Egypt’s Business Icons: The Leaders Shaping the Nation’s Future

Dream big. Build smart. Lead with purpose.
These words aren’t just slogans — they’re a mindset lived daily by Egypt’s most prominent business figures. From global construction magnates to tech pioneers and industrial powerhouses, this generation of Egyptian entrepreneurs is not only driving the nation’s economy forward but also reshaping its global image.

Meet the Visionaries

• Nassef Sawiris: 

Executive Chairman, OCI N.V. & Co-owner, Aston Villa FC

Egypt’s wealthiest individual with a net worth of approximately $9.4 billion. He leads OCI N.V., a global nitrogen fertilizer powerhouse listed in Amsterdam, with major assets in Europe and North America. His strategic asset sales—ranging in the billions—have returned significant capital to shareholders. Beyond chemicals, he co-owns Premier League’s Aston Villa and holds stakes in Adidas and Madison Square Garden Sports. A vocal critic of private equity excess, he recently relocated his family office from the UK to Abu Dhabi, citing favorable business and tax environments.

• Naguib Sawiris

Executive Chairman, Orascom Investment Holding & Founder, Ora Developers

A telecom trailblazer who built Orascom Telecom into a global leader and led a landmark multi-billion-dollar merger with VimpelCom. He’s now a diversified investor in mining, real estate, media, and hospitality—launching ventures like the MONIIFY digital platform and luxury hotels near the Pyramids. Ranked among Africa’s richest, Sawiris combines business acumen with strong philanthropic and cultural impact.

• Mohamed Mansour

Chairman, Mansour Group & Former Minister of Transport

Leads one of Egypt’s largest conglomerates, spanning automotive, consumer goods, logistics, finance, and machinery. As former Minister of Transport, he brought public-sector insight to drive major industrial and infrastructure projects. Recently knighted by the UK for his contributions to business and philanthropy, he also spearheaded Egypt’s first electric vehicle plant and holds strategic investments in global brands including Caffè Nero and San Diego FC.

• Yasseen Mansour

Chairman & Group CEO, Palm Hills Developments (and shareholder in Mansour Group)

A seasoned business leader with a finance degree from George Washington University, Yasseen transformed Palm Hills into one of Egypt’s largest real estate developers. Under his leadership, the company has expanded into mixed-use, resort, and international projects, including new ventures in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. He also holds influential roles across automotive, hospitality, finance, and supermarket sectors.

• Hisham Talaat Moustafa

CEO & Managing Director, Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG)

A veteran real estate leader with over four decades of experience. In 2024, he led TMG to record-breaking growth, tripling sales through major projects like SouthMed on Egypt’s North Coast and Banan City in Saudi Arabia. He expanded into hospitality by acquiring seven iconic hotels, boosting the group’s hotel capacity to 5,000 rooms and significantly increasing revenue. Named the 4th most influential real estate leader in the Middle East by Forbes in 2025.

• Ahmed Abou Hashima

Founder & Chairman – Egyptian Steel, Egyptian Cement & Egyptian Media Group

A self-made industrialist who launched Egyptian Steel in 2010, building it into a national leader in eco-efficient steel production. He expanded into cement and media industries, creating a powerhouse that serves Egypt’s infrastructure and media needs. Known for his commitment to sustainable growth and philanthropy, Ahmed leads initiatives in educational empowerment, rural development, and youth entrepreneurship—bridging business success with community impact.

• Dina Ghabbour

CEO, Ghabbour Foundation for Development 

An influential leader driving vocational education and social impact in Egypt. Dina heads the Ghabbour Foundation, which runs five technical schools offering automotive and green-tech training under international standards . A former executive at GB Auto, she’s also a founding partner and board member at fintech leader Halan. Beyond education and finance, Dina champions female empowerment, supports eco-focused tech initiatives, and contributes to social development through her board roles, including the 57357 Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

• Ahmed El Sewedy

President & CEO, Elsewedy Electric

A global energy and infrastructure leader, he transformed the company into a powerhouse spanning 16 countries with over 30 production sites and exports to more than 110 markets. Under his leadership, 2024 saw record profits and a major expansion into oil & gas services and international projects. He’s also Chancellor of the Coventry University Group, reinforcing his commitment to education.

• Mohamed Farouk

Founder & CEO, Mobica

A seasoned leader with over 30 years at the helm of Mobica, Egypt’s premier interior and furniture solutions company. Under his stewardship, Mobica has diversified into agriculture, education, and tech—including a $100 million investment fund (Morpho) and strategies to integrate AGI across sectors. As a Shark Tank Egypt judge, he champions entrepreneurship and empowers youth to drive Egypt’s future competitiveness.

• Ahmed Tarek Khalil

Chairman & Founder, Alliance Middle East Ship Management

A visionary entrepreneur with deep roots in maritime logistics for Egypt’s oil and gas sector. He built Alliance Middle East into a regional leader and later diversified into education—acquiring language schools—and healthcare, launching a $100 million initiative to establish 1,000 AI‑powered clinics. Also an active startup investor and Shark Tank Egypt judge, his influence spans shipping, education, healthcare, and tech.

• Abdallah Sallam

CEO & Managing Director, Madinet Masr

Since joining Madinet Masr, Abdallah has driven its evolution into one of Egypt’s most dynamic real estate developers. He spearheaded the transformation of key mixed-use communities like Taj City and Sarai, introduced Egypt’s first fully integrated commercial district, and led targeted expansions into hospitality and international markets.

• Bassel Somakia

Chairman & CEO, Cottonil Egypt

Founder of Cottonil, Egypt’s leading underwear and homewear brand with over 300 outlets in Egypt and distribution across 12 countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Jordan. Known for his customer-first leadership, he successfully pulled a controversial TV ad in response to audience feedback, demonstrating his commitment to brand reputation and consumer trust. Under his guidance, Cottonil has captured over 50% of Egypt’s underwear market by prioritizing high-quality cotton manufacturing and bold marketing.

Why It Matters

These business leaders prove that Egyptian ambition has no limits. Whether dominating global markets, transforming industries, or giving back through impact-driven initiatives — they are the faces of modern success. Their stories aren’t just inspiring — they’re roadmaps for anyone with the vision to lead.