U.S. Embassy Cairo U.S. Embassy Cairo’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Conference Highlights Commitment to Egypt’s Economic Prosperity

the U.S. Embassy in Cairo held the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Conference 2024 at the AUC Tahrir Campus in Cairo. U.S. Ambassador Herro Mustafa Garg and American University in Cairo President Dr. Ahmed Dallal opened the conference, which included industry leaders, investors, and young entrepreneurs. This event provided AWE participants with valuable insights into entrepreneurship, networking opportunities, and practical tools for business growth. The conference was organized by the American Center Cairo (ACC) and implemented by the AUC Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (AUC-CEI).

“When women succeed, Egypt succeeds!” Ambassador Mustafa Garg told conference participants, adding that, “Investing in women and helping you achieve your goals is a top priority for the U.S. government.” Ambassador Mustafa Garg encouraged the women entrepreneurs to follow their dreams, stating: “I stand before you today as a working mom with two young daughters…And I hope that my work – and the examples set by women such as yourselves – will inspire you to pursue your dreams, regardless of what obstacles you may face.”

Taking place during Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), the conference marked the completion of the first cohort of the AWE 2024 program which supported 150 women entrepreneurs from the Delta region, including Alexandria, Beheria, Kafr El Sheikh, Gharbiya, Minufiya, Qalyubiya, Dakahlia, Damietta, Sharqiyah, and Port Said. The comprehensive program addressed the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in the Delta and built a supportive community to help them thrive.

The conference included a pitch competition where women entrepreneurs presented their business ideas to a panel of industry experts. The first-place winner Yasmine El Ashry received $600 to support her project Refashion. Maha Hussein was awarded $400 for second place for her project Dr. Meem.

The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State and Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management designed to empower women entrepreneurs around the world. Through education, networking, and mentorship, AWE supports women in building and growing their businesses.