2025 المتحدثون
Said Baaghil
The Brand Scientist
The Baaghil
تركيا
Said Baaghil
The Brand Scientist
The Baaghil
تركيا
Said Baaghil is a globally recognized brand scientist, strategic advisor, and author. With over two decades of experience in brand strategy, he has built a reputation for disrupting conventional thinking and helping both individuals and organizations unlock their true brand potential.
Baaghil is the author of several internationally acclaimed books, including Brand Clarity, The Power of Belonging, and Create Your Space, and is the pioneer behind the BrandClarity OneWord Model — a strategic framework endorsed by leading academics and used by global businesses and visionary entrepreneurs.
His consultancy work spans across continents, but his influence is especially felt in the Middle East, where he has guided major family businesses, private equity firms, and growth-stage companies in reshaping their brand strategy, marketing direction, and business transformation.
Baaghil’s style is unapologetically bold. He doesn’t sugarcoat. He challenges leaders to think deeper, act bolder, and commit to creating real value. His platform now expands into digital knowledge products — enabling access to high-impact insights, frameworks, and tools for the next generation of brand leaders.
Today, Said Baaghil is not just a consultant — he’s a thought leader, a builder of legacy brands, and a fierce advocate for authenticity, strategic depth, and fearless creation.
Fabio Lorenzon
Founder & CEO
SolutioAI
إيطاليا
Fabio Lorenzon
Founder & CEO
SolutioAI
إيطاليا
Fabio Lorenzon is the Managing Partner of Lorenzon Srl, an industrial manufacturing company
with a long-standing legacy, and the Founder & CEO of SolutioAI, a fast-growing startup in the field
of artificial intelligence.
At just 28, Fabio bridges two very different worlds—traditional industry and cutting-edge
technology. After unexpectedly taking over the family business, he led Lorenzon through a phase
of modernization, global expansion, and operational transformation, opening a U.S. branch, a
Saudi branch and redefining the company’s strategy in international markets.
Driven by a passion for innovation and a belief in the power of data, he launched SolutioAI to help
companies make smarter, faster decisions through AI-powered tools and platforms. Fabio is
especially focused on making AI accessible for businesses that are not inherently tech-based,
bridging the gap between vision and execution.
He holds a master’s degree in industrial management engineering from Politecnico di Milano and
has previous experience at Amazon, where he learned operational discipline and data-driven
leadership.
Fabio often speaks about entrepreneurship, leadership at a young age, and the human-centered
use of artificial intelligence. He believes that being young is not a limitation, but a strength,
especially when building companies that challenge the status quo.
Laura Jardine Paterson
Founder
CONCAT Tech
لبنان
Laura Jardine Paterson
Founder
CONCAT Tech
لبنان
Paula Tavangar
Chief Investment Officer
Injaz Capital
الإمارات العربية المتحدة
Paula Tavangar
Chief Investment Officer
Injaz Capital
الإمارات العربية المتحدة
Paula Tavangar is a seasoned entrepreneur, who currently serves as Chief Investment Officer at Injaz Capital. Prior to that, Paula was focused on venture capital as Principal at SwissBorg Ventures. With a strong background in quantitative strategies, Paula co-founded Genesis Capital LATAM, overseeing the Quant Arbitrage Fund delivering consistent alpha. She also co-founded Wethaq, an Islamic Fintech startup. Paula's diverse expertise led her to serve on the World Business Angels Forum (WBAF) Global Startup Committee and as a commissioner representing WBAF in the UAE. She holds a B.A. in International Finance and an MSc in Financial Engineering with a focus on Automated Trading Systems.
Jalil Allabadi
Managing Partner
Altibbi
الأردن
Jalil Allabadi
Managing Partner
Altibbi
الأردن
Jalil Allabadi is the CEO and Co‑founder of Altibbi, the Middle East’s leading digital health platform boasting over 20 million monthly users and 50 k telehealth consultations per month. With an M.S. in Industrial Engineering from Bologna and an MBA from Thunderbird, he’s an Endeavor Entrepreneur and a Schwab Foundation awardee driving accessible, affordable Arabic-language health care across MENA.
Kim Balle
Co-Founder & CEO
Global Startup Awards
الدنمارك
Kim Balle
Co-Founder & CEO
Global Startup Awards
الدنمارك
As CEO and Co-founder of XO Group, I have spent over a decade building and connecting innovation ecosystems globally. Our flagship initiative, Global Startup Awards (GSA), is the world’s largest startup ecosystem competition, operating in over 154 countries across 19 regions and all six inhabited continents. We’ve received 820,000+ public votes and 160,000+ nominations, engaging thousands of startups, corporates, governments, and investors. GSA identifies the top tier of each local ecosystem, culminating in a global alumni (former winners, finalists, and expert-juries) network of 10,000+ standout founders and ecosystem leaders across SDG-aligned verticals within green tech, fintech, health tech, inclusive entrepreneurship to name a few, with growing focus on emerging fields like AI. GSA serves as a powerful communications platform that gives voice to underrepresented founders and emerging regions. We have garnered an organic online reach of over 90 million across all of our channels in 2024 alone, significantly amplifying innovation stories on a global scale. GSA has proven highly effective in sourcing top-tier innovation talent and has provided me with strong data and insights into emerging trends, talent dynamics, and founder needs.
Karim Khattar
Co-Founder
Flow48
الإمارات العربية المتحدة
Karim Khattar
Co-Founder
Flow48
الإمارات العربية المتحدة
Karim is the Co-founder and Chief Product and Strategy Officer of Flow48. He was previously the CEO of Eqwal, a fintech company in Africa and the GCC, acquired by MojaGroup. His tech experience includes roles as Chief Product Officer at Fetchr and GM of Uber in Saudi Arabia.
Karim was a Vice President at Citibank in New York, Jakarta, and Dubai and worked as a consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton and Delta Partners, advising on tech, telco, and media.
He holds a Master’s in Artificial Neural Networks. Living in Dubai, he has two daughters and enjoys hiking and outdoor activities.
Onyi Anyado
Global Leadership Speaker, Futurist and Corporate Trainer
Onyi Anyado Media House
المملكة المتحدة
Onyi Anyado
Global Leadership Speaker, Futurist and Corporate Trainer
Onyi Anyado Media House
المملكة المتحدة
Onyi Anyado is a globally recognised Leadership Speaker, Futurist and Corporate Trainer. Onyi delivers bespoke keynotes and expert training sessions around the world where he speaks at conferences, corporate events and industry gatherings. Onyi speaks on topics including future thinking, the future of work, leadership development and distinction and AI and tech leadership. Known for his dynamic, cutting edge and insight driven approach, Onyi equips, educates and elevates leaders and organisations with practical thought leadership and tools to lead in the 2020's and beyond, the aeon which he's called the era of creative distinction.
As a Corporate Trainer, Onyi designs and delivers bespoke learning and development programmes tailored for senior management teams and C-suite executives focusing on transformational leadership, organisational development and strategic innovation.
His global impact spans countries such as Canada, Norway, South Africa, Tunisia and Canada with a distinguished client portfolio that includes Barclays, EY, Qiddiya and Diriyah Company.
Selma Ribica
Co-Founder and Managing Partner
First Circle Capital
المغرب
Selma Ribica
Co-Founder and Managing Partner
First Circle Capital
المغرب
Selma Ribica is a Fintech entrepreneur, VC investor and a veteran of the African FinTech industry. Now based out of Casablanca, Selma is managing First Circle Capital, Africa's specialized, fintech focused fund, backed by prominent institutional investors and today counting 15 portfolio companies across 8 African markets. As an early executive at M-Pesa, she was in charge of expansion and product innovation. After that, Selma founded, scaled and sold a FinTech business in London, serving underbanked migrants. Since 2017, Selma has been an active angel in FinTech including names like Qonto, Expensya, THNDR etc. She serves on board of fintech businesses in the region and advises prominent venture capital investors in Africa. INSEAD alumna
Ahmed Kadous
VP Customer Operations PTAB
Unilever
الإمارات العربية المتحدة
Ahmed Kadous
VP Customer Operations PTAB
Unilever
الإمارات العربية المتحدة
I began my career working for Unilever as a Management Trainee over 20 years ago, starting my journey in Supply Chain. Upon completing the trainee programme I worked as a Food Production and Project Manager, and then Cheese Factory Manager, where I was able to put into practice all that I had learned in my training. I was responsible for all aspects of production, maintenance, quality, HR, costing and warehousing for Unilever’s cheese business in Egypt.
Having gained all the necessary skills and experience required for higher leadership, I swiftly progressed to Supply Chain Director; where I lead end-to-end supply chain activities for cheese, dry mix and confectionary businesses across the Middle East. I then became a Supply Chain Director for Unilever in the Mashreq region, responsible for end-to-end integrated supply chain in seven countries, with eight factories spanning foods, beverages, personal care, personal wash and home care.
Now in my current role as Supply Chain Director of Unilever Gulf, I am responsible for end-to-end integration for the Gulf region, covering foods, beverages, personal care, personal wash and home care. It is in this position that I have taken on the biggest challenge to date; project managing the creation of Unilever’s Dubai Personal Care Factory - the largest personal care factory in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The factory incorporates world-class technology in achieving sustainable growth and is underpinned by innovation. This is by far one of my proudest achievements and I look forward to carrying out even greater feats as my career continues.
Ahmed Larouz
CEO Bridgizz & ClimateLaunchpad Morocco Lead
Bridgizz
هولندا
Ahmed Larouz
CEO Bridgizz & ClimateLaunchpad Morocco Lead
Bridgizz
هولندا
Ahmed Larouz is an internationally recognized entrepreneur, cleantech strategist, and innovation leader with over 25 years of experience building impactful ventures across Europe, Africa, and the MENA region. As founder of Bridgizz, a consultancy driving business development, innovation, and sustainability, Ahmed has supported governments, startups, corporates, and investors through tailored programs and international growth strategies.
A pioneer in Africa’s green transition, he launched ClimateLaunchpad Morocco, training over 200 cleantech startups, and created Climovation, a platform to accelerate green innovation across the continent. He also founded Women in Cleantech, empowering women to lead climate solutions in partnership with GIZ's WOMENA project, and is the architect of the Cleantech Innovate Forum, launched with the EBRD to strengthen Morocco’s cleantech ecosystem.
In addition to his entrepreneurship work, Ahmed is Managing Partner at Globalinux, guiding international investors into African markets. He has built diverse professional and diaspora networks that connect talent, expertise, and capital across borders, enabling impactful collaborations and market entry opportunities.
His background includes leadership in inclusion and intercultural dialogue through initiatives like 180 Amsterdammers, the Ramadan Festival, and his consultancy Mexit. He has served as Minister of Communications for the State of African Diaspora and advised institutions such as RVO and MIT startup programs.
Recipient of the Maghreb.NL Achievement Award and ABN AMRO Hero of the Year, Ahmed is a sought-after mentor, coach, and international speaker. At Techne Summit Alexandria 2025, he will lead a workshop on cleantech innovation—sharing strategies to empower climate entrepreneurs, build inclusive innovation ecosystems, and unlock Africa’s cleantech potential.
Can Atacik
Founder
Alethina Impact Investments
تركيا
Can Atacik
Founder
Alethina Impact Investments
تركيا
Can is founder of Alethina, an impact investment and advisory firm focused on scale poitive business impact on our planet's most pressing problems. His main passion is innovative financial structures and he works with businesses, funds, development finance institutions, governments, and foundations building partnerships, new strategies and promoting the design and use of alternative financing mechanisms.
Can was one of the leads in structuring and managing Turkey's first social impact bond / outcomes based contract, focused on employment of disadvantaged youth in tech jobs.
www.istanbulkodlyor.com
Can is also a frequent writer and speaker on impact investment topics on various platforms and is a firm believer in the use of innovative impact financing structures as the most effective means to create increased "matches" between investors and impact companies, thereby engaging both more investors and entrepreneurs to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs and other development needs.
Waleed Alballaa
Managing Partner
Sukna Ventures
المملكة العربية السعودية
Waleed Alballaa
Managing Partner
Sukna Ventures
المملكة العربية السعودية
Waleed A. Alballaa is the Managing Partner of Sukna Ventures. He brings over two decades of hands-on experience at the intersection of technology, business, and venture capital.
Waleed was instrumental in launching multiple investment vehicles and serving on the boards of several prominent technology companies. This holistic experience gives him a firsthand understanding of the capital gaps that can hinder high-growth companies.
An engineer at heart, Waleed cut his teeth in Silicon Valley and beyond—coding and rolling out products across wireless, semiconductors, and enterprise at Microsoft, Cadence Design, Conexant, and Skyworks Solutions over eight years. He spent another 8 years in operator role with the regional tech powerhouse, Elm. He holds a BSc in Computer Science from King Saud University and an MSc in Computer Science from Oregon Health & Science University.
A committed ecosystem player, Waleed co-founded Riyadh Angel Investors, was a founding member in the Saudi VC & PE Association as well as the Saudi Business Analysis Association Group. He also co-hosted Thmanyah’s “Assouq” podcast and actively mentors emerging founders and participates in various flagship events as a speaker.
Waleed is passionate about enabling the next wave of digital innovators across MENA remaining a steadfast optimist for the region's future through their groundbreaking work.
Magdi Amin
Managing Partner
African Renaissance Ventures
الولايات المتحدة
Magdi Amin
Managing Partner
African Renaissance Ventures
الولايات المتحدة
With a focus on seed-stage tech ventures in East Africa, our team at African Renaissance Ventures is dedicated to empowering founders who leverage technology to overcome significant challenges. Our investments target sectors critical for development—climate, financial inclusion, agriculture, healthcare, and logistics—where innovation can spur sustainable growth and prosperity while rewarding investors.
As an adjunct faculty member at Johns Hopkins SAIS, I impart real-world insights into the ethical deployment of technology, including AI, shaping the next wave of responsible digital development. My role on the Investment Committee of Co-Develop further extends my commitment to the global advancement of Digital Public Infrastructure, demonstrating my belief in technology as a cornerstone for equitable progress.
I believe in harnessing the power of markets, technology, and investment to sustainably make people's lives better, and that the best opportunities for returns and impact can be found in places other investors overlook. Entrepreneurs with ground-breaking ideas can be constrained by a lack of capital and advice. My partners and I started African Renaissance Partners to back the best of those entrepreneurs. By solving big problems, these innovators create big markets.
I have honed my ability to identify winners and manage risks through decades of experience in emerging markets as an investor, economist, strategist, and turnaround management. I lead with a strong sense of fairness, ethics, innovation, technical integrity, and commitment to a shared vision with clients and partners
Abdulrahman Aljiffry
Partner
500 Global
المملكة العربية السعودية
Abdulrahman Aljiffry
Partner
500 Global
المملكة العربية السعودية
Abdulrahman AlJiffry is a Partner at 500 Global, a VC firm with more than $2.2b in AUM with a truly global portfolio of active programs and companies. Abdulrahman is focused on the MENA Accelerator Fund, helping scale MENA most promising startups in a rapidly growing and maturing market.
Additionally, he is an active angel investor with a diverse portfolio of startups across Saudi Arabia and the region. Abdulrahman is a board member of Oqal Angel Investor Network, the first and largest network of angels in KSA. He is is deeply passionate about supporting founders and has delivered countless workshops in 10+ countries in topics ranging from Fundraising & Pitching to Defensibility.
Prior to 500 Global, Abdulrahman headed the Startup Programs at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST). Founding TAQADAM, the largest Accelerator program in the region and Destination DeepTech, a program helping global DeepTech companies soft-land in Saudi Arabia benefit from the ecosystem in MENA.
Ahmed Abdelhamid
Managing Partner
Keheilan Asset Management
بلجيكا
Ahmed Abdelhamid
Managing Partner
Keheilan Asset Management
بلجيكا
Ahmed is an experienced hedge fund manager and venture capitalist with expertise in private equity, angel investing, and venture building. He has a solid background in science, engineering, management, corporate governance, startup investment law, and corporate finance. In addition to being an assistant professor, he holds two masters degrees, and several multidisciplinary diplomas.
Currently, Ahmed manages a hedge fund and some venture capital funds while advising on fund structuring projects for government, family offices, portfolio management, and policy advisory. He is well-positioned to provide valuable guidance and support to governments and businesses seeking to grow and succeed.
Ilkay Demirdag
Co-Founder
Energy Shift Forum
تركيا
Ilkay Demirdag
Co-Founder
Energy Shift Forum
تركيا
I am a seasoned Investor, Non-Executive Board Director, and Strategic Adviser with a proven track record across private equity, venture capital, corporate finance, and sustainable investments. With extensive international experience, I have guided multinationals, family offices, investment funds, and conglomerates through complex financial, regulatory, and strategic transformations—always with a clear focus on value creation, impact, and long-term resilience.
Motaz Abuonq
Founder & CEO
VMS
المملكة العربية السعودية
Motaz Abuonq
Founder & CEO
VMS
المملكة العربية السعودية
Paola Cattarin
Director
Zaha Hadid Architects
المملكة المتحدة
Paola Cattarin
Director
Zaha Hadid Architects
المملكة المتحدة
Anmol Goel
CEO & Partner
GACS Multi-Family Office, Arya VC & Gacsym Ventures
المملكة المتحدة
Anmol Goel
CEO & Partner
GACS Multi-Family Office, Arya VC & Gacsym Ventures
المملكة المتحدة
Hassan Mansi
CEO
Tech Horizons Venture
المملكة العربية السعودية
Hassan Mansi
CEO
Tech Horizons Venture
المملكة العربية السعودية
Serial entrepreneur with 20 years of experience and demonstrated strengths in creating and implementing strategy, installing operational discipline and fostering a culture of execution to deliver best of class results for customers and stakeholders. Expertise in implementing high visibility process improvement initiatives affecting organizational change across all levels in diverse industries. Specialized in the implementation of Quality Management Systems and the deployment of Lean Six Sigma projects across a wide variety of businesses.
Mohamed Fawzy
Senior Engineering Director
NVIDIA
الولايات المتحدة
Mohamed Fawzy
Senior Engineering Director
NVIDIA
الولايات المتحدة
Mohamed Fawzy works on building large-scale AI infrastructure to enhance researcher productivity and optimize GPU computing at NVIDIA. With a background in distributed systems and high-performance computing, he focuses on developing scalable, efficient, and reliable infrastructure that accelerates AI workloads. His work involves improving system performance, streamlining AI workflows, and enabling researchers to iterate faster on complex models.
As Senior Director of Engineering at NVIDIA, I bring over nine years of experience leading large-scale machine learning and data infrastructure initiatives. My current role focuses on advancing AI platforms and infrastructure to optimize machine learning pipelines, improve developer productivity, and support innovative AI solutions. My expertise includes managing geo-distributed teams and scaling systems for complex AI and data needs.
Previously, I directed a 140+ member organization at Cruise, where we developed infrastructure, dev tools, and AI platforms to accelerate machine learning development. My leadership reflects a commitment to empowering teams, driving innovation in ML scheduling, orchestration, and distributed deep learning, and delivering impactful solutions across AI-driven industries.
May Elhachem
Founder & CEO
Asklex
لبنان
May Elhachem
Founder & CEO
Asklex
لبنان
May El Hachem is a lawyer and policy advisor working at the intersection of law and technology. With experience across Europe and the Middle East, she focuses on how innovation and AI are reshaping governance, business, and society.
Hasan Jabarti
Founding Partner
KDTF
المملكة العربية السعودية
Hasan Jabarti
Founding Partner
KDTF
المملكة العربية السعودية
With a unique blend of business establishments & growth expertise as well as business acumen, Hasan is a serial entrepreneur with a proven track record of success across diverse industries. Established and led 20+ companies across Saudi Arabia, the Gulf, and the Middle East, generating over 200 million SAR in combined revenue within the past 5 years.
Empowering and mentoring the next generation; Fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region through mentorship and support is a key goal. Continuous learning and growth: Hasan is always exploring new challenges and opportunities to create even greater value.
Berat Kjamili
Co-Founder
Co-Founder
تركيا
Berat Kjamili
Co-Founder
Co-Founder
تركيا
Berat Kjamili is a tech entrepreneur and social innovator dedicated to building inclusive, future-ready communities at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and social impact. He is the President of Kodluyoruz, one of Turkey’s largest coding and AI training NGOs, which has reached over 300,000 learners and enabled 10,000+ job placements, with the vision of positioning Turkey as a global hub for technology talent.
He is also the Co-Founder of Dotshub, a co-creation and serendipity campus in Istanbul, transforming the historic Feriye Palace into a vibrant entrepreneurial hub for founders, investors, and changemakers.
Previously, Berat founded Migport, a pioneering platform that connected refugees and locals through online entrepreneurship and mentorship programs, and co-founded e-Residence Turkey, which has served more than 10 million foreigners applying for residence permits. He co-organized the EUvsVirus Hackathon for the European Commission, the world’s largest online hackathon with over 21,000 participants.
Internationally recognized, Berat has partnered with Microsoft, IBM, YouTube, Facebook, United Nations, DAAD, and KAS, delivering programs that have impacted 20 million+ people worldwide. He has published over 15 academic articles in Springer and IFORS, received 10+ international awards, and serves as President of the Alumni Board of the U.S. Department of State’s Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (TILN).
Berat is a sought-after speaker and advisor, passionate about AI for good, open innovation, and ecosystem building. His work blends technology with human connection, always guided by his core values: Diversity and Inclusion, Innovation, Ethics, Work SMART, and Make History.
Ayman Abbas
Founder
A Ventures Group
مصر
Ayman Abbas
Founder
A Ventures Group
مصر
Mohamed Abouelnaga
Co-founder and Executive Chairman
Exits MENA
مصر
Mohamed Abouelnaga
Co-founder and Executive Chairman
Exits MENA
مصر
Mohamed Aboulnaga " Nagaty” is an emerging markets' venture builder, investor, and tech-entrepreneur with 15 years of experience in tech-entrepreneurship.
He is currently Member of the Talent Retention and International Expansion Group within the Ministerial Committee for Entrepreneurship.
Founder and Chairman of Foras (producer of the المال الحلال )
Co – Founder and Chairman of Exits the first fintech investment banking platform in the region and founder and CEO of " pie" the leading " M and A" advisory for startups firm in Egypt and the former the Co-Founder/CEO of KLIVVR (Egypt’s first digital agent banking platform),
Co-Founder of Halan, Halan is Africa's largest super app and Egypt's most funded app in 2020 according to Forbes middle east, and most funded 2020/2021/2022.
Partner/Co-founder in CashCows (largest early-stage startup catalyst in Egypt), Mumerz and pr and gov. Relations Advisor in Disruptech ventures (largest fintech fund in Egypt). Prior to Co-Founding Halan.
Nagaty served as Regional Director at Careem, the Middle East's number one ride hailing application recently acquired by Uber for more than $3 billion. He also sits on the board of several Tech companies inlcuding Koinz, Robusta, Waffarha, Checkme and an angel investor in multiple tech startups including Gameball, Sharwa, Sokna, Gameya and many others Earlier.
Nagaty, started his career at Fawry in account management and business development since 2012 till headed the BD (Fawry was the first tech-company to ipo in egypt reached 2B usd val in public markets) as well as starting Egypt's first food and beverage fund in 2010 and exiting it in 2015.
Amin Serag
CEO
Hyde Park Developments
مصر
Amin Serag
CEO
Hyde Park Developments
مصر
Strategic and Performance focused Executive supported by 31 years of experience in the Real Estate Development, Construction, Maintenance and Facility Management.
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Certified Project Manager from the American Society of Civil Engineers, British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM), B.Sc. Engineering in Architecture Several Educational and Management Training local and abroad.
Shehab Salah
CFO
Noon Learning
مصر
Shehab Salah
CFO
Noon Learning
مصر
Global Director of Finance at Noon - Social learning platform. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed by the Guam Board of Accountancy (USA), with one year of experience as a Regional Finance Director at Majid Al Futtaim. Previously served as the CFO of Jumia Egypt (E-commerce, JumiaPay, and Jumia Food) for three and a half years, and as the Statutory and Tax Regional Leader at GE (General Electric) for three years. Additionally, I have seven years of experience with two of the Big Four audit firms—four years at Ernst & Young and three years at KPMG—specializing in assurance services across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, utilities, not-for-profit organizations (NFP), transportation, and logistics.
Ahmed Khalifa
Executive Director, Regulatory Sandbox & Chief Data Officer
Financial Regulatory Authority FRA
مصر
Ahmed Khalifa
Executive Director, Regulatory Sandbox & Chief Data Officer
Financial Regulatory Authority FRA
مصر
Kareem Abou Gamrah
CEO
Peace cake
مصر
Kareem Abou Gamrah
CEO
Peace cake
مصر
Kareem Abou Gamrah - Bio
For over a decade, Kareem has been at the forefront of all things digital and digital content,Kareem is CEO of one the middle east’s leading content creation companies “Peace Cake”. Before the billions of views acquired he had his start at Google with a specialization in digital marketing when the market was still in its infancy. Kareem worked through countless companies and projects to build a strategic focus around online content and content consumption. Aside from being a speaker and advisor to the content industry, now the CEO of Peace Cake, he works to create content for consumers and companies that fits this modern fast-paced world we’re now in; reaching millions around the Middle East everyday.
كريم أبو جمره
مدير تنفيذي - بيس كيك
لأكتر من 10 سنوات، كريم كان دايمًا في الصدارة في المجال الرقمي والمحتوى الرقمي، وبدأ ده بسبب شغله في شركة جوجل في تخصص التسويق الرقمي، لما كان المجال لسه في بدايته. كريم اشتغل في شركات كتيرة ومشاريع أكتر عشان يحدد تركيزه على المحتوى الموجود على الإنترنت وعلى استهلاكه. بجانب كونه داعم ومتحدث باسم صناعة المحتوى، كريم حاليًا المدير التنفيذي لشركة بيس كيك، واحدة من رواد وسائل الإعلام الجديدة في الشرق الأوسط. بيس كيك تنتج محتوى للمستهلكين وللشركات مناسب لمواكبة العصر السريع اللي عايشين فيه دلوقتي، ولها الملايين من المتابعين وحوالي نص مليار مشاهدة، وبيزيدوا كل يوم.
Heba El-Dessouky
Director of Hospitality Development
City Edge Developments
مصر
Heba El-Dessouky
Director of Hospitality Development
City Edge Developments
مصر
Graduate with honors from Fine Arts School of Design- Helwan University Cairo in 2002, with over 20 years of consulting and management experience in both local and international firms.
Heba has recently been selected as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Egypt for the year 2022.
Heba El Dessouky is heading the Hospitality Development at City Edge Developments- with the most diverse portfolio of hospitality projects across Egypt. Previously Heba was heading the Interior Design department at EMAAR MISR -a well-known real estate developer in the Middle East and North Africa- for over 15 years & supervised the development of several lifestyle communities across residential, commercial & hospitality products.
Heba at an early stage has established several interior architecture units in several consulting firms, including Dar Handasah and ECG.
Driven from her belief that an interior architect should experiment their own ideas with high integrity, responsiveness,artistic and technical ability as well as sustainable responsibility,
Heba obtained her Ph.D. In 2020 titled:
“Setting an evaluation tool for lowering energy expenditure and increasing human well-being in the interior renovation process of office buildings in Egypt”, her mindset sets parameters to solve complex design problems that tackles energy expenditure to promote innovation & well being in the built environment with optimal values & energy rates.
In addition to her current role, she has spoken at several conferences and career summits about real estate, interior design, and energy savings, as well as design challenges.
Heba is also a certified Career Coach from the International Coaching Federation USA (ICF) and a member of the AUC architecture department advisory board in Cairo.
Mohamed Talaat
CEO
MTA
مصر
Mohamed Talaat
CEO
MTA
مصر
Dr. Mohamed Talaat
Founder & CEO, Mohamed Talaat Architects (MTA)
Dr. Mohamed Talaat is an internationally recognized Egyptian architect whose visionary work blends cultural sensitivity with contemporary innovation. Born in Cairo in 1974, he began his architectural journey with a Bachelor's degree in Architectural Design in 1996. In pursuit of academic and professional excellence, he went on to earn a Master’s degree in 2014—focusing on the synergy between interior and architectural design—and completed his Ph.D. at Atlantis University in the United States in 2017.
In 1999, Dr. Talaat established Mohamed Talaat Architects (MTA), a design-led architecture and urban planning firm that has grown into a regional leader with offices in Cairo, Riyadh, and Dubai. Under his leadership, MTA has delivered landmark projects across the Middle East and Africa, with a portfolio extending to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, South Africa, Chad, and Turkey.
Dr. Talaat’s design philosophy is rooted in creating architecture that balances aesthetic excellence with human-centered functionality. He believes that architecture should not only serve practical purposes but also enhance quality of life and cultural identity. This approach has positioned MTA as a firm known for designing vibrant, contextually grounded spaces—from mixed-use developments to urban master plans.
Complementing MTA’s core operations are its two sister companies, MTI and Ridge Regal, which expand the firm’s capabilities in specialized technical design and turnkey project execution.
Rania Ayman
Founder & CEO
Entreprenelle
مصر
Rania Ayman
Founder & CEO
Entreprenelle
مصر
Serial Entrepreneur | CEO of Entreprenelle | General Manager at School of Fashion Management | Advocate for Women's Economic Inclusion
As a seasoned entrepreneur and a champion for gender equality, I lead initiatives that drive social and economic development across the Middle East. With over 15 years of experience, I have successfully bridged the gap between social development, entrepreneurship, and business management, focusing on creating meaningful opportunities and fostering sustainable change.
Founder & CEO, Entreprenelle Under my leadership, Entreprenelle has empowered over 500,000 women, particularly in underprivileged areas, by providing access to essential education, training, and resources. Our work has facilitated the launch of over 10,000 projects, significantly advancing women's economic inclusion.
General Manager, School of Fashion Management I steer efforts to strengthen the fashion industry's infrastructure and propel the creative economy forward by equipping professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and tools. My focus is on innovation through smart technology integration, including the strategic application of AI to enhance industry practices and sustainability.
AI Integration and Leadership With a keen interest in the intersection of technology and social impact, I integrate advanced AI solutions to enhance operational efficiencies and decision-making processes in both organizations I lead. This forward-thinking approach not only optimizes our projects but also sets a benchmark for tech-driven social enterprises.
Ahella El Saban
Co-Founder & Vice Chairman
Exits MENA
مصر
Ahella El Saban
Co-Founder & Vice Chairman
Exits MENA
مصر
Ahella El Saban is the visionary Co-founder and Executive Vice Chairman of Exits MENA, driving innovation in investment and startup growth across the region. Recognized by *Forbes* in 2025 as one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen, her career bridges tech, marketing, and consumer behavior with a transformative impact.
At Exits MENA, Ahella leads efforts to simplify and democratise deal-making for startups and SMEs. Through a unique 'phygital' model—combining offline advisory with an automated digital platform—Exits connects founders with investors and acquirers, positioning itself as a key ally in the MENA region's investment ecosystem. She is also the founder of **Lumas**, a market research and training venture that has delivered digital transformation programs to over 150,000 individuals. Under her leadership, Lumas has partnered with Google, TikTok for Business, Nestlé, and global bodies like the ILO, as well as Egypt’s Ministry of Investment (GAFI), executing over 14 research projects and collaborating with 30+ regional partners.
Previously at Google MENA, Ahella played a pivotal role in shaping digital advertising strategies for brands across various sectors, using her expertise in B2B marketing and consumer insight to guide digital transformation and growth.
An academic at heart, she lectures in consumer behavior and entrepreneurship and is completing her PhD on identity and luxury consumption in the Arab world. Ahella holds an MA from Durham University, a BSc from Loughborough University and BUE, and executive certifications from INSEAD and Google’s CXO Academy.
A passionate mentor, Ahella empowers founders with the tools, mindset, and storytelling needed for investment readiness, making her a sought-after voice in both local and global startup ecosystems.
Hossam Heiba
President
General Authority for Investments and Free Zones (GAFI)
مصر
Hossam Heiba
President
General Authority for Investments and Free Zones (GAFI)
مصر
Mr. Hossam Heiba is an experienced investment banker and direct investment professional with more than 32 years of experience of which 25 years management experience in setting up, managing, negotiating and enhancing direct investments in more than 15 different sectors and industries with international practice standards that involved undertaking different tasks that varied between managing investment companies and assuming operating roles, restructuring activities and companies, developing and executing workable business plans, initiating and developing start up projects and companies in the various sectors and countries.
Mr. Heiba assumed several roles in various high profile companies and institutions such as Banking in Misr Iran Investment Bank, Management consultation in Coopers & Lybrand Management Consulting (currently PwC), Government Agencies in the Public Enterprise Office (PEO) - The Privatization Agency of Egypt, Direct investments & Asset Management in Al Ahly for Development & Investment (ADI), Venture Capital as CEO of Investia Venture Capital, Private Equity as Vice President of Egypt Kuwait Holding Co. (Al Kharafi Group) for Energy, Family Office as CIO in Energya Holding (DIFC), Advisory services as Managing Partner of Orbis Capital and Investment, Private Equity as Senior Partner in Beltone Private Equity as well as the Chief Investment Officer of ADI and the Fund Manager of both Bedaya SME Fund & Papyrus Tourism Fund, Non-banking Financial services as the CEO of Basata for SME & Microfinance.
During his years of experience, Mr. Heiba has restructured, solicited & raised finances, conducted equity and debt underwriting through introducing new strategic investors or IPO’s as well as provided investment consulting and advisory services, through dealing with various financial institutions such as international banks, multilateral institutions, the World Bank; in addition to multinational and regional firms serving in more than 20 various sectors.
Nour Emam
Founder
Mother Being
مصر
Nour Emam
Founder
Mother Being
مصر
Nour Emam is the Co-Founder and President of Daleela, a women’s health app used by over 170,000 women across the MENA region. Daleela offers AI-powered diagnostics, culturally sensitive health education, and a bilingual period and fertility tracker — all designed to make healthcare more accessible and judgment-free for Arab women.
Nour built one of the region’s most trusted health platforms by combining medically accurate information with a deeply empathetic, culturally relevant voice. Her work focuses on breaking taboos and making topics like periods, fertility, hormones, and sexual wellness easier to understand and talk about.
She is also a seasoned podcaster whose show once reached the #1 spot on Apple Podcasts in Egypt. Her impact has been recognized globally, she was named one of the BBC’s 100 Women and featured in The New York Times. Her work has also appeared in Fast Company Middle East, Inc. Arabia, Vogue and other major outlets.
Yasmine Nagaty
COO
ElGameya
مصر
Yasmine Nagaty
COO
ElGameya
مصر
Yasmine has over 10 years of experience managing teams and programs. She is currently the Chief Operations Officer (COO) at ElGameya, where she oversees the collection, customer service, risk, back office, tech, and product departments, ensuring smooth operations and that customer needs are met.
Before joining ElGameya, Yasmine was the Acceleration Manager at AUC Venture Lab, Egypt's first university-based startup accelerator and a leading program in Africa and the MENA region. There, she worked with over 300 companies, helping them launch and grow their businesses.
This experience gave Yasmine deep insight into Egypt's startup scene and the challenges entrepreneurs face in accessing finance, managing operations, and scaling growth. She also developed a strong understanding of the needs of early-stage startups and how to accelerate their success.
Hesham Farouk
Advisor For Technology Development
Ministry of Communication and Information Technology
مصر
Hesham Farouk
Advisor For Technology Development
Ministry of Communication and Information Technology
مصر
Prof. Hesham Farouk is an Advisor for Technology Development, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Since March 2023. Dr. Farouk was as assistant minister of higher education and scientific research for Digital transformation 2020-2023
Dr. Farouk is a Prof. In Electronics Research Institute (ERI), Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Dr. Farouk participated in some strategic studies as mobile for development, National cloud computing, Arabic eContent, Government mobility and ERI 2030 Road map.
Dr. Farouk is a consultant in ITU (International Telecommunication Union)
Mohamed Morsy
Country Head - Egypt & Yemen
Finance in Motion
مصر
Mohamed Morsy
Country Head - Egypt & Yemen
Finance in Motion
مصر
Rafeh Saleh
Founding Partner
Cubit Ventures
مصر
Rafeh Saleh
Founding Partner
Cubit Ventures
مصر
Seasoned executive and venture capital leader with 30 years of cross-sector experience in entrepreneurship, startup ecosystem development, driving frontier markets, and strategy consulting. A driving force behind Egypt’s National Startup and Venture Capital Strategy.
Hesham Hamed
Marketing Director
Rich Bake
مصر
Hesham Hamed
Marketing Director
Rich Bake
مصر
With over 25 years of experience in the marketing field, I have had the privilege of managing some of the most iconic and well-loved brands in the Egyptian market, particularly within the sweet side of the food industry. Throughout my career, I have successfully built, grown, and transformed brands into success stories, combining strategic vision with hands-on execution.
In addition to my corporate experience, I have spent the past nine years as a faculty member at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AAST), where I share my expertise with the next generation of marketers. Beyond academia, I have also delivered specialized training courses to aspiring marketers from the UAE and Sudan, further extending my contribution to shaping marketing professionals across the region.
This unique blend of practical leadership, academic involvement, and regional training experience has shaped my holistic approach to brand building, consumer engagement, and marketing innovation.
Mostafa Elnahas
CEO-Technology
Fawry Banking and Payment Technology Services
مصر
Mostafa Elnahas
CEO-Technology
Fawry Banking and Payment Technology Services
مصر
Mostafa Elnahhas is a seasoned technology leader with over 25 years of international experience in the software industry. He currently serves as the CEO of Technology at Fawry, leading the technological advancements of the company. Additionally, he holds the CEO and Chairman positions at FIS (Fawry Integrated Systems), a subsidiary and the technological arm of Fawry. Elnahhas was a founding member of Fawry, demonstrating his long-term commitment to the company's success.
Elnahhas' expertise spans across various technological domains, including EBPP, eCommerce, ePayment, eBanking, FinTech, Mobile Money, and Travel technologies. His educational background includes a B.Sc. in Computer Systems Engineering from Alexandria University and an Executive MBA from the American University in Cairo.
Shaimaa Emad El Deen
Marketing Director
L'Oréal Paris
مصر
Shaimaa Emad El Deen
Marketing Director
L'Oréal Paris
مصر
Khaled ElKert
Managing Director
ETD Business Solutions
مصر
Khaled ElKert
Managing Director
ETD Business Solutions
مصر
Damien Leroy
Head of Nestlé Integrated Business Services Cairo
Nestlé
مصر
Damien Leroy
Head of Nestlé Integrated Business Services Cairo
Nestlé
مصر
Global Business Services leader with over 15 years’ experience in setting up and operating multi-functional Shared Services Centers in a Multinational FMCG Company.
Experience working in captive Shared Service Centers and with BPO partners in Europe, Asia, Middle East / Africa, in an international environment.
Passionate about building an inclusive and empowering culture, with a strong focus on coaching, talent and leadership development, resulting in engaged and high performing teams.
Mohamed Alaa
CEO
Shezlong
مصر
Mohamed Alaa
CEO
Shezlong
مصر
I am Mohamed Alaa, a purpose-driven entrepreneur committed to reshaping the future of mental health, economic collaboration, and social development across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. As the CEO of Shezlong, I’ve led the region’s first and largest online therapy platform serving millions of people across 85 countries and proving that innovation can heal, empower, and unite.
Michael Nabil
Director of R&D
Eva Pharma
مصر
Michael Nabil
Director of R&D
Eva Pharma
مصر
Dr. Michael Nabil Hanna is the Director of R&D at EVA Pharma, leading the largest pharmaceutical research operation in Egypt and North Africa. With nearly two decades of experience, he has driven the development of a wide range of complex, technology-driven medicines, and led strategic tech transfer initiatives with global pharma leaders. Backed by advanced studies in innovation and technology management, Dr. Hanna is pioneering the integration of AI and digital solutions across drug development and regulatory processes—reshaping pharmaceutical innovation to expand impact in emerging markets.
Amr Bishara
CMO
Lamar Egypt
مصر
Amr Bishara
CMO
Lamar Egypt
مصر
Basma Al Sabbah Fareed
Associate
Sawari Ventures
مصر
Basma Al Sabbah Fareed
Associate
Sawari Ventures
مصر
Mohamed El-Alfy
Regional Supply Chain Director for Projects & SO - Middle East & Africa
Schneider Electric
مصر
Mohamed El-Alfy
Regional Supply Chain Director for Projects & SO - Middle East & Africa
Schneider Electric
مصر
Mohamed El-Alfy brings over 18 years of leadership experience in multinational corporations across the automotive industry, high-voltage substation projects, operations management, and supply chain management throughout the Middle East and Africa. He is currently the Regional Supply Chain Director for Solution Projects and Service Operations at Schneider Electric, where he leads complex, multi-country operations. With a proven track record of driving high-impact results across cultures and functions, Mohamed offers valuable insights into supply chain innovation, operational resilience, and leading transformation in complex and emerging markets.
Over his 11+ years at Schneider Electric, Mohamed has held several leadership roles, including Middle East & Africa Customer Care Center Director, where he transformed customer and technical support services across diverse markets. As the Regional CS&Q I2P Leader, he led significant transformation programs focused on the customer experience journey, enhancing quality management systems from issue resolution to prevention.
Mohamed’s earlier role at Alstom Grid focused on large-scale high- and medium-voltage substation project execution, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure development across Egypt, North Africa, and Central Africa.
He began his career in the automotive industry at LEONI Wiring Systems, managing electrical harness projects for Aston Martin and Land Rover.
Mohamed is recognized for his expertise in change management, cross-border leadership, and delivering impactful initiatives. His career reflects a strong commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration across diverse cultures.
Mariam Kamel
General Partner
Lofty Inc
مصر
Mariam Kamel
General Partner
Lofty Inc
مصر
Mariam Kamel is an investment professional with 15+ years of experience. Mariam began her career in Investment Banking advising
companies in connection with equity capital markets transactions. Mariam co-founded FLOW, a business in the health and wellness space,
whose operations spanned multiple locations. She holds an MBA from the London Business School. Mariam is currently a General Partner at
LoftyInc Capital, a pan-African venture capital firm investing in early-stage tech startups.
Khaled Ashraf
Country Customer Success Manger
Foodics
مصر
Khaled Ashraf
Country Customer Success Manger
Foodics
مصر
Khaled Ashraf is the Customer Success Manager at Foodics, leading post-sales success, retention, and customer engagement initiatives in Egypt. With a strategic focus on building scalable CS models, Khaled works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure proactive support, improve product adoption, and reduce churn.
Since joining Foodics, Khaled has focused on strengthening the Customer Success function by embedding data-driven processes and customer health monitoring frameworks. This has enabled faster identification of at-risk clients and more meaningful engagement, resulting in improved retention and upsell outcomes.
Prior to joining Foodics, Khaled held senior roles in banking and SaaS, with a proven track record in operations management, vendor strategy, and digital transformation. With an engineering background and an MBA, he brings a structured and analytical mindset to solving complex business challenges and scaling operations.
Passionate about building strong customer relationships, Khaled is currently working on initiatives that connect success metrics with long-term value, ensuring clients not only stay but grow with Foodics.
Youssef Kamal
Director of Data
People Of Data
مصر
Youssef Kamal
Director of Data
People Of Data
مصر
Youssef Kamal is the Founder of the People of Data Community and a data leader with over five years of experience in building and leading data teams. He currently serves as the Director of Data at @advaegypt, a fintech company, where he oversees data strategy, credit scoring, infrastructure, and analytics. He also shares his expertise as an AI and Data Science Tutor at @udacity, helping business leaders in the MENA region with data science and digital transformation.
Youssef is a board member at Euclid Data Science Consultancy, providing consultancy for startups and SMEs. Boasting three master’s degrees and is pursuing a fourth in Artificial Intelligence. Youssef has extensive experience in data science within fintech, banking, e-commerce, and supply chain sectors. He has contributed to startups in Germany and Budapest, founded data science teams for Cairo startups, and established a growing data science consulting firm.
He is passionate about teaching online courses in data science and AI, aiming to empower thousands in Saudi Arabia, and is focused on leveraging AI to enhance healthcare for millions in Egypt. Youssef is also a founding partner in a foundation dedicated to social development.
Waleed Khalil
Managing Partner
Den VC
مصر
Waleed Khalil
Managing Partner
Den VC
مصر
Waleed Khalil is a prominent figure in the world of engineering, entrepreneurship, and venture capital. With a career spanning over two decades, Waleed has gained extensive experience in manufacturing consumer electronic products across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Egypt.
In early 2023, Waleed started DEN VC, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in deep tech startups in Africa and the Middle East. Through investments in companies such as Proteinia, Obian, and Your Parts, DEN VC has demonstrated its commitment to promoting investment diversity, positive impact, and potential for significant financial returns.
Prior to founding DEN VC, Waleed served as a partner at Endure Capital from 2016 to 2022. Endure Capital is a highly successful venture capital firm with a global presence, having invested in several regions around the world. During his tenure, Waleed played a key role in securing investments that led to the emergence of four unicorns, including Careem, Boom Supersonic, Tribal Credit, and Aspect Biosystems.
Throughout his career, Waleed has also been a respected mentor to hundreds of tech startups in the Arab region and Africa. He has also been a distinguished speaker at numerous entrepreneurship events such as Gitex, Biban, Techne Summit, Riseup summit, and many more.
Waleed's academic achievements include a bachelor's degree in electronics engineering from Cairo University and an MBA with a major in finance from the American University in Cairo. Waleed is a professor at the school of business in the American University in Cairo.
Ahmed Naguib
General Manager
Bubblegum Factory
مصر
Ahmed Naguib
General Manager
Bubblegum Factory
مصر
Ahmed Naguib is the General Manager of Bubblegum Factory, a digital agency based in Cairo, Egypt operating across the Middle East with a special focus on Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. He’s also the CEO of food-focused media company HUMM Network, which currently stands at over 2 Million followers and subscribers.
Yehia Houry
CEO
Flat6Labs
مصر
Yehia Houry
CEO
Flat6Labs
مصر
Medhat Yassin
Executive Vice Chairman
Mori international
مصر
Medhat Yassin
Executive Vice Chairman
Mori international
مصر
Sabrina Salama
Head of Middle East & North Africa Partnerships
Seedstars
مصر
Sabrina Salama
Head of Middle East & North Africa Partnerships
Seedstars
مصر
Sabrina is an experienced professional with a passion for supporting entrepreneurs on their journey to growth. She currently serves as the Head of MENA Partnerships at Seedstars; a global organization that supports and invests in tech startups in emerging markets. Sabrina believes in the power of entrepreneurship as an answer to today’s challenges and the power of cross-border knowledge transfer.
Her diverse experience includes a tenure as a Policy Officer at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she contributed to policy development in international relations. Sabrina's background is marked by her multicultural perspective, having lived in the UK, Morocco, Qatar, and currently splitting her time between Paris and Cairo.
With extensive research experience in the MENA region, Sabrina holds a Dual Master's Degree in International Governance and Intelligence from Sciences Po Grenoble, France. Her dedication to the entrepreneurial ecosystem is driven by a genuine belief in supporting founders through every phase of their growth journey.
Nour Allam
Investment Associate
+VC
مصر
Nour Allam
Investment Associate
+VC
مصر
Nour Allam is an Investment Associate at +VC, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in tech and tech-enabled startups in MENA and its diaspora. She has a deep passion and broad knowledge of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Egypt and the MENA region. Prior to joining +VC, she was with Savills, as an Analyst in the Strategic Consultancy Department in Egypt. She was actively involved in conducting market research and analysis, aiding investment decisions carried out by prominent real estate developers in Egypt and the region. Before that, she took part in the Analyst Accelerator Program at Endeavor, Egypt where she was part of the Entrepreneurial Sales and Growth team. Nour earned her BSc from The American University in Cairo, where she studied Finance and minored in Economics.
Ayman Ismail
Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director of AUC Venture Lab
AUC
مصر
Ayman Ismail
Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director of AUC Venture Lab
AUC
مصر
Ayman is an avid champion for Egyptian entrepreneurs. As a professor of Entrepreneurship at the American University in Cairo (AUC), he is a passionate teacher and researcher of entrepreneurship and its role in economic development. As the founding director of AUC Venture Lab, the first university-based startup accelerator in the MEA region, and AUC Angels, the first university-based angel network in Africa, he actively mentors entrepreneurs and helps in growing the startups and venture capital ecosystem in Egypt.
With over 25 years of professional and academic experience in strategic consulting, management and leadership, he has co-founded, invested in, or served on the board of fast-growing startups in fintech, microfinance, and logistics, such as OneBank, Paymob, Klickit, and Tamweely. He has also been a consultant at McKinsey & Company and the World Bank and a research fellow at Harvard Kennedy School. In 2012, he was selected as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, recognizing his contributions to the entrepreneurship ecosystem and social impact. His mission is to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Egypt and beyond, and to create positive change through technology and finance.
Ahmed Shalaby
Co-Founder, President and CEO
Tatweer Misr
مصر
Ahmed Shalaby
Co-Founder, President and CEO
Tatweer Misr
مصر
Dr. Ahmed Shalaby, Ph.D. president & CEO of Tatweer Misr, a founding member of its board of directors since mid 2014.
Dr. Shalaby has over 30 years of experience as an architecture consultant and in developing and managing real estate portfolios in Egypt. Dr. Shalaby held prestigious positions like:
- A founding member of the National Front Party and Secretary General of the Central Secretariat for Housing and Urban Development
-Member of the Urban Development and Real Estate Export Committee – Specialized Advisory Committees of the Egyptian cabinet
-Technical Advisor to the Minister, at the Egyptian Ministry of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities.
- Chairman of the Egyptian Real Estate Council,
- Co-Chair of Real Estate committee at the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt (AmCham),
- Vice- Chairman of the Real Estate Export Council.
- Board member at the UN Global Compact Network Egypt.
- Board Member at the Egyptian-Emirati Business Council.
- Advisor to the Chairman for El Mostakbal for Urban Development where he played an integral role in the development of Mostakbal City
- A Member of African Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC)
Mohamed Khedr
Consultant
خضر وبزنس
مصر
Mohamed Khedr
Consultant
خضر وبزنس
مصر
Dr. Khedr is a veteran entrepreneur, investor, and startup consultant with over 28 years of hands-on experience in building, scaling, and mentoring businesses across the MENA region. He founded some of Egypt’s prominent startups, has led multiple successful exits, and currently runs "Khedr W Business," a consultancy that supports businesses with strategy, management, operations, and fundraising. As the author of the bestselling Arabic book "رائد الأعمال Inside Out", Dr. Khedr brings real-world insights and actionable guidance to every session—making him a must-hear voice for ambitious founders.
Tarek Taha
Fintech & Innovation Hub Director
CBE- Central Bank of Egypt
مصر
Tarek Taha
Fintech & Innovation Hub Director
CBE- Central Bank of Egypt
مصر
I am an entrepreneurial and innovative leader with over 15 years of experience in building and scaling businesses, fostering innovation, and cultivating high-performing teams. My passion lies in the dynamic intersection of entrepreneurship, technology, and creative problem-solving.
Throughout my career, I have thrived in fast-paced, high-growth environments, leveraging my entrepreneurial spirit to drive business success. I have a proven track record of launching and scaling ventures, identifying market opportunities, and implementing strategic initiatives that deliver exceptional results.
With a strong focus on innovation, I have continuously sought out emerging technologies and disruptive trends to stay ahead of the curve. I am particularly excited about the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and its ability to revolutionize industries. The possibilities that AI offers in terms of data-driven insights, automation, and personalized experiences are truly fascinating to me.
As a collaborative and inspiring leader, I excel in building and motivating teams, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. I am passionate about empowering individuals to reach their full potential and creating an environment that encourages bold ideas and experimentation. My excitement for AI extends to exploring how this powerful technology can be harnessed to drive transformative change and unlock new opportunities for growth.
My expertise extends beyond a specific industry, as I have successfully operated in diverse sectors, including technology, consumer goods, and service-oriented businesses. This versatility has allowed me to adapt quickly to new challenges and leverage my skills in strategic planning, business development, and operational excellence.
If you are interested in exploring the possibilities of entrepreneurship, innovation, and building high-performing teams, I would be delighted to connect and exchange ideas. Together, we can create transformative solutions and make a positive impact in our ever-evolving world, leveraging the exciting potential of AI.
Sherif Nabawy
Innovation Lead and EdTech Director
Egypt Education Platform- EEP
مصر
Sherif Nabawy
Innovation Lead and EdTech Director
Egypt Education Platform- EEP
مصر
Sherif Nabawy serves as the Innovation and Digital Technologies Director at the Egyptian Education Platform (EEP), overseeing innovation strategy across 21 K-12 schools and three preschools, as well as a leading educational publishing house. With a dynamic background in educational leadership, Sherif is spearheading a comprehensive transformation in how technology and innovation are integrated into teaching, learning, and school operations.
His work aligns closely with EEP’s strategic vision to position its schools at the forefront of global educational innovation. Sherif’s role involves leading the development and execution of a multi-year EdTech master plan (2024–2027), championing digital literacy, fostering AI-integrated learning environments, and cultivating student innovation tracks in fields such as AI, robotics, digital media, and environmental technology.
A passionate advocate for experiential learning and digital equity, Sherif also directs large-scale teacher training programs and professional development initiatives that support over 1,000 educators in seamlessly integrating technology across American, British, IB, and PYP curricula.
Guided by the principles of the Innovator’s Mindset empathy, resilience, reflection, and creativity Sherif is committed to empowering educators and inspiring students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Mehdi Taher
Head of Public Policy, North Africa
META
مصر
Mehdi Taher
Head of Public Policy, North Africa
META
مصر