Orange Egypt recently participated in the third edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) in Cairo, Egypt. The company's participation was marked by a high-level panel discussion titled "The Global Impact of Entrepreneurship: Transforming Economies and Shaping Humanity." The discussion featured prominent figures, including Orange Egypt's CEO and Managing Director, Eng. Hisham Mehrain. The festival was held under the patronage of Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouli and aimed to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
During the panel discussion, Eng. Mehrain revealed Orange Egypt's strategy to empower young talent, highlighting the company's plan to train 200,000 young people. He emphasized that this initiative is a core part of Orange's corporate culture and mission to prepare the next generation for the job market. Mehrain also mentioned that Orange currently operates "Orange Digital Centers" (ODC) in Cairo and Aswan, with plans to open more centers in Alexandria, Delta, and the Red Sea.
Mehrain highlighted Orange's digital strategy, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He stated that 72% of Egypt's workforce is employed in this sector, making SMEs a crucial driver of growth. Orange's platforms provide one of the most important support systems for SMEs in Egypt. Mehrain also announced the upcoming launch of an "AI Accelerator" to accelerate the implementation of startups' and SMEs' ideas.
Orange Egypt has committed to investing €25 million in startups in Africa, with 50% of this investment allocated to Egypt. This investment aims to support Egypt's transition into a hub for startups and SMEs. Mehrain also discussed his recent visit to Aswan, where he learned about a project using Internet of Things (IoT) applications to support smart homes. He expressed Orange's willingness to support the production of this prototype and provide the necessary resources for its development.
Mehrain shared his personal experience, emphasizing that success relies on four key elements: vision, a sense of responsibility and ownership, empowering others, and making a real impact. He cited the experience of Swvl's founder, Mustafa Qandeel, as a model for Orange's goals in Egypt. Mehrain advised entrepreneurs that failure is not the end and encouraged them to start anew and leave a lasting impact.
Orange Egypt is committed to building strategic partnerships across sectors to convert innovative ideas into sustainable economic projects. The company's participation in the Global Entrepreneurship Festival reflects its dedication to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in Egypt and the region. Mehrain concluded by inviting all entrepreneurs to participate and share their ideas, emphasizing that Orange is open to supporting promising projects.
The Global Entrepreneurship Festival serves as an international platform that brings together various stakeholders in the entrepreneurship ecosystem. It provides opportunities for collaboration between startups, large corporations, investors, and development partners. This aligns with Orange Egypt's vision of building strategic partnerships and creating sustainable economic impact.
Key points
- Orange Egypt to invest €25 million in startups in Africa, with 50% allocated to Egypt.
- Orange Egypt aims to train 200,000 young people through its digital centers.
- The company plans to launch an "AI Accelerator" to support startups and SMEs.
