In a powerful display of women’s entrepreneurship and leadership, 52 women-led startups were among the 100 graduates of the Orange Corners Egypt Delta Cohort, a flagship initiative supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands to empower youth-led innovation in underserved regions. The event, held at the Dutch Embassy in Cairo, marks a significant milestone for inclusive economic development in Egypt.
Backed by Egypt’s Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, the program places women at the forefront of innovation in sectors critical to the country’s future, including agriculture, food security, climate action, education, healthcare, and sustainable technologies.
Women as Catalysts of Regional Transformation
The Delta cohort draws its strength from the rising wave of female innovators across five governorates — Alexandria, Beheira, Kafr El-Sheikh, Dakahlia, and Menoufia — who are redefining the role of women in Egypt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Through Orange Corners, we are not only supporting youth innovation — we are witnessing women shape the next chapter of Egypt’s economy,” said H.E. Peter Mollema, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. “The success of these women-led businesses is a testament to the power of inclusive growth.”
These startups are already projected to generate hundreds of jobs and provide solutions to real-world challenges, from water scarcity and agri-tech innovation to digital learning and maternal health.
Gender Equity at the Heart of Innovation
Designed to align with UN SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and Egypt Vision 2030, Orange Corners ensures at least 50% female participation in every cohort. The program offers young women:
- Business development training
- Access to mentorship and investor networks
- Practical coaching in scaling ventures
- A platform to lead in male-dominated sectors
The Delta cohort has proven that women are not just participating — they’re leading, particularly in areas traditionally underrepresented by female entrepreneurs.
Empowered by Strategic Partnerships
Orange Corners Egypt is implemented by Outreach Egypt, and supported through a unique public-private partnership with Al Ahram Beverages Company (ABC), Madinet Masr, and ALEXBANK
“We are especially proud to see so many women entrepreneurs taking the lead,” said Nikolay Mladenov, Managing Director at ABC. “This reflects a more vibrant, inclusive innovation ecosystem in the Delta — and it’s just the beginning.”
ABC, which sources over 96% of its raw materials locally, highlighted the importance of investing in female leadership in agriculture and supply chains.
From Local Talent to National Impact
The 2025 Orange Corners Egypt program is on track to support 130 startups — including 30 from Upper Egypt and 100 from the Delta — with a potential ripple effect impacting over 3,000 lives through job creation and social enterprise models.
“This is about creating a pipeline of empowered women ready to lead — in business, in communities, and in shaping the country’s development,” said Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning and Economic Development.
Turning Point for Women Entrepreneurs in Egypt
This graduation marks more than the conclusion of a program — it represents a turning point in Egypt’s regional economic narrative, where women are becoming the architects of change, especially in rural and underserved communities.
“These women are not only building businesses — they are redefining leadership in Egypt,” said Paolo Vivona, Managing Director of ALEXBANK. “Their innovation is Egypt’s future.”
With women leading over half of the graduating startups, Orange Corners Egypt is setting a new standard for gender-responsive entrepreneurship programs in the MENA region. As Egypt continues to push forward with its 2030 Vision, empowering women to lead sustainable, scalable businesses is no longer an option — it’s a necessity.
