IN COLLABORATION WITH THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS..
“Top 50 Women Forum” Launches a New Phase of the “Masarak L Bokra” Initiative to Train 1000 Male and Female Students from 45 Egyptian Universities
Cairo – October 31, 2026
In a new step to strengthen the readiness of young Egyptians for the changes in the labor market, the Top 50 Most Influential Women Forum, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, launched today, Saturday, October 31, 2026, the second phase of the training program “Full-Rounded Professional Program” as part of the “Masarak L Bokra” initiative, during an event hosted by the Institute of National Planning, with the participation of a distinguished group of officials from the Ministry of Communications and the Institute of National Planning (INP), experts and specialists, and executives from a number of companies and institutions.
The event featured discussions on the future of jobs and the rapid shifts in required skills, and the role of technology and artificial intelligence in reshaping work environments, alongside the importance of investing in human capital and linking academic qualification with practical application, opening up more diverse career paths and real employment opportunities for young people.
The second phase of the “Masarak L Bokra” initiative aims to bring the number of those targeted for training this year to 1000 male and female students from various governorates, and to graduate 200 male and female students from 45 universities through a training program running from November 15 to December 15, 2026, and delivered online, enabling participants to develop their knowledge-based and professional skills and strengthen their readiness to move into different work environments.
The new phase of the initiative also sees the addition of a financial literacy track to the technology and marketing tracks included in the first phase, alongside the development of personal, professional, and leadership skills and the building of a professional identity.
Dina Abdel Fattah: “Masarak L Bokra” Aims to Prepare 1000 Students from 45 Universities for the Future of the Labor Market and Artificial Intelligence
For her part, media figure Dina Abdel Fattah, Founder and Chairperson of the Top 50 Most Influential Women Forum, affirmed that the “Masarak L Bokra” initiative aims to prepare a generation capable of keeping pace with the rapid changes in the labor market, in light of the growing development of artificial intelligence technologies and the changing nature of jobs and required skills.
She explained that the new phase of the initiative is seeing expanded participation with the addition of 45 Egyptian universities, compared with 22 universities in the previous edition, bringing the number of those targeted for training this year to 1000 male and female students from various governorates, including about 80 male and female students from Port Said University, noting that the initiative focuses on establishing a culture of continuous learning and the ability to adapt to technological changes.
She added that the results of the previous phase of the initiative reflect the program’s success in linking training with employment opportunities, as the cohort included 100 male and female students with a pass rate of 65%, while about 40% of them received permanent appointments at major local and global companies, including “Nissan” and “Nahdet Misr,” in addition to other trainees being nominated to waiting lists in recognition of their performance during hands-on training.
She indicated that upcoming cohorts will focus on third-year students and recent graduates to meet companies’ needs for qualified talent, noting that students’ engagement with artificial intelligence applications in programming, design, and customer service reflects their awareness of the importance of combining human skills and technological capabilities to keep pace with the requirements of the labor market.
Hoda Dahroug: Investing in People Is the Foundation for Building the Digital Future and Turning Young People’s Skills into Real Employment Opportunities
Eng. Hoda Dahroug, Advisor to the Minister of Communications and Information Technology for Digital Community Development and Regional Director of the “Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development” project, affirmed during her participation in the launch event of the second phase of the “Masarak L Bokra” initiative that investing in people is the main pillar of digital transformation, given that a person’s ability to learn, innovate, and adapt is the true driver of progress, adding that the phases of the “Masarak L Bokra” initiative aim to strengthen young people’s self-confidence, introduce them to the career paths available, and turn their knowledge and skills into real employment opportunities rather than merely adding training courses to their CVs.
She pointed out that the program is the fruit of a partnership between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, represented by the Central Administration for Digital Community Development, and the Top 50 Women Forum to provide integrated training that combines technical and personal skills and the building of a professional identity, in line with the needs of the labor market, through hands-on training within companies and by benefiting from the expertise of specialists.
Dahroug reviewed the results of the first phase of the “Masarak L Bokra” initiative, explaining that 62 participants out of 100 young men and women who applied to the program successfully completed it, and 56 of them obtained training and employment opportunities, while 3 of the graduates joined the initiative’s team as trainers and another 10 received accredited international certificates from “Microsoft.”
She explained that these results support the continued development of the training content in line with changes in technology and the needs of the labor market, by adding new tracks that include artificial intelligence and design, alongside the current tracks in personal and professional skills, data analysis, and digital marketing.
Lobna Hilal: Investing in Knowledge and Building Character Strengthen Young People’s Opportunities in the Labor Market
In the same context, Lobna Hilal, Chair of the Board of Telecom Egypt and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, added that preserving one’s identity and humanity, alongside commitment, respect for time, and continuous learning, is the foundation of excellence in the labor market in the age of artificial intelligence.
She explained, during her participation in the launch event of the second phase of the “Masarak L Bokra” initiative, that the abundance of knowledge sources makes it necessary to verify information and its credibility and to develop skills in creativity, analysis, and critical thinking, noting that technology, however advanced, cannot replace a person’s character and ability to make decisions according to their values.
She stressed the importance of time management, focus, and respecting other people’s appointments, and of making use of training and educational opportunities, affirming that success is not tied to one’s field of study or first career path, but to young people’s ability to discover their interests and develop their skills in line with available opportunities. She also called for moving away from comparisons with others and from traditional paths, and for focusing on building capabilities and achieving professional excellence.
Hilal affirmed that differences in career paths and personal circumstances do not mean failure, noting that general knowledge and familiarity with cultures and civilizations strengthen character building and professional and human communication.
She concluded by affirming that true success is not measured by positions alone, but by continuous development, inner satisfaction, the value a person adds to their institution and society, and the impact they leave on those around them.
Panel Discussion
During the day’s activities, a panel discussion was held bringing together a number of mentors, company representatives, and experts to review their professional experiences and discuss ways to develop young people’s skills and qualify them for the requirements of the labor market, alongside exchanging experiences and insights on entrepreneurship and building career paths.
Mohamed El-Naggar: 93% of Enterprises in Egypt Are Small, Medium, or Micro.. and Supporting Them Is a Pillar for Addressing Economic Challenges
In this regard, Mohamed El-Naggar, Head of the Central Sector for Non-Financial Services and Business Development at the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA), addressed the importance of the small enterprise sector in the Egyptian economy, explaining that it comprises about 4.5 million enterprises, representing 93% of all enterprises in Egypt, while the informal sector accounts for about 60% or more of all enterprises, making it difficult to determine its actual size accurately.
He explained that the Agency’s role is not limited to financing but extends to organizing the sector and supporting entrepreneurship and startups through an integrated system that includes non-financial services, consulting, and business development, enhancing the chances of enterprises’ success and continuity.
El-Naggar also reviewed the main milestones of his professional experience, stressing the importance of continuous learning and keeping up with technological developments, and that his move from private-sector banking to government work was aimed at making a social impact and contributing to the development of the small and medium enterprise sector, affirming that the true value of work is not limited to financial return but extends to gaining knowledge and achieving a positive impact on society, which requires patience and the ability to manage change.
El-Naggar stressed the importance of directing young people toward innovative projects that meet actual market needs and fill untapped gaps, rather than repeating traditional activities without sufficient study of demand and competition, affirming the need to study local markets and test customer acceptance before injecting investments, and to benefit from the expertise of specialists and government support programs, foremost among them the Agency’s incubators and its consulting and non-financial services, to ensure greater opportunities for growth and continuity.
Nermine Tahoun: Legal Awareness and Intellectual Property Protection Are the Foundation of Startups’ Success
In the same context, Dr. Nermine Tahoun, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Tahoun Law Firm, affirmed the importance of gaining practical experience from the university years onward and of combining theoretical knowledge with practical application to build a successful career path, noting that choosing specializations that offer greater opportunities for excellence, learning from experienced people, and not hesitating to embark on new experiences are factors that help young people develop their abilities and enter the labor market efficiently.
She reviewed the main milestones of her professional experience and her participation at the Ministry of Finance in connection with the public-private partnership (PPP) system, before founding her own firm in 2010 despite the challenges and objections she faced, affirming that diligence and perseverance are the foundation of professional success, regardless of the gender of the business owner.
She stressed the importance of young people being aware of their legal rights and obligations before joining the workforce, and of reviewing employment and training contracts to ensure clarity of wages, duties, and rights, alongside choosing the appropriate legal form when establishing enterprises, obtaining the necessary licenses, and drafting clear contracts between partners that define responsibilities, management powers, profit distribution, and exit terms, thereby protecting rights, limiting disputes, and enhancing the stability and continuity of enterprises.
She also affirmed the importance of documenting ideas and registering intellectual property rights with the competent authorities to protect them from exploitation or use without their owners’ consent. She also called for including in partnership contracts and memoranda of understanding with sponsors, incubators, and collaborating entities clear clauses that define intellectual property rights, the scope of use of ideas, and the extent of exclusivity of the cooperation, while choosing partners carefully, affirming that legal awareness is a necessity for every young person entering the labor market or seeking to turn their idea into a project, because it provides protection of rights and a safer environment for growth and expansion.
Passant Fouad: Building a Personal Brand and Continuous Learning Are the Foundation of Success in the Labor Market
Passant Fouad, Head of Marketing and Public Relations at Valmor Holding, also affirmed that building a personal brand, continuous learning, and developing skills are essential pillars of professional success, noting that a career path is not necessarily a straight line, but may involve moves between different sectors or periods of pause, without this meaning starting from zero.
She explained that a personal brand is not limited to one’s presence on “LinkedIn,” but includes the image and impression an individual leaves on others through their behavior, communication, CV, digital presence, and job interviews, which requires awareness of what they post, say, and do, and care to keep it consistent with the professional image they wish to build.
She also reviewed the main milestones of her professional experience and her moves between a number of sectors and companies, affirming that diversity of experience does not mean dispersion, but allows one to gain skills that can be applied in different fields, such as communication, thinking, analysis, and problem solving. She also called on young people not to rush to settle their career paths, and to benefit from mentors and experienced people and try new fields before making decisions to change, while continuing to learn and keep up with developments, especially in marketing, digital media, and artificial intelligence.
Fouad stressed the importance of preparing CVs with a focus on achievements, results, and the actual impact of the work, rather than listing tasks and responsibilities, explaining that recruiters are also interested in the applicant’s personality, way of thinking, and ability to take responsibility and face challenges. She also called for honesty in presenting professional experiences, including successes, failures, and lessons learned, considering that feeling completely comfortable in a job may be an incentive to look for new challenges and experiences.
With regard to professional relationships, she affirmed that they are a long-term investment that is not measured by the number of acquaintances, but by the trust, mutual respect, and added value on which they are based, stressing the importance of perseverance, investing in oneself, and accepting that results come at different times, and that success is not limited to getting a job or a promotion, but extends to accumulating experience and building lasting professional and human relationships.
Dalia Abdel Kader: Sustainable Finance Is a Necessity.. and Shifting from Maximizing Profits to Creating Value Is the Foundation of Sustainable Growth
Dalia Abdel Kader, Chief Sustainability Officer at Commercial International Bank (CIB) – Egypt and Chair of the Sustainable Finance Committee at the Federation of Egyptian Banks, also affirmed that sustainable finance is no longer limited to generating profits, but has become linked to integrating economic, environmental, social, and governance dimensions to ensure the continuity of growth, explaining that the success of institutions is not measured only by the size of their profits, but by how they achieve them and the value they add to society, the economy, and the environment, noting that respect for laws and for the rights of employees and society is among the pillars of sustainability.
She reviewed her professional experience, which began in the banking sector more than 20 years ago, explaining that she realized the financial sector’s ability to bring about change by financing various economic activities, adding that since 2004 and 2005 she has worked on linking financing to its environmental and social impact, affirming that banks play a pivotal role in directing investments toward projects that achieve sustainable value. She also called for treating crises as opportunities to uncover weaknesses and rebuild business models, noting that economic, political, environmental, and social challenges open the way for innovation and the development of new solutions.
Abdel Kader stressed the need to move from measuring profits to assessing the value and actual impact of institutions, pointing out that she has called since 2014 for developing performance assessment methods to include environmental, social, and governance dimensions, a trend reinforced by disclosure and sustainability standards and by the requirements of investors, who have become more interested in companies’ risks and their ability to continue.
She affirmed that integrating these standards into financial decisions requires the integration of disciplines, as banks need environmental and engineering expertise alongside banking knowledge to assess project risks, while investing in qualifying talent. She also indicated that artificial intelligence offers wider opportunities to connect knowledge, calling on young people to develop their skills beyond their specializations, citing CIB’s experience in launching the first green bonds in Egypt in 2020 through a team that combined banking, environmental, and engineering expertise.
She concluded by affirming that professional, social, and environmental values and ethics are the foundation of creating sustainable value, according to the principle of “with values, you create value.” She also called on new generations to hold on to their principles and not sacrifice them for quick gains, while continuing to learn and develop and adopting a comprehensive view of challenges, affirming that combining values, knowledge, and innovation prepares the way for building a more sustainable professional and institutional future and turns crises into opportunities for growth.
Marwa El- Noqrashy: The “Masarak L Bokra” Program Aims to Prepare a Generation Capable of Leading Digital Transformation in Egypt
Continuing the day’s activities, Eng. Marwa El- Noqrashy, Director General of the Development Programs and Knowledge Management Department at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, reviewed the objectives of the “Masarak L Bokra” program and its training areas, affirming that it aims to link academic education with the requirements of the labor market and to qualify a generation of young people who have the skills needed to compete and take part in leading digital transformation in Egypt.
She explained that the program, implemented in collaboration between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Top 50 Most Influential Women Forum, and the Institute of National Planning, comes in support of the goals of Egypt Vision 2030 and the Digital Egypt strategy, by qualifying young people to keep pace with technological developments, especially in the fields of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, and developing their abilities to apply them and adapt to the changing requirements of the labor market.
She indicated that the program is not limited to technical training, but offers an integrated system for develo
