EdVentures, the venture capital arm of Nahdet Misr Group, has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to launch the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship in Egypt. This five-year initiative aims to transform the African EdTech sector through digital innovation, inclusivity, and youth empowerment, with a significant impact on Egypt’s educational, IT, and economic landscapes.
The 2024 program saw over 210 EdTech startup applicants from various Egyptian governorates, with 12 startups selected for an 8-month program featuring specialized training, mentorship, workshops, networking, and course access. Each startup will receive $60,000 in equity-free funding. Over the next three years, the fellowship will support 36 EdTech startups, driving positive change in the education sector.
“We are honored to collaborate with Mastercard Foundation, highlighting our impact in Egypt’s EdTech sector,” stated Dalia Ibrahim, Founder and CEO of EdVentures. “This collaboration aligns with our mission to foster innovation and empower young entrepreneurs, shaping a robust EdTech ecosystem in Egypt and redefining learning experiences.”
Joseph Nsengimana, Director of the Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning, added, “Our partnership with EdVentures enhances access to quality learning for Egypt’s and Africa’s underserved learners through local technological solutions. In 2023, our EdTech Fellowship cohorts in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya reached 2.6 million learners, and we expect an even greater impact this year.”
Inaugural Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Cohort:
- 5 Quarters: A dental student learning application.
- Armstrong: An interactive STEM e-learning platform.
- Business in Arabic: An Arabic self-development and business skills podcast.
- Career 180: Career development and job placement solutions for youth.
- Deaf Gain: Consulting services for the deaf and hard of hearing.
- Fednee: A platform for networking, career development, mentoring, and collaboration.
- iSchool: Teaching AI and coding for kids ages 6-17.
- Mharet Tefl: A speech therapy program for children.
- Nafham by Tayro: An online learning application.
- OTO Courses: Online one-on-one English and other courses.
- Science Street: Promotes science literacy.
- Bayt Alkhyata: Fosters social development for women and their communities.
This partnership promises to foster significant advancements in Egypt’s EdTech sector, empowering young entrepreneurs and enhancing learning experiences across the region.
