Under the patronage of the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation and the Dutch Embassy, 100 Startups Graduated from the 'Orange Corners' Program from the 2025 Delta Cohort
In this context, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, noted that empowering entrepreneurs by promoting innovation and creating new job opportunities is one of the main pillars of Egypt's economic development model, which is based on increasing private sector participation in development. The graduation of 100 startups within the Orange Corners program, is a real example of how international cooperation and private sector partnerships can create opportunities at the local level and contribute to inclusive growth in vital sectors such as agritech, education, and climate smart solutions.
Among the graduating startups in the program's first cohort, 52 are led by women, reflecting the program's strong commitment to women's empowerment and inclusive economic growth. The program ensures that women constitute over 50% of total participants, in affirmation of its belief in the importance of integrating women into the economic development process and enabling them to build prosperous professional futures.
This specific cohort was characterized by its focus on vital sectors that affect the future of the national economy, including smart agriculture, innovation in the food industry, sustainable technological solutions, green entrepreneurship, education, health, and creative industries.
The program is a comprehensive platform that supports young entrepreneurs by providing specialized business development training, career guidance and mentorship, access to networks and investment opportunities, and the necessary support to establish viable and sustainable businesses.
It is expected that the program will support around 130 startups during 2025, including 100 companies in the Delta region across the governorates of Alexandria, Beheira, Kafr El-Sheikh, Dakahlia, and Menoufia, in addition to 30 companies in Upper Egypt in the governorates of Assiut and Luxor. Each graduating project is estimated to create between two to five new jobs, which means the program has the potential to create more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.
It is worth noting that the 'Orange Corners' program was launched in 2021 as part of a global initiative by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and is implemented locally by Outreach Egypt Foundation, with the support of key partners at Al Qatta. The program aims to empower young people between the ages of 18 and 35 in marginalized areas and turn their ideas into innovative, scalable projects, in line with Egypt's Vision 2030 and five key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4, 5, 8, 9, and 13). The program contributes directly to supporting inclusive growth, entrenching a culture of innovation, and promoting the principle of sustainability, based on a firm belief that youth are the key drivers of Egypt's future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation - Egypt.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Zawya
Zayed Sustainability Prize sees surge in global participation with 7,761 entries
30% surge in global entries highlights the Prize's growing impact in advancing transformative solutions across health, food, water, energy, and climate action AI-powered solutions, disruptive innovations, and technologies that expand access to essential services emerged as defining trends across all categories, reflecting a global shift toward inclusive, locally adapted development Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: The UAE's Zayed Sustainability Prize, a pioneering global award that has transformed the lives of over 400 million people, has officially closed submissions for its 2026 awards cycle. A total of 7,761 entries from 173 countries were received across the six categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools, reflecting the Prize's continued role in advancing impactful solutions to pressing global challenges. Now in its 17th year, the Prize empowers small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations and high schools to develop and scale sustainable innovations that improve lives, especially in vulnerable and underserved communities. From clean energy and healthcare access to regenerative agriculture and safe drinking water, this year's submissions reflect a rising focus on technology-powered, community-led models that expand access where it's needed most. Submissions increased by 30% compared to the previous cycle. There was a marked rise in projects that integrate cutting-edge technologies – such as artificial intelligence, direct air carbon capture, and fintech tools – with grassroots approaches, highlighting how innovation, equity, and long-term impact are converging in meaningful ways. H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director-General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, said: 'The record number of submissions to this year's Prize cycle reflects a growing global commitment to practical, scalable solutions that deliver long-term impact. We saw particularly strong momentum in food systems, where smart technologies are helping boost productivity and resilience. Across all categories, the increased use of AI and other advanced technologies highlights how innovation is being harnessed to drive inclusive, community-led progress. The Zayed Sustainability Prize remains focused on recognising pioneers who deliver measurable impact and advance sustainable development worldwide.' Early analysis shows that around 85% of all submissions came from the developing and emerging economies, with top contributions from India, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, Brazil, and Indonesia. Participation was also high from developed countries like the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America, both making it into the top 10 submission countries. The Food (1,630) and Climate Action (1,880) categories attracted the highest number of entries, reflecting the global urgency around food security, ecosystem protection, and disaster resilience. These were followed by Health (1,497), Global High Schools (1,070), Water (863) and Energy (821). Submissions to the Health category grew by over 60% this year, with entries focusing on AI-enabled diagnostics, wearable tech, and decentralised care. Many also explored tech-enabled sustainable logistics and improved traceability to strengthen healthcare delivery systems. The Food category highlighted advances in precision agriculture and agri-robotics, with smart systems and drones helping farmers boost yields as well as circularity in food systems. In Energy, submissions revealed a growing interest in thermal energy storage and advanced low-carbon fuels, and broader energy transformation, including solutions for future-proofing energy systems to meet the growing global demand scenarios. Entries in the Water category explored innovative ways to expand freshwater access, including atmospheric water generation and low-energy desalination, as well as fintech tools that promote more transparent and equitable distribution. Climate Action entries addressed both mitigation and adaptation, featuring nature-based solutions, direct air carbon capture, predictive tools for resilience and disaster preparedness, and community-based conservation grounded in Indigenous knowledge. Youth-led submissions in Global High Schools reflected a remarkable surge in youth engagement and commitment to sustainability, with projects ranging from AI-powered climate monitoring and smart irrigation for school farms to low-cost water filtration and tech-based approaches to waste tracking and upcycling. Following the close of submissions, the Prize now enters the evaluation stage. All entries will be shortlisted by an independent research and analysis consultancy. A Selection Committee comprised of globally renowned industry experts will then assess the qualified entries and shortlist the candidates. The third and final tier of the evaluation process is the Jury, which will convene in October to unanimously elect the winners in each category. Winners will be announced at the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony on 13 January 2026, during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Each winner in the organisational categories will receive US $1 million, while six high schools – representing the world's regions – will be awarded US $150,000 each to implement or expand their sustainability projects. About the Zayed Sustainability Prize The Zayed Sustainability Prize, an affiliate of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, is the UAE's pioneering award for innovative solutions to global challenges. A tribute to the legacy and vision of the UAE's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Prize aims to drive sustainable development worldwide. Each year, across the Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools categories, the Prize rewards organisations and high schools for their groundbreaking solutions to our planet's most pressing needs. Through its 128 winners, in 17 years, the Prize has positively impacted over 400 million lives across the globe, inspiring innovators to amplify their impact, and chart a sustainable future for all.
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Zawya
Tanmeyah leads the Development of El Zaharaa Square in Al Maadi as part of its ESG commitment
Cairo, Tanmeyah, a subsidiary of EFG Holding, and a leading provider of innovative and integrated financial solutions for small business owners and entrepreneurs has spearheaded the development of El Zaharaa Square, a major public space located at the intersection of Al Zahraa Street and El Khamseen Street in Al Maadi, in a move that underscores its steadfast commitment to community development and environmental sustainability. This initiative is a key milestone in Tanmeyah's broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, reflecting the company's long-term vision to enhance public spaces and improve quality of life for the communities it serves. The project was executed in close coordination with several key stakeholders, including the Cairo Governorate, the Office of the Deputy Governor for South Cairo, the Al Basateen and Al Maadi District Authorities, the National Organization for Urban Harmony and the Cleaning and Landscaping Authority. It was undertaken under the esteemed patronage of the Financial Regulatory Authority. This collaboration builds on Tanmeyah's ongoing partnerships with local authorities, having previously joined forces with the Al Basateen District and the National Organization for Urban Harmony in December 2024 to redevelop Palestine Square and Ahmed Abd El-Azeem Street in Al Maadi—further underscoring the company's sustained commitment to enhancing public spaces and fostering community development in the areas it operates. Spanning 8,600 square meters, El Zaharaa Square is one of the largest public squares in Greater Cairo. Its selection for this development project was a strategic one—its central location in Al Maadi, where Tanmeyah is headquartered, makes it a focal point for positive urban transformation. Jinu Johnson, CEO and Managing Director of Tanmeyah, commented: 'This initiative is a testament to our deep-rooted belief that businesses thrive when communities flourish. By enhancing El Zaharaa Square, we're not just improving infrastructure—we're helping create a more vibrant, inclusive, and livable urban space for everyone. It's a meaningful step in our ongoing journey toward sustainability and shared growth.' This development marks another chapter in Tanmeyah's ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into its operations while giving back to the community through impactful, long-lasting initiatives. Abou t Tanmeyah Tanmeyah is one of Egypt's leading providers of innovative and integrated financial solutions for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Founded in 2009 and acquired by EFG Holding in 2016, Tanmeyah offers a comprehensive range of products and services specifically designed to empower entrepreneurs in underserved areas and communities across Egypt. These include financing solutions, insurance services, and digital payment tools, delivered through its extensive branch network and digital platforms, and in collaboration with strategic partners—enabling clients to grow and manage their businesses effectively. This is rooted in the company's role in supporting the local economy, combating poverty, raising financial literacy, and elevating the well-being of underserved communities. Through ongoing digital transformation and the promotion of cashless transactions, Tanmeyah also contributes to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing financial inclusion. Since its inception, Tanmeyah has issued nearly 3 million financing facilities for projects of various sizes and sectors. The company currently operates over 354 branches across 25 Egyptian governorates, serving more than 50,000 new clients each month, and supported by a near of 6,000 employees.
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Zawya
MBRF secures Egypt's Media and Digital Transformation Foundation Award
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) secured the 'Best Knowledge and Innovation-Supporting Institution in the Arab World' title for 2025 for its groundbreaking efforts to empower Arab generations with essential tools for knowledge and innovation, as well as to promote societies based on science, critical thinking, and creativity. The award was presented by Egypt's Media and Digital Transformation Foundation. This prestigious honor celebrates MBRF's long-standing legacy spanning over 25 years of promoting education and innovation. The Foundation has established several educational ecosystems fostering education, entrepreneurship, and research and development (R&D), as well as launching strategic initiatives that have significantly advanced knowledge creation and sharing in Arab communities. Through strategic initiatives and transformative programs, the Foundation has taken a leading role in shaping knowledge-based societies throughout the Arab world. H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, said: 'We are honored to receive this distinguished award, which reaffirms our steadfast commitment to knowledge as the foundation of progress. It represents both a valued addition to our collection of accolades and validates our intellectual and knowledge-based mission. At MBRF, we believe that investing in people is the most powerful investment a nation can make. Guided by the vision of our wise leadership, we remain dedicated to serving as a beacon for Arab creativity, building knowledge-based societies, empowering individuals, and inspiring innovation across the region and beyond.' H.E. further commended the Media and Digital Transformation Foundation in Egypt for its influential role in promoting creative and digital media across the Arab world, fostering an innovative, technology-driven media landscape through its persistent efforts. He praised the Foundation's Media Creativity Competition as a crucial platform for discovering and supporting emerging talent, while celebrating the region's rich creative potential across various media sectors. With a growing portfolio of impactful initiatives, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation continues to drive a culture of learning, innovation, and sustainable development. Its efforts remain essential in laying the foundation for a thriving knowledge economy focused on empowering individuals, enhancing capacities, and creating supportive conditions for knowledge creation and sharing across the Arab world and internationally. -Ends- For further information, please contact: Orient Planet Group (OPG) Email: media@ Website:
