Egyptian Women Entrepreneurship Network

The first Egyptian entrepreneurs’ network of networks

About WEN

The Women Entrepreneurs Network (WEN) is the first Egyptian entrepreneurs’ network of networks established with the support of USAID in 2018 and currently supported by the Business Egypt project, aimed at fostering economic empowerment among women entrepreneurs. WEN is a network of member support organizations dedicated to serving women entrepreneurs, operating across various sectors, and spanning multiple cities in Egypt. The network is designed to establish a vibrant community of practice to support women entrepreneurs by identifying and addressing gaps within the female entrepreneurship ecosystem and strengthening connections among key stakeholders. We aim to support both aspiring and established women entrepreneurs throughout their entrepreneurial journey, enhancing their access to essential business services to facilitate sustainable business growth. By doing so, WEN aims to generate employment opportunities and facilitate knowledge exchange among its members, enabling them to learn from each other’s experiences and coordinate efforts more effectively within the ecosystem.

+15 Member

Support Networks

WEN PURPOSE

INCLUDE

WEN champions inclusion, ensuring all women entrepreneurs have equal opportunities to succeed. By embracing diversity and removing barriers. WEN creates a supportive environment where every member feels empowered and valued, enriching the entrepreneurial ecosystem for all.

INSPIRE

WEN inspires women entrepreneurs to reach their fullest potential. Through mentorship, resources, and a supportive community, WEN empowers women to pursue their dreams and overcome challenges. By fostering a culture of encouragement, WEN ignites passion and ambition, driving positive change in the entrepreneurial landscape.

IMPACT

WEN drives impact by empowering women entrepreneurs to build successful businesses and create positive change. As a result, women-led businesses experience significant growth, with increased revenue generation, the creation of new jobs, and raised investments.

Additionally, WEN’s efforts contribute to the expansion of enablers in Egyptian cities, providing essential support structures for women entrepreneurs to thrive.

Ultimately, WEN’s impact extends beyond individual businesses, fostering a larger ecosystem where more women entrepreneurs in Egypt can access opportunities and achieve success.

WEN ACTIVITIES

Ismailia Mentorship Event

An opportunity was provided for 80 female entrepreneurs to explore challenges and business models in startups with the help of experts and specialists through receiving a gamified capacity-building session and speed mentoring.

Ismalia

Aug 2023

Alexandria Mentorship Event

An opportunity was provided for 90 female entrepreneurs to explore challenges and business models in startups with the help of experts and specialists through receiving a gamified capacity-building session and speed mentoring.

Alexandria

Aug 2023

Cairo Mentorship Event

An opportunity was provided for 60 female entrepreneurs in Cairo to explore challenges and business models in startups with the help of experts and specialists through receiving a gamified capacity-building session and speed mentoring.

Cairo

Sep 2023

WEN FOUNDING MEMBERS & STEERING COMMITTEE

Basmah Osman

Managing Partner ElleKhan, FekrKhan

As a pioneer in women’s economic advancement, She has significantly impacted education and entrepreneurship, playing a key role at FEI and in establishing Nile University, while also focusing on empowering women and youth in business through mentorship.

Rasha Tantawy

Senior Director of Marketing and Communications. Techne

With over 25 years in venture building, Rasha executive accelerates growth, empowers female entrepreneurs, and drives digital innovation, using smart, data-driven business strategies and models for sustainable growth to create impact.

Mrs. Manal Amin

CEO Arabize & Chairperson Tiye Angels

A leading figure in language technology with four decades of experience in business, where she founded Arabize, 2travel2egypt, GNS and DarElcontent. Earning recognition as an African ICT Champion, top women in localisation and among Forbes’ most powerful women.

Nora Abou El Seoud

CEO Education for Employment

Nora Abou El Seoud is an educator and a youth empowerment professional. She is currently the CEO of EFE-Egypt. Nora has 20+ years of experience in the fields of education, economic empowerment and social development. She was one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Egypt for 2021.

Alia A Badawi

VP Alexandria Business Women Association (ABWA) & Consultant of Obstetrics and Gynecology Laparoscopy & PhD

Accomplished in both medical and business spheres, Specializing in surgeries for women, and holding leadership positions in hospitals, health research, and women’s business associations. She supports women’s business initiatives, bridging health and entrepreneurship.

Noha Abdel Hamid

Private Sector Engagement and women Economic Empowerment expert.

A strategic leader with over 30 years of experience, Noha specializes in partnerships and development, focusing on women’s empowerment across various sectors, and has led significant initiatives at USAID, Plan International, and CARE Egypt.

Samira Negm

Founder of Raye7 and Anty

An award-winning tech leader and entrepreneur with 15+ years in the industry, With extensive tech and business expertise, Samira launched successful startups, mentored founders and, built an initiative to provide capacity building & employment programs for women.

Mireille Barsoum

Director of Ecosystem Partnerships & International Collaborations, Nile University

An experienced business professional, mentor, consultant, researcher, & professor committed to empowering women & youth. By integrating academia & practical experience, she strives to make a meaningful impact & foster progress in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Dina Yacout

CEO Conseil Consulting

A strategic leader with more than 25 years of experience, Dina specializes in market development and partnerships in addition to strategic planning with a special focus on women’s economic empowerment. She has led significant projects and is recognized on both national and international levels.

Nora Toma

Social entrepreneur

Nora Toma is social entrepreneur, angel investor and philanthropist. She is currently the Deputy CEO of EFE-Egypt and the co-founder of the Tiye Angels. She has 20+ years of experience in the profit and nonprofit sectors, with a focus on startups.

Rania Ayman

Founder & CEO of Entreprenelle

Rania Ayman, Founder & CEO of Entreprenelle, champions gender economic equality in Egypt. With over 12 years in social development and an MBA, she’s impacted 100,000+ women, fostering their business ventures across 9 regions.

Hala Barakat

Director, Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, AUC school of Business

Hala Barakat (BA ’98, MA ’16, PhD Candidate) is a seasoned business leader and passionate advocate for entrepreneurship. With a diverse career spanning hospitality, banking, and manufacturing, she has honed her skills in strategy, operations, and finance.

Dr. Heba M. Zaki

Director of Egypt’s Entrepreneurship

Dr. Heba M. Zaki, Director of Egypt’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center since 2023, also serves as OECD National Expert for Higher Education and Innovation. She founded Egypt’s first university business incubator, aiding 46,000+ youth and 87 startups.

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Supported by

This website was produced at the request of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This website is made possible by the support of the American people through USAID Business Egypt. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the author or authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the U.S. Government.