http://www.businessforwardauc.com/

Business Forward AUC, The American University in Cairo, Cairo (2025)

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The American University In Cairo

17/06/2025

We are excited to announce the launch of the newly redesigned Business Forward website — the official knowledge portal of Onsi Sawiris School of Business.

This upgraded digital platform continues our commitment to advancing evidence-based dialogue on economics, public policy and private sector development in Egypt and the region.

The new website offers improved navigation, updated thematic areas and enriched content formats — including articles, interviews, data stories and opinion pieces — all developed in collaboration with leading academics, business leaders and policy experts.

With a user-friendly interface and expanded access to timely, research-driven insights, the platform reinforces Business Forward’s role as a bridge between academia and practice, contributing to informed decision-making and inclusive growth.

🔗 Explore now: businessforward.aucegypt.edu

17/06/2025

The Seventh Edition of the Business Forward Annual Event closed on a high note — with thoughtful dialogue, bold economic ambitions and a forward-looking vision for Egypt.

From navigating geopolitical uncertainty to unlocking the power of AI, from rethinking leadership to targeting high-impact sectors, one theme echoed across every session: Resilience alone is no longer enough. Strategic, inclusive adaptation is now essential.

We also ended the day by unveiling the new Business Forward website — redesigned to offer a smarter, more intuitive experience and to better connect insight with impact.

Thank you to all our speakers, partners and participants who made this year’s event not just about discussing challenges but rather collectively exploring actionable solutions and celebrating success stories.

👉 Explore our portal: https://businessforward.aucegypt.edu/

17/06/2025

The fireside chat, Beyond Borders: Export, FDI and Logistics in a Shifting World, featuring, Hossam Heiba, President of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones and moderated by Abir Leheta, CEO of Egytrans underlined these main ideas:

- “Egypt is Ready” — But This Time, It’s Strategic
Egypt is leveraging its historic strengths in industry and innovation to reclaim a leading economic role. The 2030 vision sets clear targets: $145 billion in exports, 7% GDP growth and unemployment below 6%.

- Eight Strategic Sectors Are Driving the Vision
The national strategy centers on eight sectors: green economy, industry, tourism, IT, agriculture, logistics, education and healthcare. These were chosen through government-private collaboration and World Bank validation. Education and healthcare are key to building long-term human capital.

- Investment Must Be Sustainable, Impactful and Tech-Driven
Egypt is prioritizing FDI that brings technology, builds skills and strengthens industries. While Gulf investors remain essential, new interest is coming from Europe, Asia and Latin America, attracted by Egypt’s market and infrastructure growth.

- Logistics and Connectivity Are at the Heart of Competitiveness
To grow its global trade share from 12.5% to 20%, Egypt is expanding ports, roads and rail. The Suez Canal Economic Zone is becoming a logistics and light industry hub, linking Egypt to Europe, Africa and Asia through upgraded infrastructure.

-The Private Sector Is Leading Egypt’s Investment Promotion
GAFI is repositioning as a facilitator, giving the private sector a leading role in promoting Egypt. Local firms are also being encouraged to invest abroad, creating reciprocal partnerships. Promotion efforts are now targeted, data-driven and globally coordinated.

17/06/2025

The session, Industrial Growth: Opportunities for Local Growth and Global Outlook, moderated by Sherwat Elwan Ibrahim, associate professor of Operations management, Onsi Sawiris School of Business, featured Ahmed Fikry A. Wahab, managing director of Egyptian German Automotive "EGA", Alfred Younan, CEO, Edita for Trade and Distribution, Riad Armanious, CEO, EVA Pharma and Moussa Asfour, Deputy CEO, Carina wear, who explored how to deepen local supply chains, reduce import reliance and boost Egypt’s global competitiveness.
The key takeaways were:
- Prioritizing Complexity Over Volume
Modern export strategies are shifting from rewarding quantity to incentivizing high-value, knowledge-intensive products. Encouraging sophistication in production is key to long-term competitiveness.

- Innovation and R&D as Growth Engines
Integrating advanced technologies like AI and investing in scientific research are becoming essential tools to drive industrial competitiveness and elevate product complexity. Additionally, applied technical training is emerging as a powerful tool for social mobility and workforce readiness. However, societal attitudes toward vocational pathways still need to evolve.

- Strengthening Local Supply Chains
Firms are increasingly turning to local sourcing, supported by research and innovation, quality controls and risk mitigation strategies—enhancing resilience and reducing dependence on imports.

- Digital Transformation Meets Sustainability
Companies are seeing real gains from embracing digital tools and sustainable practices—ranging from energy savings to more efficient logistics and smarter planning systems.

- Tailored Industrial Policy Is Crucial
One-size-fits-all industrial strategies fall short. Policymaking must reflect the distinct needs, challenges and growth trajectories of sectors like pharmaceuticals, apparel, food processing and automotive.

17/06/2025

How can Egypt enhance export performance and attract more FDI?
Join us live as Hossam Heiba, president, General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) and Abir Leheta, CEO, Egytrans , discuss how logistics and investment strategies are evolving in today’s economic climate.

Streaming now — click the link to follow the conversation live.
https://www.youtube.com/live/yx440snwoZY?feature=shared

17/06/2025

Egypt’s industrial sector holds massive potential—but where do we begin?

Join our live panel discussion featuring Ahmed Abdel Wahab, managing director of Egyptian German Automotive "EGA", Alfred Younan, CEO and executive director, Edita for Trade and Distribution, Riad Armanious, CEO, EVA pharma and Moussa Asfour, Deputy CEO, Carina wear as they discuss how to strengthen supply chains, reduce import reliance and position Egypt globally.

Moderated by Sherwat Elwan Ibrahim, associate professor of operations management, Onsi Sawiris School of Business

Streaming now — click the link to follow the conversation live.
https://www.youtube.com/live/yx440snwoZY?feature=shared

17/06/2025

The session, Visionary Leaders: The Future of Innovation and Resilience, moderated by Founder and Executive Partner at Transcendium, Alaa Hashim, featuring panelists, Hadeer Shalaby, managing director, Talabat Egypt, Moataz Sedky, general manager, Travco and Marwa Abbas, general manager and technology leader North East Africa, IBM, highlighted these main key points:

- Ambidextrous Leadership Is Essential
Leaders must operate on two horizons: managing short-term challenges while exploring long-term innovation. Agility, foresight and adaptability are now core leadership traits.

- AI Is a Tool for Empowerment, Not Replacement
AI won’t replace people, but it will replace outdated skills. Companies like IBM and Talabat are using AI to drive efficiency, automate operations and improve customer experience — while calling for urgent workforce reskilling.

- Customer Expectations Are Rising Fast
Speed, personalization and reliability are no longer luxuries — they’re standard. Talabat’s growth was driven by data-powered segmentation, fast delivery and a deep understanding of evolving consumer behavior.

- Digital Transformation Is Industry-Agnostic
From tech to tourism, all sectors are being reshaped. Travco's evolution from a traditional tour operator to a fully integrated travel and hospitality group shows how even legacy industries must digitize to survive.

- Local Innovation and Inclusion Are the Future
True resilience comes from homegrown solutions that reflect local realities. Inclusive growth, empowered communities and human-centered innovation are essential for long-term success in Egypt’s dynamic landscape.

Stay tuned for more panels’ takeaways!

17/06/2025

What does it take to lead through disruption?

Join us live as industry leaders Hadeer Shalaby, managing director, Talabat Egypt, Marwa Abbas, general manager and technology leader North East Africa, IBM and Moataz Sedky, general manager,Travco Group, share their insights on navigating change and building lasting resilience.

Moderated by Alaa Hashim, founder and executive partner at Transcendium, Egypt

Streaming now — click the link to follow the conversation live.
https://www.youtube.com/live/yx440snwoZY?feature=shared

17/06/2025

The opening panel of the 2025 Business Forward event, titled “What’s Next? Navigating Egypt’s Economic Landscape,” convened a timely and insightful discussion on the future of the Egyptian economy amidst mounting global and domestic challenges.

The session featured Mohamed Youssef, CEO of Dcode Economic & Financial Consulting and was moderated by Dina Abdel Fattah, assistant professor of economics and chair of the Mohamed Shafik Gabr Department of Economics at Onsi Sawiris School of Business.

Key takeaways included:

- Global Disruption Is the New Normal
Egypt’s economy is navigating not just temporary shocks but a fundamental global shift—marked by geopolitical conflict, protectionism and the erosion of traditional economic paradigms like the Washington Consensus.

- Firms Are Adapting Through Exports and Services
Egyptian businesses, especially in IT, tourism and outsourcing, are shifting toward export-oriented strategies. This pivot is a response to repeated currency crises and global demand for affordable, skilled labor.

- Energy and Supply Chains Are Vulnerable
Conflicts like the Israel-Iran war have direct short-term effects on energy security, logistics and sectors like fertilizers and beverages that rely on CO₂ byproducts. Tourism and manufacturing are also at risk.

- Skills Mismatch Undermines Human Capital Potential
Egypt’s youth-heavy population faces structural employment challenges. While there is demand for talent, many graduates lack job-ready skills, highlighting the urgent need for skilling and reskilling initiatives.

- Reform Needs Local Ownership and Agility
Past reforms have often been reactive and externally driven. Speakers called for a new approach: reforms grounded in local evidence, implemented iteratively and shaped collaboratively by the state, private sector, academia and civil society.

Stay tuned for more panels’ takeaways!

17/06/2025

Mohamed Youssef, CEO of Dcode Economic & Financial Consulting, joins Dina Abdel Fattah, assistant professor of economics and chair of the Mohamed Shafik Gabr Department of Economics, to explore the current economic outlook and what’s ahead for Egypt amid global uncertainty.

Watch the full discussion live now.
https://www.youtube.com/live/yx440snwoZY?feature=shared

17/06/2025

We’re live from Ewart Memorial Hall at AUC Tahrir Campus as Dean Sherif Kamel opens the Business Forward Annual Event 2025.

Today's agenda features dynamic conversations on how businesses in Egypt are responding to uncertainty with innovation, resilience and a forward-looking mindset.

Streaming now — click the link to follow the conversation live.
https://www.youtube.com/live/yx440snwoZY?feature=shared

17/06/2025

Business Forward's Annual Event, Future Forward – Inspiring Business in 2025, is streaming now | Join us live for bold ideas shaping the future of business!
https://zurl.co/MKIzd

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