Egypt’s Ministry of Planning and Economic Development is in advanced talks with the UAE-based Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation to expand support for the country’s growing startup ecosystem. The potential partnership aims to roll out new programs focused on youth entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and skills development aligned with current market demands.
Quick Facts
- Who: Egypt’s Ministry of Planning and UAE’s Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation.
- What: Discussed joint programs for youth entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
- Why: To strengthen Egypt’s innovation ecosystem and upskill young talent.
A Cross-Border Push for Youth Empowerment
Dr. Ahmed Rostom, Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, recently met with a delegation from the foundation, including Mona Ghandour, Senior Vice President of Partnerships, and Dana Dajani, Senior Vice President of External & Corporate Communications. The discussion centered on building strategic partnerships to enhance the skills of young Egyptians and prepare them for shifts in the labor market.
Minister Rostom emphasized the government’s commitment to youth empowerment as a core pillar of its economic development plans. He highlighted the role of the “Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship” in creating an integrated approach among national bodies to foster innovation and increase the contribution of startups to the national GDP.
“The Ministry is fully prepared to develop joint programs with the Foundation to enhance youth capabilities and equip them with the flexible skills needed to adapt to rapid economic and technological transformations,” stated Dr. Rostom.
Deploying the ‘Learn to Earn’ Model in Egypt
Representatives from the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation outlined their regional strategy, which is built on a “Learn to Earn” model. This framework focuses on practical outcomes for Arab youth through professional development, mentorship, innovation in higher education, and connecting graduates with sustainable employment opportunities.
The proposed collaboration in Egypt would specifically target key areas within the entrepreneurship sector. This includes a strong focus on spreading financial literacy among young founders and aspiring entrepreneurs, promoting concepts of saving and responsible financial management, and raising awareness about market needs.
The two parties have agreed to study the launch of joint training initiatives designed to provide financial education for entrepreneurship and build institutional capacity, supporting Egypt’s efforts to create sustainable economic opportunities for future generations.
About Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation
The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation is one of the largest privately funded philanthropic education initiatives in the Arab world. It is dedicated to providing high-quality education opportunities and upskilling programs for Emirati and Arab youth, aiming to prepare them for the future of work.
Source: Al-Masry Al-Youm
