TechPression

Tag: Egypt

  • Egypt’s new model for innovation, impacts

    Egypt’s new model for innovation, impacts

    Egypt is seeing a boom in entrepreneurship as more and more businesses spring up to address the urgent issues facing the nation. 

    Millions of Egyptians’ lives are being improved by the solutions these entrepreneurs are using technology to provide, in fields ranging from healthcare to education, agriculture to transportation.

    But starting and growing a software company is no small task. It takes not just a brilliant idea but also capital, connections, mentorship, and access to markets. T-Vencubator fills that need.

    Read also: Egypt Avanz Capital funds Trella logistics startup

    Describing T-Vencubator

    Though it is a recent addition to the African tech scene, T-Vencubator is not like other incubators or venture capital firms. It is a cross between the two, providing a special “Vencubation” concept that brings together the greatest aspects of both.

    T-Vencubator is the first digital venture capital business and incubator in Egypt. Its exclusive objective is investing in Egyptian entrepreneurs that want to digitize the country and solve issues that its citizens share.

    “Through the best of venture capital and incubators benefits combined, our mission is to bridge Egypt’s entrepreneurial potential and its technological capabilities, empowering startups to solve societal problems and shape Egypt’s future,” the company stated on its official website.

    How is the T-Vencubator operated?

    Pre-seed and seed are the two stages in which the T-Vencubator runs. T-Vencubator chooses potential entrepreneurs with a minimum viable product (MVP) for the pre-seed phase and offers them access to its cutting-edge co-working environment, mentorship program, and network of partners and specialists in addition to up to $50,000 in funding.

    For firms that have found product-market fit and traction, T-Vencubator offers up to $250,000 in capital during the seed stage in addition to providing advice on legal, financial, and scaling issues.

    In order to promote a thriving community of innovators, investors, and entrepreneurs, T-Vencubator also hosts competitions, workshops, and events.

    What individuals are in charge of T-Vencubator?

    T-Vencubator is run by a group of driven and experienced individuals who are all committed to using technology to alter Egypt.

    Reem Safy is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of T-Vencubator. He is an angel investor and serial entrepreneur who has created and sold multiple profitable firms in the area. The largest network of angel investors in Egypt, the Egyptian Business Angels Network (EBAN), was founded and is still led by her.

    We think that a lot of Egypt’s problems can be resolved with the use of technology. We’re investing in extraordinary talent that is reshaping Egypt’s future, not only startups,” Safy stated.

    Hazem El Samra, a seasoned marketer and strategist with experience working with top brands and agencies in the Middle East and Africa, is the Head of Growth and Marketing at T-Vencubator. In addition, he is the CEO and co-founder of The Creative Zone, a digital marketing firm with a focus on content production and social media.

    Our basic values—Tomorrow, Togetherness, Technology, Transformation, and Talents—are embodied by the letter ‘T’ in T-Vencubator. El Samra declared, “We are laying the foundation for a more prosperous and forward-thinking Egypt.”

    Which startups has T-Vencubator made investments in?

    T-Vencubator has made investments in a wide range of companies across multiple industries and fields. Among the noteworthy instances are:

    Meddy: A website that pairs patients with physicians and medical facilities, enabling them to schedule visits, check costs, and read reviews.

    Bosta: A delivery service with features including same-day delivery, cash on delivery, and real-time tracking that helps online retailers distribute their goods to their clients.

    ElCoach: A fitness app that gives users access to qualified coaches and experts along with individualized diet and exercise routines.

    Nafas: An app for mental health that emphasizes Arab language and culture while providing online counseling, self-care resources, and community support.

    Zee3 is a gaming firm that creates and releases mobile games with historical and cultural references to Egypt.

    Why is Egypt’s T-Vencubator important?

    Egypt is experiencing a digital revolution as a result of significant investments made by both the public and commercial sectors in the growth of the digital economy and the encouragement of innovation. Egypt is the best developing startup environment in the Middle East and Africa and the 16th in the world, according to the Global Startup environment Report 2020.

    T-Vencubator, which fosters the expansion and prosperity of the tech entrepreneurs spearheading this shift, is a crucial component of this revolution. T-Vencubator is giving them the resources—money, network, and mentorship—they require to make an effect on and provide value to Egypt’s economy and society.

    Because T-Vencubator exemplifies the possibilities and practicality of the Vencubation model, it serves as an example for other prospective investors and incubators in the area. T-Vencubator is creating a win-win scenario for investors and companies alike by combining the benefits of VC funding and incubation.

    T-Vencubator is a movement, not just a company. It’s a movement with the goals of advancing the growth and prosperity of Egypt and inspiring, empowering, and uniting the country’s tech community.

    The first tech incubator in Egypt, T-Vencubator, is here to stay.

    What distinguishes an incubator from a venture capital firm?

    An investment company known as a venture capitalist provides money to start-ups in exchange for stock or other ownership interests. An incubator is a kind of program that helps new businesses grow their ideas and products by offering them resources including office space, networking opportunities, and mentorship.

    There are various ways in which venture capitals and incubators vary, including:

    The stage of the business: While incubators typically accept firms that are still in the ideation or early development stage, venture capitalists typically invest in businesses that have already demonstrated their product-market fit and have some traction12.

    The funding: Depending on the stage and valuation of the startup, venture capitals usually provide larger amounts of funding, ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, whereas incubators typically provide smaller amounts of funding, or none at all, depending on the source and nature of the program.

    The program’s duration: While incubators typically have a set duration, ranging from a few months to a few years, after which the startups graduate and look for other sources of funding and support, venture capitalists typically have a long-term relationship with the startups they invest in and may provide follow-on funding and support as the startup grows.

    The equity stake: Depending on the negotiation and valuation, venture capitalists typically take a large equity stake in the firms they invest; meanwhile, incubators typically take a lesser equity stake, or none at all, depending on the program’s terms and conditions.

  • UNESCO, Egypt unveils national distance learning centre

    UNESCO, Egypt unveils national distance learning centre

    At the UNESCO-Huawei International Forum on Digital Platforms and Competencies for Teachers, Egypt’s Ministry of Education unveiled the National Distance Learning Centre for the Continuous Professional Development of Educators, a pivotal component of the UNESCO-Huawei Technology-enabled Open Schools for All (TeOSS) project.

    This collaborative project, running from 2020 to 2023 in Egypt, Ghana, and Ethiopia, aims to revolutionise education through digital means.

    Read also: Egypt, KOICA to catalyse educational advancement of BST

    Egypt’s Ministry of Education Commends UNESCO and Huawei

    Dr. Reda Hegazy, Minister of Education and Technical Education, commended UNESCO and Huawei for selecting Egypt as a partner in the Open Schools Project. He recognized the significant achievements of the Open Schools project in Egypt, emphasising the importance of capacity building, enriching training courses for teachers, digital platforms, and the establishment of the National Center for Distance Education. This comprehensive approach seeks to enhance the skills of educators across the country.

    Technology-Enabled Open Schools for All (TeOSS) in Action

    TeOSS, implemented in partnership with the ministries of education in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Ghana, is a transformative initiative that is piloting and testing digital education platforms in these nations. The project includes training in digital skills for teachers and students, the development of policy frameworks for digital education, and the evaluation of its effectiveness. Ultimately, the aim is to scale out TeOSS to other African countries, thereby making quality education accessible.

    One of the project’s successes in Egypt is the training of 300 teachers in digital skills, and the newly launched National Distance Learning Centre will further strengthen distance learning and digital literacy for 950,000 K-12 educators in underserved communities. This holistic approach is vital to bridging educational gaps and ensuring equal access to quality education.

    Advancing Digital Learning Competencies and Access

    Sobhi Tawil, Director of the Future of Learning and Innovation Team at UNESCO, emphasised the role of the Ministry of Education in Egypt in supporting future education. He acknowledged Huawei’s longstanding commitment to improving digital learning competencies through the TECH4ALL initiative. The project has significantly enhanced the quality of education, increased access, and promoted digital transformation in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Ghana. Egypt’s launch of the National Center for Distance Education marks a significant step toward digital transformation.

    TECH4ALL: A Commitment to Inclusive Digital Education

    Huawei’s participation in the TeOSS project aligns with its TECH4ALL initiative, a long-term commitment to digital inclusion and sustainability. Under the umbrella of TECH4ALL, the education domain focuses on developing tech-driven solutions that contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

    Joyce Liu, Director of the TECH4ALL Digital Inclusion Program Office for Huawei, highlighted the importance of improving digital skills for educators, especially in Egypt, to address the educational challenges. She emphasised the need to collaborate in building a more inclusive and sustainable digital world through education.

    Huawei, UNESCO Partner for seeds for the future program in Africa, Asia

    A Forum for Digital Learning Advancements

    The two-day UNESCO-Huawei International Forum on Digital Platforms and Competencies for Teachers served as a platform for discussing best practices in digital education. It explored strategies for building digital platforms, enhancing educator capabilities, and facilitating international resource-sharing and collaboration. The forum brought together government ministers, senior representatives from Egypt, Ethiopia, and Ghana, UNESCO and Huawei representatives, TeOSS partners, and international experts.

    The launch of the National Distance Learning Centre and the ongoing TeOSS project underscore the commitment to advancing education through digital means, making quality learning accessible to all.

    Meanwhile, Huawei and UNESCO had in March announced their joint commitment towards enhancing education in Africa and Asia through the use of technology in future programs. This DLI project is hence a testament to their continued focus and actualisation of their commitment.

  • Egyptian edtech Crafty, secures $400,000 for startups

    Egyptian edtech Crafty, secures $400,000 for startups

    Crafty Workshop, an education technology company based in Egypt, has raised $400,000 in seed funding. EdVentures led the round. It was the first business venture capital fund in the Middle East to focus on edtech.

    Crafty Workshop is a top e-learning tool for the creative industries started in 2019 by Hadeer Shalaby and Amgad Moustafa. The new business has a lot of different artistic workshops and classes. It’s for people interested in art, design, drawing, programming, making games, photography, animation, crafting, and more.

    The platform aims to make high-quality education easy so students can improve their artistic skills and follow their dreams.

    Crafty Workshop is not only a place to learn, but it also teaches job-related skills, which helps solve the critical problem of young unemployment. When the company offers vocational training programmes, it gives students the information and skills they need and helps them find jobs and career opportunities.

    Hadeer Shalaby, co-founder of the edtech startup, spoke at the funding round and was excited about the company’s future. He also said the extra money would help the seed-stage startup grow faster.

    “We are thrilled that EdVentures has given us this investment. It will help us grow faster and bigger in the Edtech space.” We’re excited to reach more people in the Gulf Region, add more material to our library, and improve what we offer schools doing creative projects.

    Read also: Injini selects 12 SA edtechs for Mastercard Foundation Fellowship

    More on Crafty Workshop

    Egypt produces few educational technology companies, but when they do, they are remarkable. Crafty Workshop offers a wide range of courses and workshops taught by creative specialists, making it stand out.

    The programme emphasizes relevant skills and procedures by being attractive, practical, and adaptable to real-world situations. The portal offers live or pre-recorded online courses.

    The startup expects this financing to boost its growth and expansion. By 2024, the company plans to expand to the Gulf Region and add 500 creative industry topics to its portfolio. It also aims to provide a product for creative production colleges.

    Crafty has secured two successive investments from EdVentures, the biggest MENA Edtech investor, starting in 2019. As the startup has grown, VC company General Manager Maged Harby said it has been a good cooperation.

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    We’re happy to keep helping Crafty Workshop. Crafty has achieved significant progress in Egypt and the Gulf since our 2019 investment. We invest in edtech ecosystem innovation and human capability development at EdVentures. The General Manager remarked Crafty Workshop fits our vision and goal.

    The successful funding of Crafty Workshop shows the growing need for affordable and high-quality creative education. The organization continues to equip creative professionals with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to flourish.

  • Egypt calls for studies on osmosis technology amid MENA’s water crisis

    Egypt calls for studies on osmosis technology amid MENA’s water crisis

    Hani Sewilam, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, has raised a significant concern regarding the ongoing water challenge in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The population of this region has surged from 100 million in 1960 to over 450 million in 2018, with projections indicating a rise to over 720 million by 2050.

    Sewilam, speaking at the “International Association for Water Desalination” summit in Spain, which centred on “Water and Climate Change,” highlighted that nearly two-thirds of the MENA population reside in water-stressed areas. Furthermore, the region possesses only 1% of the world’s renewable freshwater, making it the most water-stressed region globally. Fourteen out of the 17 countries in the region face water stress challenges.

    In Egypt, limited water resources compounded by population growth have resulted in per capita water shares nearing the water scarcity threshold. To address this pressing issue, Sewilam mentioned significant projects that aim to repurpose agricultural wastewater and increase the import of agricultural products from abroad.

    Read also: Xylem Africa hosts conference on water solutions 

    Desalination for Sustainable Food Production

    Sewilam emphasised the pivotal role of water desalination in food production, given that the agricultural sector is the largest consumer of water resources. He also stressed the importance of enhancing food production efficiency per unit of water. In the context of water desalination, Sewilam highlighted the cost of the energy factor, which constitutes a substantial portion of the desalination process. Consequently, he encouraged the use of renewable energy sources to render water desalination economically viable, particularly in Egypt and the Middle East, benefiting from their favourable conditions for renewable energy production due to abundant sunlight and wind.

    Desalinated water is fresh water derived from the desalination process, where salt and impurities are removed from seawater or brackish water. This innovative technology typically utilises methods like reverse osmosis or distillation to produce clean, drinkable water. It’s a crucial solution for regions like MENA facing water scarcity and a growing global population.

    Exploring Forward Osmosis Technology

    The minister also underscored the need for further studies on Fertiliser Drawn Forward Osmosis technology. This innovative method utilises a high osmotic pressure solution of fertilisers to extract water from saline sources through a semipermeable membrane, providing a sustainable approach to water management.

    Sewilam emphasised the necessity of using desalinated water with the utmost economic efficiency by embracing the principle of “producing a higher quantity of food using less water and energy.” This involves the utilisation of desalinated water in fish farming and its subsequent use in agriculture with advanced techniques like aquaponics. This approach aims to achieve higher crop productivity per unit of water. Additionally, highly saline water resulting from the desalination process can be employed in the cultivation of brine shrimp (Artemia) and algae that thrive in high salinity environments. This innovative strategy mitigates environmental damage caused by disposing of saline water into seas or injecting it into underground reservoirs.

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    Charting a Sustainable Path Forward

    The challenges posed by water scarcity in the MENA region require innovative and sustainable solutions. The region must focus on enhancing food production efficiency, reducing water consumption, and adopting renewable energy sources to enable economically viable water desalination. Exploring technologies such as Forward Osmosis and promoting responsible water usage in agriculture can help address the critical water stress challenges faced by these nations.

    The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is marked by its complex geopolitical relationships and shared challenges. Nations in this area have historical ties and common concerns, primarily centred on issues like water scarcity, regional security, and sustainable development. Collaborative efforts, including water-sharing agreements and joint projects, are essential to address the pressing water challenges in MENA. Moreover, as the region looks to diversify its economies and embrace renewable energy, the exchange of expertise and resources is becoming increasingly vital. Strengthening ties and fostering cooperation among MENA nations is essential for achieving water and food security, ensuring regional stability, and promoting sustainable growth in the face of shared challenges.

  • Huawei partners with Egypt to drive digital transformation

    Huawei partners with Egypt to drive digital transformation

    In a strategic collaboration, Huawei Egypt’s Vice President of the Technology Sector and Chief Cybersecurity Officer, Mohamed Madkour, revealed the company’s concerted efforts with the Egyptian government. Their joint mission: advancing development and digital transformation objectives by introducing state-of-the-art technology across various sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. These technologies align closely with Egypt’s ambitious vision for 2030.

    Madkour underscored the immense potential of the Egyptian market, teeming with growth prospects across diverse sectors currently undergoing digital metamorphoses. These sectors encompass transportation, ports, energy, and petroleum. Crucially, the bedrock of this digital transformation is robust technological infrastructure—an essential foundation that Huawei is actively helping to construct through collaborative ventures with several ministries and government entities. This infrastructure paves the way for comprehensive digital transformation across various domains.

    With the technological groundwork laid, the focus now shifts to the establishment of potent data centers that will serve as the bedrock for hosting digital services. These data centers will integrate cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing to elevate application performance and enhance digital services. Madkour emphasized the significance of aligning artificial intelligence services with the broader goals of development and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

    Read also: MTN Nigeria, Huawei partner to revolutionize education in Nigeria

    Understanding the Fourth Industrial Revolution

    Madkour debunked the myth that the Fourth Industrial Revolution merely revolves around mechanization, emphasizing that it encompasses the utilization of modern technologies like artificial intelligence. Achieving this revolution isn’t an insurmountable challenge; rather, it calls for a gradual, step-by-step approach. It demands mastery of the requisite skills and technologies in tandem with the revolution’s evolving demands.

    The pivotal challenge extends beyond technology to nurturing a skilled workforce capable of effectively managing and leveraging technology. Madkour pointed to a concerning gap between the availability of trained human resources and the rapid evolution of technology. Some nations are already harnessing artificial intelligence for specific applications in sectors like transportation, ports, and mining, while others are still in the early stages of comprehension.

    Madkour commended the Egyptian government’s forward-looking initiatives, notably the Digital Cubs of Egypt and the Builders of Digital Egypt, which focus on nurturing skilled professionals from a young age. This approach bears a dual benefit, aligning individuals with national development goals while also bolstering the national economy as these professionals gain opportunities to work abroad and generate foreign currency.

    As Huawei Egypt partners closely with the Egyptian government, their combined efforts hold the promise of ushering in an era of digital transformation. This collaboration unlocks new avenues of opportunity and fosters innovation across sectors vital to Egypt’s future growth and development.

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    Why This Partnership Matters

    Technological infrastructure, as Mohamed Madkour emphasized, forms the cornerstone of digital transformation. Without a robust and reliable foundation, the ambitious goals of achieving digital excellence and realizing the potential of artificial intelligence and cloud computing may remain out of reach. In this regard, Huawei’s collaboration with various government entities becomes a critical catalyst for propelling Egypt into a new era of technological advancement.

    The implementation of state-of-the-art data centers further underscores the commitment to technological innovation. These data centers serve as the digital nerve centers, housing the latest in artificial intelligence and cloud computing technologies. By integrating these advanced solutions into the core of Egypt’s digital infrastructure, the nation can unlock unprecedented efficiencies, drive innovation, and enhance the delivery of services across sectors.

    The transformative power of artificial intelligence cannot be overstated. It represents not just a technological leap but a paradigm shift in how industries operate and how services are delivered. Egypt’s journey toward the Fourth Industrial Revolution aligns with global trends, recognizing that embracing artificial intelligence is not a matter of choice but a necessity for staying competitive on the world stage.

    However, the path to mastering these cutting-edge technologies is not without its challenges. As Madkour aptly pointed out, it is not merely about acquiring the tools; it is about having the skilled workforce to wield them effectively. Bridging the gap between technology and talent is essential, and initiatives like the Digital Cubs of Egypt and the Builders of Digital Egypt play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of tech-savvy professionals.

  • Egypt, KOICA to catalyse educational advancement of BST

    Egypt, KOICA to catalyse educational advancement of BST

    In an exciting development that promises to shape the educational landscape of Egypt, the North African nation has partnered with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to fortify the educational capabilities of Beni-Suef Technological University (BST). 

    The significance of this collaboration cannot be understated, as it represents a shared commitment to closing the skill gap within Egypt’s labor market, thereby empowering its teeming workforce with the qualifications and expertise required for roles as technologists and high-level technicians.

    The official agreement to embark on this transformative project was signed in a ceremony graced by the presence of key stakeholders. Among the distinguished attendees were KOICA Country Director KIM Jinyoung, Ahmed Elsabbagh, Minister Advisor for Technological Education, and Mohamed Mahmoud Khedr, President of BST. Waleed Al Haddad, Deputy Head of the Asian Cooperation Sector at the Ministry of International Cooperation for Asian Affairs, also lent his support to the initiative.

    Read also: How Egypt’s Educational Payment Startup, Klickit helps students

    Empowering the Workforce of Tomorrow

    The core objective of this ambitious project revolves around the formulation of a mid-to-long-term master plan, ensuring the long-term sustainability and operational effectiveness of Beni-Suef Technological University. At the heart of this initiative is the development of an innovative and industry-tailored curriculum meticulously designed to cater to specific sectors.

    These sectors include Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Mechatronics, Autotronics, as well as the recently established Railway Technologies departments.

    A Comprehensive Six-Year Plan

    With a project timeline spanning six years, from 2023 to 2028, this partnership allows for the comprehensive implementation of its transformative initiatives. During this period, BST and KOICA will work in tandem to revamp and invigorate the university’s educational offerings, ultimately preparing students to excel in critical industries.

    This project builds upon the significant achievements of a prior collaboration between KOICA and BST. In 2022, KOICA played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Egyptian-Korean Technological College in Beni Suef. This earlier partnership provided essential equipment and curated curricula for the ICT and Mechatronics Departments, setting the stage for further educational excellence. Additionally, KOICA’s support was instrumental in assisting the university in obtaining accreditation for its Mechatronics and Information Technology (ICT) programs.

    KOICA’s Dedication to Inclusive Growth

    KOICA, the Korea International Cooperation Agency, operates as the Korean government’s bilateral International Cooperation Agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Its mission is to implement grant aid programs that combat poverty and foster sustainable socio-economic growth in developing countries across the globe.

    The KOICA Egypt office, which has been operational since 1998, has consistently and diligently worked to provide technical education opportunities for Egypt’s youth. This includes support for the digitalization of government services and systems, initiatives to address gender-based violence, programs aimed at strengthening women’s empowerment, and ongoing efforts to support vulnerable groups within Egyptian society.

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    A Path Forward for Inclusive Growth and Prosperity

    Meanwhile, the partnership between Egypt and KOICA reflects a shared vision of bolstering the nation’s educational infrastructure and equipping its youth with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities necessary to contribute effectively to Egypt’s economic and social development. As the project unfolds over the coming years, it holds the potential to significantly enhance Egypt’s workforce and foster inclusive growth and prosperity.

    In essence, this collaborative effort between Egypt and KOICA marks a significant step toward ensuring that the country’s educational institutions are aligned with the evolving needs of its industries. By strengthening educational programs, fostering innovation, and equipping students with industry-relevant skills, this partnership is poised to play a pivotal role in Egypt’s journey toward sustained economic growth and societal advancement.

  • Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt’s gaming sector to reach $2b by 2023

    Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt’s gaming sector to reach $2b by 2023

    Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria’s video game industries might reach $2 billion by 2023. A study by Statista shows this. Egypt is expected to make the most money, with $983.80 million in sales, followed by South Africa with $558.40 million in sales and Nigeria with $483.40 million in sales.

    This study examines console, PC, mobile, and internet games, game consoles, controllers, and virtual reality headsets.

    With an 8.85% CAGR, Egypt’s video game industry is projected to generate $983.80 million in revenue in 2023 compared to other countries. With $665.40 million in 2023, mobile gaming is Egypt’s biggest market group.

    The video game business is expected to bring in $558.40 million in South Africa in 2023 and grow by 7.51% annually. In South Africa, mobile games make up most of the market, worth $179.40 million in 2023.

    At the same time, Nigeria’s video game business is expected to be worth $483.40 million in 2023.

    Statista’s predictions indicate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.03% from 2023 to 2027. The most important part of the business in Nigeria is downloaded games, worth $219.70 million in 2023.

    Also, the video game industry worldwide is on track to reach about $334 billion by the end of this year, with mobile games bringing in the most money.

    Read also: Acer Launches Nitro 16 Gaming Laptop

    Tech advances fueling Africa’s video game industry

    Online gaming needs better Internet connectivity, especially in rural areas. High-speed internet access makes games better and makes it easy to use digital distribution platforms.

    Smartphones and cheap cell phones allow people in Africa to play games on the go. Games that work well on mobile devices can be made for this market.

    Cloud gaming services like Google Stadia and NVIDIA GeForce Now let players play games that use many resources on devices with less power. This changes the way games are played. Accessibility helps get more people to play games.

    Helping and growing local game companies can lead to games that fit with African culture and that African players love. This may also lead to more IT work.

    Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are improving, making games more engaging. Setting up VR arcades and using VR/AR in education can help the business grow even more.

    Streamlining payment options and making in-game purchases and microtransactions safe and easy to use with different payment methods, like mobile money, could help game makers make much more money.

    By adding blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to games, developers can find new ways to make money and give players ownership of in-game assets, which makes the game more fun.

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    Concerning this, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) can also improve game design by making gameplay more dynamic and adaptable and increasing player interest simultaneously.

    As the number of online games grows, so does the chance of hacking. So, it is vital to put money into cybersecurity steps to protect gamers and gaming platforms.

    African gamers and content makers can be shown off on sites like Twitch and YouTube Gaming, which helps the community grow and get more involved.

    Initiatives that focus on education and skill development in areas like game development, design, and e-sports management can help develop local talent and make a big difference in the growth of the business in Africa.

  • Sahara Agriculture Expo showcases growing Sino-Egyptian agricultural collaboration

    Sahara Agriculture Expo showcases growing Sino-Egyptian agricultural collaboration

    In the midst of Egypt’s bustling annual agriculture expo, the Chinese pavilion has emerged as a focal point of interest for Egyptian visitors eager to explore the latest agricultural technologies from China.

    Fostering Sino-Egyptian agribusiness partnerships

    Hussien Fathy, the owner of a chemical fertiliser factory in Egypt’s Ismailia Governorate, expressed his enthusiasm for the growing collaboration between Egypt and China. Fathy shared, “I have signed a deal with a Chinese company from Guangzhou to import raw materials for my factory. China is very advanced in this field, and we benefit greatly from their experience, which helps us provide good quality products to Egyptian farmers.”

    He also emphasised the longstanding partnership he has fostered with Chinese firms over the past decade, focusing on the manufacturing of agricultural pesticides and fertilisers. Fathy highlighted the significant role played by Chinese companies in Egypt’s agricultural landscape, stating, “I do not have to travel to China to conclude deals with companies there to purchase raw materials or obtain manufacturing technologies… the exhibition helps me save both time and money.”

    Read also: Experts introduce e-learning to boost agricultural productivity

    Sahara Expo: A gateway to agricultural advancements

    The 35th edition of Sahara Expo, also known as the International Agricultural Exhibition for Africa and the Middle East, serves as a pivotal platform for the promotion of agriculture, animal production, and aquaculture across the Middle East and North Africa.

    With over 200 foreign exhibitors participating, including more than 40 Chinese firms, the expo encompasses diverse sectors such as seeds and nurseries, greenhouses, water management, post-harvest services, sustainable agriculture, agricultural machinery, fertilisers, and crop protection.

    Unlocking opportunities in Egypt’s thriving agriculture sector

    For the participating companies, the expo represents a valuable opportunity to explore new business prospects within Egypt’s burgeoning agricultural sector. Egypt stands as a significant agricultural producer in the region, boasting the highest yields in North Africa for cereals, vegetables, fruits, and oil crops.

    Zhao Xinquan, International Sales Manager of LUGUAN Plastic, a Chinese company specialising in high-end agricultural films, expressed optimism about the Egyptian market. Zhao stated, “Egypt has a good market, and this expo is usually visited by many businessmen from the surrounding countries… this is an opportunity for us to meet new possible customers.”

    He further noted the potential for growth in Egypt’s agricultural sector, emphasising the steady and rapid market expansion. “Tomorrow we will have several meetings with potential customers from Egypt, Jordan, and Yemen… we will probably sign deals soon,” Zhao added.

    At the same pavilion, Ma Jie, Business Manager at China’s Jiangxi New Reyphon Biochemical Co., Ltd., engaged with an Egyptian customer eager to learn about the company’s products. Ma explained, “Our company is involved in developing, producing, and selling biochemical products, as well as the production and sale of pesticides, fertilisers, and food additives.”

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    She revealed that her company already exports its products to numerous Egyptian partners and expressed plans to further expand within the Egyptian market. “We have previously participated in the Sahara Expo, and we always found new partners at the expo…. We have signed two new deals with Egyptian companies during this edition of the expo,” Ma added, highlighting the fruitful collaboration between China and Egypt in the field of agriculture.

    As the Sahara Expo serves as a vital conduit for knowledge exchange and the exploration of cutting-edge agricultural technologies, it reaffirms the enduring friendship between these two nations. With eyes set on the future, Egypt’s thriving agriculture sector is poised for remarkable growth, while China’s expertise and innovation promise to play a pivotal role in this journey towards agricultural excellence. As we bid farewell to this year’s expo, we look forward to witnessing the continued success and shared prosperity that this unique partnership will undoubtedly bring to the fields of Egypt and beyond.

  • Mastercard partners Ingiz to boost financial literacy in Egypt 

    Mastercard partners Ingiz to boost financial literacy in Egypt 

    Mastercard has established a strategic relationship with Ingiz, a family financial management start-up in Egypt funded by Masria Digital Payments. The collaboration is aimed at building a cutting-edge digital payments application with a view to promoting financial inclusion and literacy among Egypt’s teeming youth population. 

    This is a huge step towards financial empowerment since this mainly unexplored and neglected consumer sector will now have access to banking goods and services.

    Read also: Mastercard, Zanzibar to speed up digital transformation

    Benefits to stakeholders

    For parents and their kids, Ingiz offers prepaid cards that make it simple for them to handle their funds. With gamified in-app features, the firm encourages young users to earn, save, and spend money while providing parents with non-intrusive monitoring tools for supervision.

    Ingiz will improve its portfolio of financial solutions catered to the requirements of children and youth by utilising Mastercard’s network, experience, and knowledge as well as its market-leading digital payment technology as part of the new partnership. The two partners hope to provide young people with the knowledge they need to take charge of their financial destiny by teaching them important financial concepts.

    Younger generations are actively looking for new payment options, as shown by Mastercard’s National Payment Index 2022, which indicates that 40% of Gen Z and Millennials are expected to have acquired a new touch-free payment method and are less likely to conduct in-person purchases and payments.

    With the agreement, Ingiz’s growth and market penetration should be greatly accelerated. It also wants to simplify payment processing and increase the app’s accessibility to a wide variety of businesses and customers.

    “As Egypt adopts a wider variety of digital payment methods, we are dedicated to creating new technologies and offering creative solutions that will improve the payment experience. Future generations will have access to powerful and user-friendly family financial management apps thanks to our cooperation with Ingiz, according to Inji Borai, Mastercard’s country manager for Egypt and North Africa.

    We want to develop a cutting-edge solution with Mastercard that will promote financial inclusion and, in turn, financial literacy in Egypt. According to Sherif Ramadan, CEO of Ingiz, “the partnership will enable us to provide an unmatched financial education experience that equips our youth for a better tomorrow.”

    The future of the partnership on Ingiz 

    Additionally, Ingiz and Masria Digital Payments (MDP) have teamed to enable Ingiz to use MDP’s experience as a top processor. By utilising Mastercard technology on MDP platforms to offer a smooth payment solution, this move will increase the market reach of Ingiz and further solidify their relationship with MDP. Ingiz is also a member of the MV Builder II programme, which was started by Modus, a venture platform that consists of venture building, VC funds, and a Corporate Innovation arm to promote digital inclusion in Egypt by fostering and assisting companies.

    Airtel, Mastercard provide mobile money transfers in Africa

    About Mastercard

    The payments sector’s leading worldwide technology firm is Mastercard. Our goal is to connect and fuel an inclusive, global digital economy by facilitating secure, easy, intelligent, and accessible transactions. Our ideas and solutions assist people, financial institutions, governments, and enterprises in reaching their full potential by utilising secure data and networks, collaborations, and enthusiasm. We are creating a sustainable world that opens up valuable opportunities for everyone through connections spanning more than 210 nations and territories.

    Ingiz’s Operations

    With its family financial management software, Ingiz aims to change the FinTech environment in Egypt. While giving parents extensive monitoring capabilities for supervision and control, Ingiz’s gamified in-app features enable adolescents to earn, save, and spend money.

  • Djembe Consultants announce 10th Anniversary in Egypt 

    Djembe Consultants announce 10th Anniversary in Egypt 

    Djembe Consultants has announced a six-month campaign in Cairo, Egypt to celebrate the Consultancy’s 10th anniversary by showcasing a diverse team, clients and partners.

    Djembe Consultants is an award-winning consultancy that specialises in the African and Middle Eastern (MEA) regions. 

    Since its founding, Djembe has successfully assembled an interdisciplinary group of foreign communications experts and homegrown talent from across the Middle East and Africa. In the Middle East and Africa (MEA), the Consultancy has emerged as a trusted advisor to local, regional, and global organisations thanks to its multinational approach, which combines local insights with global best practices.

    In addition to reaching out to significant international markets in the Americas, Asia, and Europe, the Djembe team has supported strategic communications and reputation management projects in 36 African and 13 MENA nations over the past decade.

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    In the second half of 2023, Djembe will highlight ten years of achievements in funding initiatives that have spread a message of hope, prosperity, diversity, and originality. Djembe’s special place in the innovation ecosystem will be highlighted in the commemorative campaign, as will the Consultancy’s role as a driver of expansion and new business creation across a wide range of sectors in the Middle East and North Africa.  

    CEO Mitchell Gary Prather of Djembe Consultants made the following statement in honour of the firm’s 10-year anniversary: “As Djembe Consultants celebrates our 10-year anniversary, we have a great opportunity to reflect on our successes. This is a huge accomplishment that is proof of the value we provide to our clients and the excellence of the Djembe team. Our substantial presence in Africa and the Middle East has allowed us to run intensive workshops for incubator and accelerator programmes, provide guidance to hundreds of startups and innovators, and raise over $3 million for businesses in the region. To further improve trade finance and societal growth, the Djembe group has backed multi-billion dollar client commitments. 

    Djembe will use its tenth anniversary to look forward as well as backward, detailing its plans for the next decade. A diverse range of clients in key economic growth sectors and an ambitious social development agenda have helped the firm secure a steady stream of mandates from MENA-based organisations, putting it in a strong position to continue supporting the region’s socioeconomic development. 

    Djembe’s determined and enthusiastic approach to planning and executing communication programmes has proved incredibly appealing to a wide range of clients, from SMEs to trade finance and development organisations, sovereign wealth funds, promising start-ups, and innovators.  

    The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation has renewed its five-year client relationship with Djembe as its agency of record.   

    For the past five years, Djembe has spread awareness of the Zayed Sustainability Prize throughout Africa and the Middle East. 

    Djembe’s knowledge and experience have been put to use in a variety of areas, including anti-money-laundering and African Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) campaigns, investment funding, product launches, trade finance and development projects, and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) accelerator programmes. 

    Djembe has been closely working with several organisations to help them recover from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic from the years before the outbreak.   

    Prather said, “As soon as the pandemic unfolded, Djembe leveraged our broad network to join forces with organisations large and small, public and commercial, to focus on helping communities realise the advantages emerging from attaining the UN Sustainability Development Goals.  Djembe’s vast capabilities go well beyond merely supporting client efforts; they also advance a social development agenda by closing the digital divide, boosting financial literacy, fostering the adoption of green solutions, campaigning for the advancement of marginalised communities, and more. We can’t wait to show off all of our hard work and successful outcomes during our ten-year anniversary party later this year. 

    Egypt fintech Masroofi secures $1.5 million for expansion

    About Djembe Consultants

    Djembe Consultants, taking its name from a traditional West African drum, is a leading communications firm serving the Middle East and Africa. The company’s goal is to become the communications partner of choice in the MEA region by providing clients with world-class services that leverage the company’s global expertise, local market capabilities, and tailor-made solutions. A network of in-house specialised consultants in developed and emerging markets in Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East complements Djembe’s home-grown teams in Ghana, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria. 

    Djembe is a full-service reputation management firm that aims to alter the public’s perception of Africa and the Middle East through its crisis communications, digital engagement, event management, expert positioning, international stakeholder engagement, media engagement, public affairs advice, brand development, and design application. The Consulting Firm provides guidance on global market entry strategies that account for the specifics of different MEA countries. Djembe’s reputation management services are founded on effective, data-driven communications strategies that frequently coincide with multifaceted stakeholder contexts.