In a landmark move underscoring the pivotal role of civil society in shaping Egypt’s future, the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development and the Essam & May Allam Foundation for Sustainable Development have announced a four-year partnership worth EGP 200mn (2025–2029). The agreement, equally funded by both foundations, was unveiled at a high-profile ceremony at the Grand Egyptian Museum, an iconic symbol of Egypt’s heritage and vision for progress, Invest-Gate reports.

The partnership was signed by Eng. Naguib Sawiris, Founder and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sawiris Foundation, and Eng. Hassan Allam, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Essam & May Allam Foundation. The event was attended by H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation; H.E. Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity; and H.E. Éric Chevallier, French Ambassador to Egypt, alongside prominent public figures and development partners.

The initiative, under the theme “Grounded in Evidence, Committed to Impact… A Partnership for Change”, aims to unify efforts across education, agriculture, and community development. Programs will focus on improving quality of life, empowering communities, fostering innovation, and strengthening Egypt’s ability to adapt to future challenges.

Government Endorsement

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized that the partnership reflects state priorities in sustainable development, rooted in education, agriculture, and community empowerment. She highlighted the vital role of civil society in bridging financing gaps for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and reaching vulnerable groups. She also noted the ministry’s long-standing collaboration with the Sawiris Foundation, particularly in evidence-based policymaking through the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL).

Dr. Maya Morsy praised Egypt’s rich tradition in charitable and developmental work, noting that today’s civil society is diverse yet united in purpose. She described the partnership as a powerful example of innovation in social development, crediting the Sawiris Foundation for more than two decades of impact in poverty alleviation, education, and cultural advancement. She also paid tribute to Mrs. Yousriya Sawiris for her pioneering role in philanthropy.

International Recognition

Ambassador Éric Chevallier lauded the initiative as a reflection of Egypt’s modern vision for sustainable development. He noted France’s commitment to supporting community-driven initiatives in education, smart agriculture, and economic empowerment, adding that diplomacy today extends beyond politics to empowering people and strengthening societies. He also praised the Sawiris and Allam families for uniting efforts in philanthropy, despite being competitors in business.

Shared Vision of Development

Eng. Naguib Sawiris described the partnership as “a strategic investment in Egypt’s future,” stressing that it is about investing in people rather than projects. “Our goal,” he said, “is to establish a culture of developmental work based on evidence, innovation, and sustainability, ensuring equal opportunities for all.”

Eng. Hassan Allam highlighted the foundation’s deep humanitarian legacy, rooted in ninety years of commitment to addressing development challenges. He emphasized that “true development begins with empowering local communities,” noting that the partnership will expand opportunities for youth, farmers, and families while preserving dignity and unlocking potential.

Eng. Amr Allam, Vice Chairman of the Essam & May Allam Foundation, called the partnership “a unique model of development in Egypt,” uniting two pioneering foundations to maximize social impact. He underlined the focus on long-term sustainable solutions in education, agriculture, and community development, stressing that “investing in people is the most sustainable form of investment.”

Laila Hosni, Executive Director of the Sawiris Foundation, reaffirmed that the partnership places people at the center of every initiative, with efforts aimed at turning ideas into tangible opportunities for future generations.

Mariam Allam, Board Member of the Essam & May Allam Foundation, added that the collaboration is designed to translate ambition into practical programs that reach the most vulnerable, particularly in education and agriculture.

Programs in Action

The partnership will roll out three flagship initiatives. The first is “Bab Amal” (Gateway of Hope) in Minya, which will empower 470 extremely poor families by 2027 through social protection, income diversification, and financial inclusion. The second is “Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL)” in Sohag and Assiut, targeting children aged 9–13 to strengthen basic literacy and numeracy skills with family and community involvement. The third focuses on climate-smart agriculture, offering smallholder farmers in Minya and Sohag sustainable inputs, financing, and market access to boost productivity and resilience.

By combining resources and expertise, the Sawiris Foundation and the Essam & May Allam Foundation aim to deliver broader, deeper, and more sustainable impact, contributing to Egypt’s long-term journey toward inclusive and equitable development.