Sohag – Hundreds of entrepreneurs from Upper Egypt participated in an entrepreneurship competition this weekend co-sponsored by USAID, Assiut and Sohag universities, and several private sector firms.  Winners included several health care apps; a platform that connects people with babysitters, cooks, and housekeepers; and a call center that provides instant translation for deaf people through video calls, voice notes, and sign language.   

“USAID is proud to support Egypt's tremendous cadre of innovative, educted, business-minded young adults seeking to strengthen Egypt's economy,” said Ingi Lotfi from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).  “These innovators have the talent and ingenuity to help build the foundation of a thriving, stable economy in Egypt.”

During the weekend, aspiring entrepreneurs formed teams to develop and pitch ideas to start new businesses.  Teams worked together to refine their business models, develop working prototypes, and present their final ideas to potential investors.  Some of these teams will go on to create new business ventures that will create new jobs and contribute to the growth of the Egyptian economy.  

The event is part of USAID’s project to strengthen entrepreneurship and enterprise development in Egypt through supporting the growth and expansion of micro, small, and medium enterprises.  Through developing the ability of new firms to innovate and grow, this project will enable hundreds of MSMEs and entrepreneurs to realize sales growth as a result of streamlined business procedures, improved business processes, and linkages with firms in fast growing value chains.

Since 1978, USAID has invested nearly $30 billion in the people of Egypt for projects that reflect our shared goals and values.  Working together, our impacts include reducing infant mortality and eliminating polio, modernizing the power grid and expanding telecommunications networks, supporting aspiring entrepreneurs whose businesses will create jobs and add value to the Egyptian economy, and preparing students with marketable skills for the 21st century economy.