Methanex Egypt, in collaboration with the International Labor Organization (ILO), recently hosted the third round of the “Rowad Damietta” competition as part of their Together to Develop Damietta’s Youth project. The event showcased 25 innovative green projects in three categories: Agri-businesses, social businesses, and green technology. Nine exceptional ventures were honored with awards for Best Startup and Best Existing Business.
The competition attracted key figures such as Mohamed Gibran, Minister of Labor; Ayman El Shehaby, Governor of Damietta; Eric Oechslin, Director of the ILO Cairo Office; and Mohamed Shindy, Managing Director of Methanex Egypt, who attended to support the budding entrepreneurs.
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs through Training and Innovation
Participants in the competition benefited from intensive training in pitching and presentation skills, ensuring their projects were evaluated on factors like innovation, market potential, feasibility, social impact, and sustainability. This approach gave young entrepreneurs the tools to showcase their ideas effectively, increasing their chances for success.
Mohamed Shindy, Managing Director of Methanex Egypt, emphasized the broader goal of the competition: “This event is not just a competition, but an opportunity to transform youth ideas into real businesses that create job opportunities and drive development in Damietta.” He also underscored the significance of the partnership with ILO, which began in 2019 to empower young entrepreneurs and provide employment opportunities.
Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Development
Eric Oechslin, Director of the ILO Cairo Office, highlighted the importance of collaboration in the success of the project. “The success of this initiative is due to the cooperation between various stakeholders in Damietta, including the Governor’s Office, government partners, employers, and local universities,” he said. “Together, we are ensuring the success and reputation of Damietta as a hub for innovation and sustainable development.”
Launched in 2022, the Rowad Damietta competition is part of a broader partnership between Methanex Egypt and the ILO, aimed at creating decent jobs for Damietta’s youth. This initiative supports Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since its inception, over 2,300 training opportunities have been created, leading to the creation of 725 new jobs in the region.
Building on the success of the program, Methanex Egypt and the ILO signed a new five-year agreement in 2023 to continue supporting entrepreneurship, job matching, and capacity building for local service providers. The new agreement aims to further empower Damietta’s youth and contribute to Egypt’s sustainable development agenda.
By focusing on entrepreneurship and job creation, the Rowad Damietta competition and ongoing collaboration between Methanex and the ILO are helping transform the region into a model of innovation and opportunity, benefiting not only the local community but Egypt’s broader economic growth.
