Latest news with #PeterMollema
Zawya
15-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Orange Corners Egypt celebrates the graduation of the 100 startups from the cohort in the Delta Region
100 startups graduate from the Orange Corners Egypt programme in the Delta region, with a focus on industries including agriculture, food security, climate action, -health, education and tech-based startups offering sustainable solutions. Over 50% women participation, Orange Corners ensures contributing to inclusive economic growth and job creation across 7 governorates in Upper Egypt and Delta. Orange Corners, an initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands was launched in Egypt in 2021 to provide young aspiring entrepreneurs with training, networks, and facilities to start and grow innovative businesses that supports Egypt Vision 2030 and key UN SDGs. Cairo, Egypt: In a powerful celebration of youth innovation and entrepreneurship, the Orange Corners Egypt programme, an initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands marked a new milestone with the graduation of this year's first cycle from its flagship Delta Cohort. Held at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Egypt in the presence of H.E. Peter Mollema, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and under the auspices of H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, the event brought together government, development, and private sector leaders in support of Egypt's next generation of entrepreneurs. Joined by key partners from the private sector, Nikolay Mladenov, Managing Director at Al Ahram Beverages Company; Abdallah Salam, President & CEO of Madinet Masr; and Paolo Vivona, Managing Director of ALEXBANK. The event honored the graduation of 100 startups, including 52 women-led ventures, from across Egypt's Delta region. The 2025 Delta Cohort placed a special focus on vital sectors including, agri-food innovation, tech-based startups offering sustainable solutions, climate- and water-smart agriculture, as well as creative industries. The program ensures that more than 50% of participants are women, affirming its commitment to gender equity and inclusive economic growth. Each cycle offers young entrepreneurs a comprehensive support system: business development training, mentorship, access to networks, and business coaching. In 2025 alone, the program is expected to support 130 startups, including 30 from Upper Egypt (Assiut and Luxor) and 100 from the Delta region (Alexandria, Beheira, Kafr El Sheikh, Dakahlia, and Menoufia). Each graduate is estimated to generate 2 to 5 additional job opportunities, potentially impacting over 3,000 individuals through direct and indirect employment. Orange Corners program, launched in Egypt in 2021 as part of a global initiative by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is implemented by Outreach Egypt, and in partnership with Al Ahram Beverages Company, Madinet Masr, and ALEXBANK. This public-private partnership empowers youth aged 18–35 in underserved regions by transforming ideas into scalable businesses. Aligned with Egypt Vision 2030 and five key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4, 5, 8, 9, and 13), the program fosters inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainability recognizing Egypt's youth as a driving force behind the country's future. H.E. Peter Mollema, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands stated, 'At the heart of the partnership between the Netherlands and Egypt, there is a shared belief in the power of youth and entrepreneurship as drivers of inclusive economic growth. Through Orange Corners, we are proud to support the ambitions of young Egyptians, especially women who are building innovative businesses that contribute to a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future. The Delta cohort has shown us that there is plenty of talent and potential to be unlocked with Egyptian youth' 'We are proud to participate for the second time this year in celebrating the graduation of a new Orange Corners cohort. This is graduation is not just a ceremony, it's a turning point for the Delta region.' said Nikolay Mladenov, Managing Director at Al Ahram Beverages Company. 'For us at ABC, it's about empowering young people to turn their ideas into thriving, sustainable businesses that can transform their communities. By investing in local talent and innovation, especially in agriculture and food sectors, we are not only supporting inclusive growth but also ensuring a stronger, more resilient supply chain for the future of Egypt's economy. This commitment is also reflected in our operational approach, with over 96% of our raw materials locally sourced, we have invested in building the capabilities of our local partners, championing local resilience. We are especially proud to see so many women entrepreneurs taking the lead, a sign of a more inclusive, vibrant Delta innovation scene.' The graduation ceremony stands as a testament to what's possible when public and private institutions unite around a shared purpose to empower Egypt's youth to drive grassroots innovation and unlock the full potential of the country's entrepreneurial landscape.
Zawya
02-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
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
The 'Orange Corners Egypt' program announced the graduation of 100 startups in the first cohort of the 2025 program in the Delta region, during a ceremony held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and H.E. Ambassador Peter Mollema, Ambassador of the Netherlands in Cairo, at the Dutch Embassy in Cairo, in partnership with a number of private sector companies. This comes within the framework of promoting the concept of innovation and entrepreneurship among Egyptian youth. The ceremony was attended by a distinguished group of government representatives, development partners, and private sector leaders. 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.
CairoScene
26-02-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Egypt's Fintech Sector Grew Fivefold in Five Years
Egypt's Fintech Sector Grew Fivefold in Five Years A new report from Entlaq, in partnership with the RVO and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Egypt, highlights this growth. Egypt's fintech sector has grown 5.5 times over the past five years, driven by digital payments, lending, and B2B marketplaces, according to a new report from Entlaq. The report was launched in collaboration with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Egypt. Government initiatives and the Fintech & Innovation Strategy have contributed to this rapid expansion, though regulatory hurdles, digital literacy gaps, and cybersecurity risks remain significant challenges. 'Fintech is more than just technology; it's about empowering people and businesses with the financial tools they need to succeed in a digital world,' said Peter Mollema, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Egypt. 'As the landscape report reveals, the rapid growth of Egypt's fintech sector presents a great opportunity to drive financial inclusion, economic resilience, and digital innovation.' With over 177 fintech startups and payment service providers now operating in Egypt, the country has become a regional player in digital financial services. The 5.5-fold growth points to increasing investor confidence, shifting consumer behaviour, and a demand for more accessible financial tools. The report highlights how regulatory frameworks, public and private sector moves, and rising consumer adoption are shaping this transformation. Omar Rezk, Co-founder and Managing Director of Entlaq, described the sector as being 'at a pivotal moment of transformation.' While he acknowledged challenges related to regulation, digital literacy, and cybersecurity, he noted that 'this report provides invaluable insights for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors looking to navigate and thrive in Egypt's dynamic financial technology landscape.' Egypt's fintech boom signals a major shift in how financial services are accessed and used, but its long-term success will depend on how well it addresses regulatory gaps and infrastructure challenges.
