Hundreds of Egyptian entrepreneurs gathered in Sohag for a summit hosted by Markade LLC, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The event featured workshops, panel discussions, and success stories from the local community to raise awareness about the need for more entrepreneurship in Upper Egypt. It also focused on building the capacity of Sohag’s youth to become successful entrepreneurs.
This summit was the second in a series of three joint U.S.-Egypt public events in Upper Egypt. These events aim to connect potential future entrepreneurs with successful investors and experienced mentors. Alongside similar events in Assiut and Aswan, the Sohag summit brought together Upper Egypt youth to learn about business development services, market information, and linkage opportunities available within Egypt’s entrepreneur network.
These initiatives are part of USAID’s project to strengthen entrepreneurship and enterprise development (SEED) in Egypt. In cooperation with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, USAID supports the growth and expansion of startups as well as micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Since 1978, "the U.S. Government has invested nearly $30 billion in the people of Egypt" for projects that reflect "the shared goals and values of the people of America and the people of Egypt." This partnership has led to reduced infant mortality rates, eliminated polio, modernized power grids, expanded telecommunications networks, launched many entrepreneurs whose businesses created jobs, added value to the Egyptian economy, and prepared students with skills for the 21st-century economy.