EdVentures, the investment arm of Nahdet Misr Group, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has launched the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship to foster innovation and expand access to education through technology. The entrepreneurship acceleration program aims to support the growth of EdTech startups in Egypt, driving digital transformation and empowering youth.
In just 10 months, the Fellowship has significantly impacted Egypt’s education landscape, reaching 147,200 learners, with 82% of them being young people and 61.5% women. The initiative also created 56% more jobs in supported startups and helped 6,550 learners with disabilities access educational resources. Fifty percent of the first cohort’s startups are led by women and youth, and 66.6% of founders are aged 18-35, aligning with the Fellowship’s commitment to youth empowerment.
The Fellowship has connected participating startups with global and local organizations, enhancing their influence within Egypt’s EdTech ecosystem. Additionally, each of the eleven startups in the program received $60,000 in equity-free investment to scale their operations. The program also introduced LEAPS roadshows, raising awareness about EdTech’s transformative potential, especially among young people.
Dalia Ibrahim, CEO of EdVentures, expressed pride in the program’s success, emphasizing its role in fostering innovation and providing support to promising entrepreneurs. The Mastercard Foundation’s Rodwell Mangisi also highlighted the opportunities for growth in Egypt’s EdTech sector, stressing the importance of relevance and access for meaningful impact. The second cohort of startups will be launched in March 2025, continuing the momentum for change in the education sector.
11 Startups Shaping the Future of EdTech in Egypt
The 11 high-potential startups in the 2024 cohort include Armstrong (STEM education platform), 5 Quarters (dental learning app), Business بالعربي (self-development podcast), Career 180 (career development platform), Deaf Gain (consultancy for the deaf), iSchool (coding and AI platform for children), Maharet Tefl (speech and language skills app), Nafham by Tayro (online learning platform), OTO Courses (English language courses), Science Street (scientific literacy platform), and Bayt Alkhyata (sewing skills learning platform).
This strategic initiative aligns with global education and technology trends, creating a lasting impact on Egypt’s education system, economic growth, and digital transformation while promoting inclusive, technology-driven learning for the future.
