Every entrepreneurial journey starts with a deep desire to solve a problem, improve lives, or reimagine how we function in our day-to-day lives. This World Entrepreneurs’ Day, we celebrate four founders in Egypt who are doing just that. Through our support programs, we’ve seen them turn their visions into action, creating solutions that matter and driving positive change across their communities.
We want to shift the spotlight to these changemakers and celebrate their achievements, as they work to shape a better future for all.
From a chance encounter to a life-changing solution
Omar Abdelsalam’s journey as an Egyptian young entrepreneur began nine years ago. He was on a road trip with his father, and an encounter with a mechanic, who had a hearing disability, revealed to him a reality that millions face every day — the weight of isolation caused by communication barriers for persons with auditory disabilities in society. That moment inspired him to start developing smart, Augmented Reality-powered glasses that could bridge the gap and give persons with auditory disabilities more autonomy and flexibility in communication.
“Our goal is to break down barriers between persons with hearing disability and the communities surrounding them. With our SensEar glasses, they can access more opportunities for work, education, and communication, which is the basic right for every human being.” – Omar Abdelsalam
Omar was part of the Empowering Inclusion In Employment (EIIE) program’s incubator, which was implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Solidarity and GIZ Egypt, on behalf of the German Government, within the EOSD Project. He worked alongside four other startups that developed digital solutions to make job opportunities and career resources accessible to persons with disabilities.
Bridging the healthcare gap in Egypt for millions of chronic patients
From her experience as a clinical pharmacist, Reem Ghazal spotted how chronic patients struggle to access healthcare services in Egypt — a problem that contributes to 80% of the country’s morbidity rate. Determined to make a change, she established Vitally, an AI-driven remote patient monitor software that measures vitals anytime, anywhere. Her goal is to ease access to healthcare essentials and improve patients’ quality of life.
“Get to know your customer very well. Listen to their pain points from their perspective rather than viewing them as general expressions. That’s what we strive to apply at Vitally, as we aim to create a product that can make healthcare services more accessible for chronic patients.” – Reem Ghazal
Reem joined our CiviConnectors program last year, alongside 11 other startups working on civictech solutions, focusing on healthcare and transportation. This 6-month incubation program was developed and implemented with support from GIZ Egypt within the InnoPA project, on behalf of the German Government.
Empowering communities through eco-tourism
Rooted in the Gabalaya tribe at the heart of Sinai, Ahmed Mousa founded Sinai Hikes with a deep connection to the mountains and trails of Saint Catherine. His mission goes beyond ordinary adventures. Together with his team, Ahmed offers an authentic hiking experience that immerses visitors in the breathtaking landscapes of Sinai while bringing them closer to the rich traditions of his tribe.
“It’s very important to support the Bedouin communities like doroob by enpact did, to be able to preserve our customs and traditions and also develop ecotourism and sustainable tourism.” – Ahmed Mousa
Ahmed Mousa is one of the growing entrepreneurs from doroob — a program launched with the support of DROSOS Foundation, comprising three dedicated tracks: Creative Industries, Agriculture, and Tourism. The purpose is to transform their bold ideas into action and drive social impact through their businesses.
To feed the future, sustainably
Manar Hazaa, Founder of ZolaFeed and part of doroob’s agriculture track, is on a mission of “feeding the future, saving our planet.” Together with her team, she’s developing a protein-rich strain of Azolla to tackle the dual issues of high animal feed costs and the scarcity of locally available protein sources. Their new Azolla species are free from harmful heavy metals, ensuring a safe, high-quality protein source for livestock feed.
“By harnessing the power of Azolla, a nutrient-dense aquatic plant, we provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional feed, enabling year-round cultivation and bolstering local food security.” – Manar Hazaa
Manar’s approach at ZolaFeed contributes to saving over 30 metric tons of CO2 emissions per ton of feed. By using 50% less water than traditional crops and operating without petroleum-based equipment, their method promotes environmental sustainability and offers a vital solution to water scarcity issues in Egypt’s agriculture.
Together we’re lighting the way forward
It’s not only the drive for innovation that unites Omar, Reem, Ahmed, and Manar. What truly connects them all, along with all the entrepreneurs we’ve had the privilege to work with, is their determination to tackle challenges head-on. That’s why it’s important for us to celebrate their courage, resilience, and vision.
And pave the way for others to do the same. That’s why we’d love to hear from you, too!
If you’re working on a solution that’s creating an impact, or know an inspiring entrepreneur who’s carving out paths to a better future, share these stories with us.
