The Alexandria Businessmen Association held the second session in its “Leaders and Entrepreneurs” series, focusing on how family businesses can strengthen governance, sustain growth and expand into international markets.
The session hosted Mohamed Zain, a management and entrepreneurship expert in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Discussions covered global competition, export strategies, business continuity and the challenges of scaling while maintaining competitiveness.
Zain said family businesses need clear boundaries between family roles and business operations, along with professional management and greater use of technology. He also highlighted the importance of reducing the founder’s involvement in day-to-day management and ensuring that boards operate independently.
He recommended adding legal and financial expertise to company boards and working with specialists to identify target markets and understand their requirements. Building a sustainable export presence, he said, requires time, suitable customers and agents, and a growth strategy adapted to each market.
Medhat El Kady, head of the association, called for a specialised academy offering training, technical support and technology assistance to family businesses. The discussion also examined succession challenges, including why some companies lose momentum when management passes from the founder to the second or third generation.
Source: Masrawy
