On the second day of the 4th Egyptian Women’s Summit, held under the auspices of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, the opening panel titled “Agricultural Innovation in the Hands of Youth” highlighted the critical role of science, technology, and research in transforming Egypt’s agricultural sector. The event focused on creating new opportunities for youth engagement, entrepreneurship, and the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies.
The session brought together senior officials, industry leaders, and researchers, including Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation; Mohsen Beltagy, Chairman of the Horticultural Crops Development Association; Hatem El-Azzawy, CEO of PICO Agriculture; and Mahmoud Essa, General Manager of Aydi Middle East & Africa. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Nermin El Tahri, Board Member at Nile University.
Opening Research Centers to Empower Youth
Farouk announced a major initiative to open the doors of the Ministry’s research centers and advanced laboratories to university students and young researchers. The initiative aims to provide hands-on experience in modern seed development, plant breeding, agricultural biotechnology, and veterinary services, fostering innovation and preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Speaking at the summit, Farouk emphasized that the Ministry is a hub for ideas and innovation, actively encouraging youth participation to harness their potential. He invited university students, particularly from Nile University, to lead field visits and training sessions that cover smart farms, advanced machinery, and national agricultural projects.
Digital Transformation and AI in Agriculture
Mahmoud Essa highlighted the transformative role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in modern agriculture. Aydi’s integrated digital solutions track labor performance, optimize farm operations, and calculate production costs for each crop, enabling precise decision-making and improved productivity. Essa stressed that youth engagement is essential to sustaining these technological advancements, positioning Egypt as a regional leader in agri-tech.
Hatem El-Azzawy of PICO Agriculture underscored the importance of data-driven agriculture in achieving competitive exports. From crop protection and irrigation to quality management and energy efficiency, technology is now indispensable for meeting international standards and accessing global markets.
Quality and Reputation as Keys to Export Success
Mohsen Beltagy emphasized that product quality and reputation are fundamental to successful agricultural exports. The association currently exports 12 agricultural products, including 8,000 tons of grapes, and about 77,000 tons of dates annually. Beltagy stressed that integrating practical training with academic knowledge is crucial for developing skilled youth capable of supporting Egypt’s agricultural strategy.
Empowering Youth and Supporting Startups
The session highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to simplify investment procedures, enhance private sector participation, and support startups in agriculture. Farouk reiterated that the sector’s shift toward science and technology opens wide opportunities for youth entrepreneurship and innovation, reinforcing food security and economic growth.
Egypt Women’s Summit: Bridging Academia, Industry, and Innovation
The Egyptian Women’s Summit, organized by the Forum of the 50 Most Influential Women in collaboration with the National Council for Women, featured over 6,000 participants, including ministers, ambassadors, university leaders, and youth delegates. The summit focused on STEM education, artificial intelligence, and the skills required for future labor markets. Strategic partnerships were signed with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency to create long-term programs supporting youth entrepreneurship and innovative projects.
The second day featured specialized sessions led by ministers and experts, including opportunities for university students to engage directly with research centers, digital agriculture projects, and non-banking financing initiatives. The summit concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing six outstanding projects in AI and fintech developed by young innovators over a month-long challenge.
