2B marketplace. Furthermore, the company delivers commercial banking solutions through Bank NXT, a leading provider of integrated retail, corporate, and Islamic banking products in Egypt.

Proudly present in: Egypt | United Arab Emirates | Saudi Arabia | Kuwait | Bahrain | Pakistan | Kenya | Nigeria |

Learn more about us at www.efghldg.com