Orange Corners Egypt Celebrates 100th Startup Graduation in Delta Region
Orange Corners Egypt recently marked a significant milestone, celebrating the graduation of 100 startups from its incubation program, including the fifth cohort, based in Egypt's Delta region. The event highlighted the program's impact on fostering entrepreneurship and economic development outside major metropolitan centers.
Key Graduation Milestone
The graduation ceremony, held in Tanta, celebrated the achievements of the latest cohort of startups from the Orange Corners Egypt Incubation Programme. This event brought the total number of businesses supported and graduated by the program to 100, demonstrating its growing reach and success in nurturing early-stage ventures in the Delta region. The ceremony was attended by several key figures, including representatives from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Egyptian government, SPARK, and Orange Egypt.
Program Impact and Focus
Funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented by SPARK, the Orange Corners Egypt program focuses on empowering young entrepreneurs, with a particular emphasis on supporting women and people with disabilities. The initiative provides participants with crucial training, mentorship, access to essential networks, and potential opportunities for funding. By operating in the Delta region, the program aims to stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and contribute to the formalization of businesses in underserved areas outside of Cairo and Alexandria. The supported startups represent diverse sectors including tourism, agriculture, handicrafts, manufacturing, services, and digital solutions.
Partner Perspectives
Speakers at the event emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in driving entrepreneurial growth. Reinoud Nuijten, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, highlighted the Netherlands' commitment to supporting youth entrepreneurship in Egypt. Dr. Ahmed Attia, Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, and Dr. Ghada Shalaby, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, underscored the government's strategic vision for supporting startups as a key driver of economic progress and innovation. Eng. Mohamed Fekry, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at Orange Egypt, reiterated Orange's role as a strategic partner, providing technical support and connectivity crucial for these emerging businesses. Mireille Nessim, Country Director at SPARK Egypt, spoke about the program's impact on empowering local youth and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Delta.
About Orange Corners Egypt
Orange Corners is a Dutch initiative implemented globally, aiming to provide young entrepreneurs with the opportunities they need to start and grow their businesses. In Egypt, the program is funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and executed by SPARK, with a strategic partnership from Orange Egypt. It focuses on providing tailored support through incubation and acceleration programs to help founders navigate the challenges of launching and scaling a startup.
Looking Ahead
The graduation of the 100th startup marks a significant achievement for the Orange Corners Egypt program and its partners. It signals continued momentum in fostering innovation and economic resilience within Egypt's regional governorates. The program's ongoing efforts are expected to further contribute to job creation, local economic development, and building a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape across Egypt.
Source: Zawya