Latest news with #Sohag
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Sawiris Foundation signs an MoU with AFD, Essam and May Allam Foundation, and the Louis Dreyfus Foundation to develop agricultural solutions
Cairo, Egypt: To advance innovative, climate-smart agricultural solutions that support smallholder farmers in Egypt—particularly in the governorates of Sohag and Minya—Sawiris Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Essam and May Allam Foundation, and the Louis Dreyfus Foundation to launch a joint pilot project aimed at achieving this important goal. With this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), AFD, Essam and May Allam Foundation, Louis Dreyfus Foundation and The Sawiris Foundation for Social Development formalized their collaboration to tackle the significant challenges faced by smallholder farmers in rural Egypt, particularly focusing on climate vulnerability and limited credit and market access. The proposed solution is a comprehensive package of bundled agricultural services, centered around tailored credit products designed to incentivize the adoption of climate-smart inputs and practices. This approach aims to enhance farmers' resilience to climate change, leading to improved crop quality and yields. Marie-Hélène Loison, Deputy Director General of AFD, emphasized: 'AFD will provide a technical support from its Impact Evaluation Department and is proud to join forces with two major Egyptian foundations and Louis Dreyfus for its longstanding experience of projects promoting sustainable micro-farming and agricultural practices. Naguib Sawiris, Founder and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sawiris Foundation, said: "this partnership marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing commitment to sustainable development and empowering Egyptian communities. By joining forces with AFD, Essam and May Allam Foundation, and Louis Dreyfus Foundation, we are able to expand our reach and deliver innovative, climate-smart agricultural solutions directly to small farmers in Sohag and Minya'. Laila Hosny, Executive Director of Sawiris Foundation, said: 'this initiative is a testament to our belief in collective action to drive lasting change, providing tangible pathways to increased income and economic stability for those who need it most". Robert Serpollet, General Manager of Louis Dreyfus Foundation, said: 'Together, we will work towards the shared goal of uplifting agricultural communities. This joint effort and collaboration are essential for shaping more resilient communities and a more sustainable food system'. Hassan E. Allam, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Essam and May Allam Foundation, said: 'This partnership reaffirms our commitment to advancing evidence-based solutions, a vision championed by my late father and sister which we are keen to uphold. We are proud to work alongside our distinguished partners in delivering climate-smart agricultural solutions tailored to the needs of Egypt's smallholder farmers'. Amr E. Allam, Founder and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Essam and May Allam Foundation, said: 'This project aims to improve productivity, raise incomes, and build climate resilience in Sohag and Minya—underscoring our mission to help uplift communities and break the cycle of poverty'. It is worth noting that the Memorandum of Understanding marks a significant step toward empowering smallholder farmers in Egypt through climate-smart, sustainable agriculture. By combining the strengths of all four partners, the initiative offers a scalable model to boost productivity, build climate resilience, and improve livelihoods in rural communities. The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group has established itself as a key player in Franco-Egyptian cooperation, working since 2006 to support the country's economic, social and environmental transitions. In response to these challenges, AFD is stepping up its efforts and in 2022 revised its strategic intervention framework to support the country in the transitions underway and respond to Egypt's specific climate change adaptation needs, gender equality or training and employment. With a portfolio of €2.3 billion (November 2023), AFD is deploying a diversified range of instruments to support the Egyptian government in its development objectives, mainly in the sustainable infrastructure sectors (energy, transport, water and sanitation), climate finance, support for the private sector and entrepreneurship, and social sectors, including social protection. Today, 55 projects are underway, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reflecting the priorities shared by Egypt and France. They are intended to support the integration of Egyptian financial, commercial and productive systems at the regional level; to support the development of green, inclusive and efficient infrastructure; and promote equitable and sustainable local territorial development. About Sawiris Foundation: The Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD) is one of the first donor foundations in Egypt. Established in 2001 by the Sawiris family, SFSD philanthropically promotes and supports innovative solutions that target comprehensive and sustainable development in Egypt. Over the last 24 years, SFSD has addressed the most pressing issues facing marginalized Egyptians, such as poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and limited access to quality education, by funding the delivery of programs aimed at achieving comprehensive and sustainable development, in partnership with the governmental and private sectors as well as civil society. By creating thousands of job opportunities and providing quality education and access to basic services, we have impacted the lives of approximately 1 million Egyptians. Our funded programs cover 24 Egyptian governorates, focusing on the most remote villages. With increasing global and national challenges, Sawiris Foundation developed its strategic directions while finding the most cost-effective and impactful ways to support Egypt's marginalized families and those trying to further positive social change in Egypt. By following the philosophy of effective altruism and evidence-based practices, we have launched our 2023-2028 strategy to maximize our impact in reducing multidimensional poverty and empowering agents of change in Egypt. About LDF: The Louis Dreyfus Foundation aims to promote projects in the areas of sustainable agriculture, food security and self-sufficiency, particularly through education and direct support to small-scale farmers, with a specific focus on developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. About Essam and May Allam Foundation: Founded in 2025 by the Essam Hassan Allam family to honor the legacy of a remarkable father and daughter, the Essam and May Allam Foundation (EMAF) is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty in Egypt through evidence-based, high-impact initiatives in education and agriculture. By focusing on programs grounded in rigorous research and proven effectiveness, the Foundation ensures its efforts are scalable, sustainable, and positioned to deliver meaningful results. EMAF operates through two strategic pillars. The Essam Allam Agriculture Accelerator addresses key challenges in agricultural climate resilience, productivity, market access for smallholder farmers, and food security. The May Allam Knowledge Incubator works to improve early childhood and primary education, promote and preserve the Arabic language, conserve Middle Eastern arts and culture, and expand access to vocational training and scholarships. Through these pillars, EMAF serves as a catalyst for transformative change—bridging the gap between research and practice to drive inclusive development that empowers individuals, uplifts communities, and fosters long-term resilience across Egypt.
Arab News
6 days ago
- General
- Arab News
98-year-old Egyptian pilgrim fulfilling lifelong dream
JEDDAH: Ahmed Tamim, 98, is fulfilling a lifelong dream of performing Hajj this year. Tamim is a native of Egypt's Sohag governorate, located on the west bank of the Nile, and is one of the oldest pilgrims on this year's Hajj. He arrived in Madinah on May 18 accompanied by his son, to embark on the sacred journey that is mandatory for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to complete it. They are among 13,062 Egyptian pilgrims who were selected through the annual lottery to perform the pilgrimage this year. His son Muhammed told Arab News: 'It all started with a phone call from my friends who said the Hajj lottery is open, aren't you going to apply for your father? 'I tried to contact the lottery mission, and they told me tomorrow is the last day (and) anyone who hasn't applied can still apply. 'At the time, we hadn't applied, but after that call, I decided to apply for my father, and thank God, his name was added to the reserve list due to his advanced age.' He added: 'Every year he used to wish to perform Hajj or Umrah. This time, when he found out his name was called after all these years, his eyes filled with tears and he reacted with happiness, he couldn't believe it.' Muhammed said his father is insisting on performing all the rituals unaided despite his difficulties in walking and hearing. 'He always (said) 'this is an opportunity Allah has chosen me, and I want to experience it to the fullest.'' Muhammad added: 'Everyone in Sohag is happy for my father, because he's not only the oldest pilgrim, but he's a very respected religious person in the governorate. 'May Allah accept his Hajj and we are all so glad that he finally made Hajj.'
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Sawiris Foundation signs an MoU with AFD, Essam and May Allam Foundation, and the Louis Dreyfus Foundation
Cairo, Egypt: To advance innovative, climate-smart agricultural solutions that support smallholder farmers in Egypt—particularly in the governorates of Sohag and Minya—Sawiris Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Essam and May Allam Foundation, and the Louis Dreyfus Foundation to launch a joint pilot project aimed at achieving this important goal. With this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), AFD, Essam and May Allam Foundation, Louis Dreyfus Foundation and The Sawiris Foundation for Social Development formalized their collaboration to tackle the significant challenges faced by smallholder farmers in rural Egypt, particularly focusing on climate vulnerability and limited credit and market access. The proposed solution is a comprehensive package of bundled agricultural services, centered around tailored credit products designed to incentivize the adoption of climate-smart inputs and practices. This approach aims to enhance farmers' resilience to climate change, leading to improved crop quality and yields. Marie-Hélène Loison, Deputy Director General of AFD, emphasized: 'AFD will provide a technical support from its Impact Evaluation Department and is proud to join forces with two major Egyptian foundations and Louis Dreyfus for its longstanding experience of projects promoting sustainable micro-farming and agricultural practices. Naguib Sawiris, Founder and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sawiris Foundation, said: "this partnership marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing commitment to sustainable development and empowering Egyptian communities. By joining forces with AFD, Essam and May Allam Foundation, and Louis Dreyfus Foundation, we are able to expand our reach and deliver innovative, climate-smart agricultural solutions directly to small farmers in Sohag and Minya'. Laila Hosny, Executive Director of Sawiris Foundation, said: ' this initiative is a testament to our belief in collective action to drive lasting change, providing tangible pathways to increased income and economic stability for those who need it most". Robert Serpollet, General Manager of Louis Dreyfus Foundation, said: 'Together, we will work towards the shared goal of uplifting agricultural communities. This joint effort and collaboration are essential for shaping more resilient communities and a more sustainable food system'. Hassan E. Allam, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Essam and May Allam Foundation, said: 'This partnership reaffirms our commitment to advancing evidence-based solutions, a vision championed by my late father and sister which we are keen to uphold. We are proud to work alongside our distinguished partners in delivering climate-smart agricultural solutions tailored to the needs of Egypt's smallholder farmers'. Amr E. Allam, Founder and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Essam and May Allam Foundation, said: 'This project aims to improve productivity, raise incomes, and build climate resilience in Sohag and Minya—underscoring our mission to help uplift communities and break the cycle of poverty'. It is worth noting that the Memorandum of Understanding marks a significant step toward empowering smallholder farmers in Egypt through climate-smart, sustainable agriculture. By combining the strengths of all four partners, the initiative offers a scalable model to boost productivity, build climate resilience, and improve livelihoods in rural communities. Press contacts: For AFD: Zied Ounissi ounissiz@ / Kabil Zerouali zeroualik@ For the Sawiris Foundation: Mohamed Lotfy / mlotfy@ For LDF: Ekaterina Naymark / For Essam and May Allam Foundation: Hala Samy / About Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group has established itself as a key player in Franco-Egyptian cooperation, working since 2006 to support the country's economic, social and environmental transitions. In response to these challenges, AFD is stepping up its efforts and in 2022 revised its strategic intervention framework to support the country in the transitions underway and respond to Egypt's specific climate change adaptation needs, gender equality or training and employment. With a portfolio of €2.3 billion (November 2023), AFD is deploying a diversified range of instruments to support the Egyptian government in its development objectives, mainly in the sustainable infrastructure sectors (energy, transport, water and sanitation), climate finance, support for the private sector and entrepreneurship, and social sectors, including social protection. Today, 55 projects are underway, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reflecting the priorities shared by Egypt and France. They are intended to support the integration of Egyptian financial, commercial and productive systems at the regional level; to support the development of green, inclusive and efficient infrastructure; and promote equitable and sustainable local territorial development. Learn more about the AFD Group's activity in Egypt About Sawiris Foundation: The Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD) is one of the first donor foundations in Egypt. Established in 2001 by the Sawiris family, SFSD philanthropically promotes and supports innovative solutions that target comprehensive and sustainable development in Egypt. Over the last 24 years, SFSD has addressed the most pressing issues facing marginalized Egyptians, such as poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and limited access to quality education, by funding the delivery of programs aimed at achieving comprehensive and sustainable development, in partnership with the governmental and private sectors as well as civil society. By creating thousands of job opportunities and providing quality education and access to basic services, we have impacted the lives of approximately 1 million Egyptians. Our funded programs cover 24 Egyptian governorates, focusing on the most remote villages. With increasing global and national challenges, Sawiris Foundation developed its strategic directions while finding the most cost-effective and impactful ways to support Egypt's marginalized families and those trying to further positive social change in Egypt. By following the philosophy of effective altruism and evidence-based practices, we have launched our 2023-2028 strategy to maximize our impact in reducing multidimensional poverty and empowering agents of change in Egypt. Learn more about Sawiris Foundation for Social Development About LDF: The Louis Dreyfus Foundation aims to promote projects in the areas of sustainable agriculture, food security and self-sufficiency, particularly through education and direct support to small-scale farmers, with a specific focus on developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Learn more about the Louis Dreyfus Foundation About Essam and May Allam Foundation: Founded in 2025 by the Essam Hassan Allam family to honor the legacy of a remarkable father and daughter, the Essam and May Allam Foundation (EMAF) is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty in Egypt through evidence-based, high-impact initiatives in education and agriculture. By focusing on programs grounded in rigorous research and proven effectiveness, the Foundation ensures its efforts are scalable, sustainable, and positioned to deliver meaningful results. EMAF operates through two strategic pillars. The Essam Allam Agriculture Accelerator addresses key challenges in agricultural climate resilience, productivity, market access for smallholder farmers, and food security. The May Allam Knowledge Incubator works to improve early childhood and primary education, promote and preserve the Arabic language, conserve Middle Eastern arts and culture, and expand access to vocational training and scholarships. Through these pillars, EMAF serves as a catalyst for transformative change—bridging the gap between research and practice to drive inclusive development that empowers individuals, uplifts communities, and fosters long-term resilience across Egypt. Learn more about The Essam and May Allam Foundation
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Over 6,000 projects completed in Upper Egypt with $642mln investment: minister
Egypt - Manal Awad, Egypt's Minister of Local Development, met with a World Bank delegation to assess progress in the Upper Egypt Local Development Programme and explore ways to strengthen the region's business environment and private sector engagement. The delegation included Elin Olafsen, Senior Private Sector Specialist, and Zeeshan Karim, Senior Urban Specialist, along with other World Bank representatives. Also in attendance were Hisham El-Helbawy, the Minister's Assistant for National Projects and Director of the Upper Egypt Programme, and members of the programme's coordination office. Awad highlighted the longstanding partnership with the World Bank since the programme's launch in 2018, expressing gratitude for the Bank's continued support, which has led to substantial achievements across key governorates. She described the initiative as a flagship model of development cooperation between Egypt and the World Bank. To date, the programme has implemented more than 6,000 projects with total investments exceeding EGP 32bn, directly improving infrastructure and public services for approximately 8.2 million citizens in Sohag, Qena, Minya, and Assiut. Key focus areas include roads, sanitation, and electricity, with 40% of investments directed toward economic development and institutional capacity-building at the local and technological levels. Awad noted that the programme provides a scalable model for development across other governorates. The initiative has also advanced Egypt's decentralisation agenda and significantly increased private sector participation, benefiting over 72,000 companies. Surveys show that around 85% of business owners reported satisfaction with the programme's support—an encouraging sign for the government's wider 2024–2027 national reform plan. El-Helbawy provided updates on the World Bank delegation's recent field activities, including site visits in the four governorates, consultations with governors, and meetings with ministry officials. Discussions focused on enhancing infrastructure in industrial zones and supporting economic clusters in Qena and Sohag. He also pointed to tangible improvements in industrial zone management, service delivery, private sector engagement, and local revenue generation. Elin Olafsen praised the programme's role in boosting regional competitiveness, highlighting her visits to the medicinal and aromatic plants cluster in Qena and the industrial zone in Qeft. She commended the strong coordination between the Ministry of Local Development and the Industrial Development Authority in fostering growth in Upper Egypt's industrial sector. Olafsen reaffirmed the World Bank's commitment to supporting Egypt's efforts to enhance the business climate, digitise local services, and replicate successful models—particularly the economic cluster approach—in other governorates. The Bank's representatives expressed strong support for the cluster-based strategy, noting that 12 economic clusters have already been implemented, with most nearing completion. Full rollout is anticipated by October 2025. Zeeshan Karim described the Upper Egypt programme as one of the World Bank's most impactful initiatives in Egypt. She highlighted its achievements in local governance, job creation, and economic development, and reiterated the Bank's dedication to supporting Egypt's broader goals of decentralisation and sustainable urban and economic growth. © 2024 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ebny Developments unveils Upper Egypt's first international entertainment city with $10mln investment
Egypt - Ebny Developments has announced the launch of Ebnyland, the first and largest international entertainment city in Upper Egypt. Located in New Sohag City, the groundbreaking project represents a major leap for the region's tourism and leisure sector, with total investments exceeding $10m (around EGP 500m). Developed in partnership with leading entertainment firms from the UK, China, and Italy, Ebnyland spans 63,000 sqm and will feature more than 100 rides and attractions designed for all age groups. The city will also include cafés and retail outlets, offering a comprehensive, family-friendly entertainment experience. With the capacity to serve over 38 million people across Upper Egypt, Ebnyland is set to become a key regional destination for tourism, investment, and leisure. Abdallah Kamel, Chairperson of Ebny Developments, emphasized the project's alignment with Egypt's national strategy for developing Upper Egypt and enhancing its infrastructure. 'Ebnyland will deliver world-class entertainment, generate thousands of job opportunities, and attract both local and foreign investment,' Kamel stated. Mohamed Islam, Executive Director at Ebny Developments, revealed that construction is expected to be completed within six months. The grand opening will take place in partnership with global entertainment leaders including Frego, Midpower, E Park, Lark, Zamprela, and Childwood. Wagdy El-Aidy, General Manager of Ebny Developments, highlighted the company's track record since its founding in 2012, with over 22 completed projects across Cairo and Upper Egypt. In 2024, the company delivered its first residential project in New Sohag—Greeny Avenue—and plans to finalize two more projects in Cairo by 2025. © 2024 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
