In a significant move to support Egypt’s startup ecosystem, senior executives from Visa and Commercial International Bank (CIB) will join the judging panel of Shark Tank Egypt. The collaboration is part of special episodes dedicated to female founders, powered by Visa’s ‘She’s Next’ initiative.
Quick Facts
- Visa & CIB execs to join Shark Tank Egypt panel.
- Part of the 4th ‘She’s Next’ initiative in Egypt.
- Focuses on supporting and funding female-led startups.
A Strategic Alliance for Egypt’s Female Founders
Malak Al-Baba, Visa’s VP and Country Manager for Egypt, Libya, and Sudan, and Hany El-Dieb, Head of SME & Business Banking at CIB, will bring their industry expertise to the popular investment show. Their involvement marks the fourth edition of the ‘She’s Next’ program in Egypt, which is being launched for the first time in partnership with Shark Tank Egypt.
The initiative aims to provide female entrepreneurs with expanded opportunities for training and mentorship, promote the use of digital tools for business development, and open new channels for connecting with experts and investors.
Tech Adoption Fuels Growth for Female Founders
The partnership is informed by recent Visa studies indicating a strong resilience and tech-forward mindset among female business owners in Egypt. According to the research, 58% of female entrepreneurs are actively challenging biases and overcoming obstacles in the business environment.
The data also highlights a growing reliance on technology. 56% of these entrepreneurs use chatbots and virtual assistants, while 46% depend on AI and data analytics tools to guide decision-making and improve business performance. This points to a rapid digital transformation within women-led companies, where digital tools are becoming essential for operational efficiency and growth.
Bridging the Gap with Corporate Expertise
The participation of Al-Baba and El-Dieb extends the ongoing commitment of both Visa and CIB to the local entrepreneurial scene. By combining CIB’s financial and banking experience with Visa’s expertise in digital payments, the initiative offers a comprehensive support platform for founders.
This collaboration provides female entrepreneurs with greater access to guidance, financial and non-financial tools, and investment networks, reflecting a growing focus on innovation and technology-driven solutions in the Egyptian market.
About She’s Next
She’s Next is a global initiative led by Visa to support and empower female entrepreneurs. In Egypt, the program is run in collaboration with CIB Business Banking and now Shark Tank Egypt, providing founders with access to funding, training, and mentorship to help them grow and scale their businesses.
Source: Fintech Gate
