Celebrating youth entrepreneurship - Living - Al-Ahram Weekly

Al-Ahram Weekly

11-02-2025

From 29 January to 8 February, the Cairo International Stadium was transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity, energy, and passion as the second edition of the Business Ya Shabab exhibition brought together Egypt's youth, industry leaders, international partners, and key figures, including Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli, Ashraf Sobhi, minister of youth and sports, and Yasmine Fouad, minister of environment, to promote business opportunities among Egypt's young people.
The exhibition highlighted Egypt's commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs. In collaboration with the UN Children's Fund UNICEF and UN Population Fund UNFPA, it featured hundreds of booths offering a wide range of products, from traditional crafts to modern innovations. However, it was not only a display of products, and instead it was a true celebration of youth, talent, and innovation.
As visitors wandered through the bustling venue, the air was thick with excitement. The exhibition showcased hundreds of booths featuring an impressive array of products from intricate handcrafted leather goods and textiles to innovative, eco-friendly inventions that blended traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. But it wasn't just the products that stood out; it was the energy of the young people behind them – the dreamers, doers, and creators shaping Egypt's future.
One of the first things visitors noticed was the diversity of what was on display. Mohamed Amin, a visitor from Alexandria, was particularly taken with the handmade jewelry section. 'I've never seen pieces like these before,' he said, admiring a delicate necklace crafted from copper and gemstones. 'It's a reminder of how much talent we have in this country. I'm definitely coming back to buy some.'
The products ranged from traditional items like intricate pottery, woven rugs, and embroidered garments to forward-thinking innovations such as solar-powered gadgets and biodegradable packaging. The exhibition wasn't just about what was for sale either; it was about showcasing Egypt's rich heritage while embracing the future. The diversity of offerings represented a new generation of Egyptians who were not only honouring their culture but also pushing it forward.
Among the booths, one could hear the hum of conversation between participants and customers, many of whom were eager to connect and share their stories. For Heba Tarek, a young fashion designer showcasing sustainable clothing, this was an invaluable opportunity.
'I found out about Business Ya Shabab through a friend who had participated last time. She kept telling me about how incredible the platform was for networking and visibility. I knew this could be the perfect chance to share my work with a wider audience,' Tarek said, her eyes bright with excitement.
'I'm passionate about sustainable fashion, and I wanted to show that it's possible to create beautiful, stylish pieces without harming the environment. It's been a dream come true to showcase my designs here.'
A few steps away, Amir Hassan, a 28-year-old from Upper Egypt, was enthusiastically discussing his handmade leather wallets with a potential buyer. 'I've been making these since I was 14,' he explained. 'My family has been in the leather business for generations, but I wanted to bring something fresh and modern to the tradition. When I heard about Business Ya Shabab last year, I didn't hesitate to apply. I saw it as a chance not just to sell my work, but to learn from other entrepreneurs and expand my network,' Hassan said.
'It's been amazing to see how people appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into each wallet. For me, it's not just about the product; it's about telling the story of our heritage through my designs.'
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TMOSPHERE: Visitors weren't just shopping, as they were also experiencing the atmosphere.
The space was filled with the rich aroma of freshly baked pastries from a local youth-run bakery and the sound of laughter and conversation. Everywhere you looked, you could spot young entrepreneurs engaged in passionate discussions with buyers and other vendors, exchanging ideas, collaborating, and celebrating their shared entrepreneurial spirit.
Sarah Ahmed, a university student and first-time visitor to the event, spoke about the experience with enthusiasm. 'It was incredible to see so many young people showcasing their work and hustling to make their dreams come true. I first heard about Business Ya Shabab from my cousin, who's been talking about it for weeks. She told me it was a great opportunity to support local entrepreneurs, so I decided to come and see for myself,' she said.
Ahmed was particularly excited to buy a few handcrafted items and some organic skincare products. 'There's a real sense of pride in what they're doing, and it's inspiring to see. I think this exhibition is an amazing way to support young talent and bring awareness to local businesses,' she added.
Beyond the marketplace, there was a tangible sense of community. Business Ya Shabab had more to offer than just shopping, since it was a gathering place for people to connect and learn from one another. Workshops on marketing, financial management, and product development were held throughout the event, providing practical tools for young entrepreneurs looking to take their ventures to the next level.
One such workshop was led by Ahmed Hassan, an experienced entrepreneur who had launched his own sustainable furniture brand. 'It's all about making connections and building your brand,' he said during one of his sessions. 'Events like this are not just for selling products; they're about creating lasting relationships that help grow your business,' he said.
While the exhibition was filled with bustling activity and youthful energy, there was also a deeper sense of purpose that permeated the event. Mariam Al-Gamal, a 30-year-old fashion designer specialising in eco-friendly clothing, summed it up perfectly: 'I first heard about Business Ya Shabab when I was still in the early stages of launching my brand. A mentor recommended that I apply because of the exposure and support it would offer. When I got in, I felt so excited as I knew this was the opportunity I had been waiting for.'
'This event is so much more than a showcase of products. It's a movement. We're showing that Egypt's youth are capable of not just surviving but thriving in today's economy. We're proving that we can create businesses that support both the environment and the local economy,' Al-Gamal said.
The products on display were undeniably impressive, but it was the spirit of the participants that truly made the event special. The exhibition was not just about promoting products but about promoting a vision – one of Egypt's youth driving the country's future through entrepreneurship.
For Mona Abdel-Rahman, a visitor from Cairo, it was clear that the event was helping to shift the national mindset towards supporting local talent. 'I'm so impressed with the creativity and hard work that's gone into these products. We need to invest in our youth and their businesses. They're the future of this country,' she said.
The variety of products was also staggering. There were home goods, agricultural products, and cutting-edge technologies. One booth, showcasing organic agricultural products, offered everything from honey and olive oil to dried herbs and spices. Tamer Youssef, the owner of the booth, spoke about the significance of his work.
'We've been farming the land for generations, but now we're focusing on sustainability and innovation. These products are as much about preserving our heritage as they are about improving the way we live today,' he said.
What stood out most, however, was the palpable sense of optimism that filled the air. It was clear that the exhibition had not only provided a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their work but had also ignited a sense of pride in both the participants and visitors. This was a celebration of Egypt's future – a future driven by young, determined, and passionate entrepreneurs ready to change the world.
As the exhibition came to a close, the buzz in the air remained. Participants and visitors alike were already looking ahead to the next edition, hopeful for even greater opportunities to connect, grow, and share their stories. Mariam Al-Gamal echoed the sentiment perfectly.
'We're just getting started. The future of Egyptian entrepreneurship is bright,' she said.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 13 February, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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