Vodafone Egypt Foundation and Sawiris Foundation for Social Development Celebrate Selection of 25 Students for Tech-Start Scholarship

• The joint initiative provides academic, financial, and professional support to students at eight leading Egyptian universities, aiming to bridge the digital skills gap and empower future leaders.

• Vodafone Egypt Foundation and the Sawiris Foundation celebrate the selection of the first cohort of the Tech-Start scholarship in technological disciplines.

 The Vodafone Egypt Foundation, in strategic partnership with the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, celebrated the launch of the “Tech-Start” scholarship, which provides comprehensive academic, financial, and professional support to 25 students from various governorates in technological disciplines.

A ceremony was held in downtown Cairo, attended by leaders from both foundations, representatives from universities and relevant government bodies, strategic partners, and a host of media representatives, highlighting the two organizations’ commitment to supporting technological education and developing human capital in Egypt.

The ceremony included speeches by several government officials, a presentation highlighting the students’ journeys and aspirations, and a presentation of the Tech-Start program by implementing partner Aspire. The event concluded with the honoring of the students and a celebration of their achievements.

The initiative represents an investment in Egypt’s next generation of technology leaders. The inaugural cohort brings together 25 students from eight leading Egyptian universities, selected through a rigorous, merit-based process that prioritized academic excellence and strong technical aptitude.

The Tech-Start scholarship provides a comprehensive support model that goes beyond traditional financial aid, covering full tuition and accommodation, providing students with laptops and internet services to ensure an equitable learning environment. The program also includes exceptional professional mentorship, summer training opportunities, and academic and practical skills development, effectively bridging the gap between academic study and the evolving demands of the labor market.

Eng. Mohamed Henna, Chairman of the Vodafone Egypt Foundation, said: “The launch of the Tech-Start scholarship in partnership with the Sawiris Foundation represents a strategic step towards investing in the capabilities of Egyptian youth and equipping them with the tools and skills necessary to excel in technology fields. The scholarship provides a comprehensive support system encompassing academic, financial, and professional support, reflecting Vodafone Egypt Foundation’s commitment to developing technological education, which forms the cornerstone of the nation’s future and supports the government’s efforts to promote digital transformation and build a national workforce capable of innovation and global competitiveness.”

Ms.Shahdan Arram, Secretary General of the Vodafone Egypt Foundation, explained: “This initiative highlights the power of cross-sector collaboration in achieving sustainable impact for youth empowerment and digital skills development. This contributes to meeting labor market needs, enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian talent in the global technology market, and supporting Egypt’s efforts to build a workforce capable of leading innovation.”

Ms.Laila Hosny, Executive Director of the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, added: “The Tech-Start scholarship represents a strategic investment in Egypt’s ability to compete in the global digital economy. This program aligns with the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development’s vision to empower a new generation of change-agents, as scholarships are one of the most important drivers of investment in human capital. Today, we support a comprehensive portfolio of scholarship programs spanning science, technology, engineering, and business, to arts, culture, and development practice, believing that sustainable development always starts with investing in people. We are proud of our partnership with Vodafone Foundation, which represents a model of collaboration between the private sector and development work. As we celebrate the foundation’s 25th anniversary in 2026, we look forward to expanding such partnerships to create stronger, more sustainable impact for Egypt’s future.”

Through the Tech-Start scholarship, Vodafone Egypt Foundation and the Sawiris Foundation reaffirm their joint commitment to empowering youth, developing their skills, and enhancing their practical and personal capabilities, preparing distinguished Egyptian talent to face future challenges and contribute actively to society and the economy.