In a landmark shift that underscores the evolving business landscape of the Middle East and North Africa,18 Egyptian women business leaders have secured top ranks on MIDDLE EAST’S 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2025 list, marking the second-highest national representation after the UAE.
Top Egyptian Business Leaders Making an Impact
Dalia Khorshid (Ranked #12), Group CEO and Managing Director of Beltone Holding, has demonstrated exceptional growth in the financial services sector. Under her leadership, Beltone achieved an extraordinary 405% revenue growth in just the first nine months of 2024. Khorshid, who also served as Egypt’s Minister of Investment, has proven herself as an influential force in the region’s banking and financial services industry.
Soha El-Turky (Ranked #15), Deputy CEO at National Bank of Egypt (NBE), also stands out as a leading financial executive. With over 25 years of industry experience, El-Turky’s tenure has been marked by strategic vision, including her previous role as CFO at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Her leadership has propelled NBE into significant growth and stability.
In the healthcare sector, Hend El Sherbini (Ranked #42), CEO of Integrated Diagnostics Holdings (IDH), has made substantial contributions to Egypt’s healthcare landscape. Managing operations across five countries, including 608 branches, El Sherbini guided IDH to an $85 million revenue in the first nine months of 2024. Her impact is undeniable, as she continues to lead one of the region’s most innovative healthcare groups.
Mona Zulficar (Ranked #48), Founding Partner and Chair of Zulficar & Partners Law Firm, is recognized for her pioneering work in aircraft mortgage financing and Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) powerplant transactions. A trailblazer in the legal and financial sectors, Zulficar has built a legacy of corporate leadership in Egypt.
In the real estate and construction sectors, Merette Elsayed (Ranked #49), CCO at Hassan Allam Holding, and Dalia Wahba (Ranked #49), CEO of Hassan Allam Utilities, have become driving forces behind Egypt’s development projects. Elsayed is a key figure in overseeing the Grand Egyptian Museum’s operations, while Wahba has been instrumental in securing a major 1.2-gigawatt solar energy agreement, reinforcing Egypt’s role in sustainable energy initiatives.
Leading Voices in Technology and Education
In the world of technology, Hoda Mansour (Ranked #62), COO for Asia Pacific, Japan, Middle East & Africa at IFS, and Mirna Arif (Ranked #66), General Manager of Microsoft Egypt, are influencing Egypt’s digital transformation. Mansour’s role in expanding IFS’ operations across the region is a testament to her strategic leadership. Arif, meanwhile, has been pivotal in driving AI initiatives within Egypt’s government ministries, positioning the country as a future hub for tech innovation.
Dalia Ibrahim (Ranked #73), CEO of Nahdet Misr Publishing House, has focused on modernizing Egypt’s educational landscape with a $60 million EdTech Fellowship program, reflecting her commitment to nurturing the next generation of thinkers.
Rising Business Leaders in Other Key Sectors
At the forefront of Egypt’s business development, Rasha El-Azhary (Ranked #79), CFO at Vodafone Egypt, has played a key role in a $609 million strategic partnership that will further expand Vodafone’s operations across the country. Similarly, Abir Leheta (Ranked #82), CEO of Egytrans, is at the forefront of leading logistics for the landmark Amunet Wind Project, an ambitious renewable energy initiative in Egypt.
Pakinam Kafafi (Ranked #85), CEO of TAQA Arabia, has made significant strides in the energy sector by developing a 3.2 GW wind/solar power plant, underscoring Egypt’s commitment to renewable energy. Meanwhile, Heba Korra (Ranked #96), Vice Chairman at Korra for Energy & Investment Projects, has been influential in the development of solar projects, including a notable 4.8 MW solar energy initiative.
Sector Distribution and Insights
The sector breakdown of the Egyptian leaders on the list showcases the country’s diverse economic leadership:
The Banking & Financial Services sector leads with 6 leaders, underscoring Egypt’s central role in regional finance. The Energy & Utilities sector is another stronghold with 3 leaders, reflecting Egypt’s increasing focus on sustainable energy projects, including wind and solar power. Technology is represented by 2 leaders, emphasizing Egypt’s ambition to lead in digital transformation. Other sectors such as healthcare, law, construction, telecom, logistics, oil & gas, insurance, and investments each have one leader, showing the broad spread of talent across Egypt’s business landscape.
Influential Women Shaping Egypt’s Business Landscape
Egypt is reaffirming its position as a leading force in the Middle East, with an impressive number of Egyptian business leaders featured on MIDDLE EAST’S 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2025. Notably, many of these trailblazers are influential members of the Top 50 Women Forum, whose contributions have had a transformative impact on Egypt’s business ecosystem. The list highlights individuals who have shaped industries across the region, particularly in banking, energy, technology, and healthcare. Leading the charge are women executives and entrepreneurs who have made remarkable strides in both established and emerging sectors, driving innovation, fostering growth, and redefining Egypt’s economic landscape
