logo
Rascha Ragheb ranks 6th in Forbes' Top 20 Arab Women in Government

Rascha Ragheb ranks 6th in Forbes' Top 20 Arab Women in Government

Al-Ahram Weekly15-02-2025
Dr. Rascha Ragheb, the Executive Director of Egypt's National Training Academy (NTA), was ranked 6th in Forbes Middle East's Top 20 Arab Women in Government list.
Ragheb, who has over 20 years of experience in human development and leadership, was recognized for her role in leading the NTA since 2018.
Founded by the Egyptian government in 2017, the NTA was established to develop Egyptian youth's managerial and professional skills.
Before the NTA, Ragheb held roles in international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and ESLSCA University.
She also serves as the Executive Director of Egypt's World Youth Forum (WYF) and is a board member of the Shabab Balad initiative under the UN's Generation Unlimited.
Forbes' list recognizes the most impactful women in leading roles across government institutions, excluding ministerial and parliamentary positions.
The list chooses 20 women based on their significant impact on diplomacy, ambassadorship, culture, technology, media, and environment.
Other factors for choosing candidates include the candidates' role, additional positions they hold, tenure, experience, and initiatives they launched in 2024.
The list also included two Egyptian women: Amal Ammar, the Chairwoman of Egypt's National Council for Women, and Dalia El-Baz, the Executive Chairwoman of Egypt Post, who secured the 16th and 19th spots, respectively.
100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2025
Similarly, Forbes Middle East's 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2025 list included 18 Egyptian businesswomen.
Dalia Khorshid, Group CEO and Managing Director of Beltone Holding, attained the highest rank among Egyptian businesswomen on the list and the 12th rank on the list. Soha El-Turky, Deputy CEO of the National Bank of Egypt, followed, ranking 15th.
Other prominent Egyptian businesswomen included Hend El Sherbini, Group CEO of Integrated Diagnostics Holdings, who ranked 42nd; Mona Zulficar, Chairperson of Zulficar & Partners Law Firm, who ranked 48th; and Dalia Wahba, CEO of Hassan Allam Utilities, who ranked 49th.
In addition, the list included Merette Elsayed, CCO & CEO of Hassan Allam Holding, in the 50th rank; Elham Mahfouz, CEO of Commercial Bank of Kuwait, in the 54th rank; and Hoda Mansour, COO-Asia Pacific, Japan, Middle East & Africa of IFS, in the 60th rank.
Mirna Arif, General Manager of Microsoft Egypt, came 66th in the rank, along with Dalia Ibrahim, CEO of Nahdet Misr Publishing House, who came 73rd. Rasha El-Azhary, CFO of Vodafone Egypt, ranked 79th on the list and Abir Leheta, CEO of Egytrans, attained the 82nd rank on the Forbes list.
Moreover, the list also featured Pakinam Kafafi, CEO of TAQA Arabia, in the 85th rank, Ghada Kandil, Chief Director-Egypt of Bank of New York Mellon, in the 86th rank, and Heba Korra, Vice Chairman of Korra for Energy & Investment Projects, in the 96th rank.
Group Deputy CEO of Naeem Holding for Investments Omnia Kelig came 97th in the ranking, while Managing Director of Misr Life Insurance Abeer Saleh ranked 98th. Ahella El Saban, co-founder and vice Executive Chairman of Exits MENA, concluded the list in the 100th rank.
This year's list recognizes 100 prominent female business leaders from 29 nationalities who have made significant contributions to 32 different sectors.
The selection criteria include business size, personal achievements, leadership impact, and contributions to corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Several leaders on the list focused on introducing initiatives to enhance community skills, broaden opportunities, and drive impact and transformation across various industries.
Egyptian businesswomen topped the list with eight entries in 2021, followed by seven in 2022. This number nearly doubled in 2023 with 13 entries, and in 2024, they achieved a record-breaking 17 entries, showcasing their increasing influence and success in various industries.
Short link:
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

India Pledges $565M to Maldives
India Pledges $565M to Maldives

See - Sada Elbalad

time41 minutes ago

  • See - Sada Elbalad

India Pledges $565M to Maldives

Israa Farhan India has announced a $565 million financial support package for the Maldives, aiming to enhance defense capabilities and invest in large-scale infrastructure projects. The commitment was made during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day official visit to the Maldives, his first since securing a third term in office. The funding includes a new line of credit designed to strengthen Maldivian security forces and address critical infrastructure needs, including healthcare, housing, and education. The announcement comes at a time of financial strain in the Maldives, with the island nation facing a shortage of foreign currency despite continued growth in its tourism sector. India also agreed to reduce annual repayments on a previous $51 million loan to \$29 million. The two sides held discussions on a potential free trade agreement, reflecting a wider effort to deepen economic and strategic ties. Modi's visit follows rising concern in New Delhi over the Maldives' closer alignment with China since the election of President Mohamed Muizzu in 2023. The new administration had previously ordered the withdrawal of a small Indian military contingent operating a rescue aircraft in the archipelago. However, diplomatic relations between the two countries appear to have stabilized in recent months, with both sides emphasizing cooperation in security and trade. During the visit, Modi inaugurated the new headquarters of the Maldivian Ministry of Defense and launched several Indian-funded infrastructure projects. These included major road developments and a housing initiative to construct 4,000 residential units, part of India's broader investment push in the region. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language

Egypt Marks Suez Canal 69th Nationalization Anniversary.. Reaffirms Commitment to Global Supply Chain Sustainability
Egypt Marks Suez Canal 69th Nationalization Anniversary.. Reaffirms Commitment to Global Supply Chain Sustainability

See - Sada Elbalad

timean hour ago

  • See - Sada Elbalad

Egypt Marks Suez Canal 69th Nationalization Anniversary.. Reaffirms Commitment to Global Supply Chain Sustainability

Taarek Refaat Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) reaffirmed the canal's strategic role in global trade and its commitment to sustainable and secure navigation, as Egypt marks the 69th anniversary of the nationalization of the Suez Canal. In remarks delivered during a commemorative ceremony, Rabie highlighted the canal's ongoing adherence to international conventions governing free maritime navigation, while underscoring Egypt's unwavering sovereignty over the waterway. 'We are committed to upholding our pivotal role in ensuring sustainability across global supply chains, and we operate in accordance with international charters and treaties, without compromising Egyptian sovereignty,' Rabie stated. The Suez Canal was nationalized on July 26, 1956, a landmark moment in Egypt's modern history that asserted national control over one of the world's most vital maritime corridors. Rabie praised the generations of Egyptian leaders and workers who have managed and modernized the canal since that time. 'We salute the pioneers who led the nationalization and laid the foundations of development. We continue their mission with more dedication and achievement,' he said. The SCA chief noted that canal operations are governed by a robust legal framework, particularly the Navigation Regulations and the 1888 Constantinople Convention, which guarantees freedom of navigation through the canal for all vessels in both peace and wartime. Under Egypt's stewardship, the canal has seen continuous upgrades to maintain its status as the shortest, fastest, and safest maritime route between East and West. Rabie pointed to recent development projects that have enhanced the canal's capacity, navigational safety, and competitiveness. Rabie also extended his gratitude to all SCA personnel and canal pilots, relaying personal appreciation from President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. He emphasized the professionalism of the canal's pilots, describing them as exemplary ambassadors of Egypt. 'Our pilots have consistently risen to the challenge, demonstrating exceptional dedication under all circumstances. Their professionalism ensures the safety and sustainability of navigation through the canal,' he added. As global shipping continues to face mounting challenges, from geopolitical disruptions to climate-related vulnerabilities, the Suez Canal remains a critical artery for international trade, handling over 12% of global commerce annually. Egypt's reaffirmation of its commitment to international maritime norms, coupled with continued investment in canal infrastructure, is seen as a signal to global partners that the Suez Canal will remain a reliable, neutral, and efficient trade route in an increasingly complex world. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language

World Bank: Egypt to Repay $20.3 Billion in H2 2025
World Bank: Egypt to Repay $20.3 Billion in H2 2025

See - Sada Elbalad

timean hour ago

  • See - Sada Elbalad

World Bank: Egypt to Repay $20.3 Billion in H2 2025

Taarek Refaat Egypt is scheduled to repay $20.3 billion in external debt obligations during the second half of 2025, according to newly released data from the World Bank. The figure includes $4.6 billion in deposits, most of which are owed to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, underscoring Cairo's mounting short-term liabilities amid ongoing efforts to stabilize its external balance sheet. The disclosure comes as Egypt faces a surge in debt service requirements over the coming quarters. In Q1 of 2026 alone, repayments are projected to climb to $23.8 billion, including $13.6 billion due in that quarter. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly responded to the data by reaffirming the government's commitment to honoring all dollar-denominated obligations. 'The Central Bank's report clearly shows our full commitment to repaying external dues,' Madbouly said in a recent statement, emphasizing ongoing fiscal discipline and structural reforms. He added that the government remains focused on securing a sustainable downward trajectory for external debt, while ramping up efforts to attract new foreign direct investment (FDI) across strategic sectors. These initiatives aim to reduce reliance on external borrowing by diversifying funding sources for public and private projects. A significant portion of Egypt's upcoming debt obligations stems from Gulf deposits, extended during recent financial support packages from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other GCC countries. While those funds helped stabilize the Egyptian economy in recent years, they are now coming due. However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its fourth program review, noted that Gulf countries have signaled no plans to recall the deposits before the end of the IMF program. Instead, some of these holdings could be converted into equity investments, potentially easing Egypt's short-term debt pressures. The Egyptian government is currently negotiating such deposit-to-investment conversions, which could restructure the debt profile and improve the country's external financing outlook. As of the end of March 2025, Egypt's external debt stood at $156.7 billion, up from $155.1 billion three months earlier. This increase was largely driven by a $2.8 billion rise in government borrowing, which reached $82 billion. At the same time, external loans held by The Central Bank declined slightly to $34 billion (from $34.25 billion), commercial banks dropped to $20.9 billion (from $21.7 billion), and other sectors fell marginally to $19.7 billion. Despite these marginal declines, the IMF anticipates a sharp increase in Egypt's total external debt by the end of the current fiscal year, projecting it to reach $180.6 billion, up from an earlier estimate of $162 billion. This represents a $41 billion upward revision compared to the third program review in August 2024, raising concerns over Egypt's debt sustainability targets. The updated figures put additional pressure on the Egyptian government to accelerate reforms, attract long-term capital, and reduce its reliance on short-term borrowing. Analysts warn that failure to meet these goals could lead to credit rating downgrades, higher borrowing costs, and greater vulnerability to external shocks. However, ongoing IMF support and potential Gulf investment inflows provide Cairo with breathing room, if effectively managed. Economic Reforms Bring Fiscal Gains and Public Pain Since re-engaging with the International Monetary Fund, Egypt has pursued a bold agenda of liberalizing its economy. The most consequential measure came with the free-floating of the Egyptian pound, which while praised by international markets for improving competitiveness, triggered a wave of inflation that has hollowed out household purchasing power. Simultaneously, the removal of subsidies on energy and electricity, long a cornerstone of Egypt's social safety net, has made daily living costs unbearable for millions, particularly the country's shrinking middle class. 'The IMF program looks sound on paper,' said one Cairo-based economist who requested anonymity, 'but its real-life application has led to sharp income erosion and a rise in poverty. For many Egyptians, the cost of reform is simply too high.' Headline inflation has remained persistently elevated, hovering above 30% for much of the year. Food, fuel, and transportation prices have surged, with salaries failing to keep pace. The urban middle class, once considered the backbone of economic modernization, is being squeezed out, forced to cut spending, downsize, or rely on remittances. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store