The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, a program dedicated to accelerating the growth of African educational technology ventures, has extended its reach to Egypt after successful implementations in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Since its inception in 2019, the fellowship has been instrumental in nurturing ed-tech startups across Africa by providing comprehensive support encompassing business development, financial planning, and educational strategies. This support is designed to help these companies scale effectively, attain financial stability, and amplify their educational impact.
Having already facilitated the growth of numerous ed-tech firms in Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya, the fellowship has now forged a partnership with EdVentures, the corporate venture capital arm of Nahdet Misr Group. EdVentures is recognized as a prominent ed-tech venture capital entity within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, making it an ideal collaborator for the fellowship’s expansion into Egypt.
For the initial phase of the program in Egypt, twelve startups have been selected to participate in an eight-month intensive curriculum. This program will offer the startups specialized training sessions, mentorship opportunities, interactive workshops, networking events, and access to a variety of educational courses. Each participating startup is set to receive $60,000 in equity-free funding to bolster their growth. Over the span of the next three years, the fellowship aims to support a total of 36 ed-tech startups, thereby driving innovation and positive transformation within the educational sector.
Dalia Ibrahim, the founder and CEO of EdVentures, expressed pride in the collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, highlighting the partnership’s significance in reinforcing Egypt’s ed-tech sector. She emphasized that this joint effort aligns seamlessly with EdVentures’ mission to nurture innovation and empower young entrepreneurs. Ibrahim anticipates that this initiative will play a pivotal role in cultivating a dynamic ed-tech ecosystem in Egypt and revolutionizing the learning experience.
The first cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship in Egypt includes a diverse array of startups, each with unique offerings:
- 5 Quarters: An application designed to aid dental students in their studies.
- Armstrong: An interactive e-learning platform focused on STEM subjects.
- Business بالعربي: A podcast offering self-development and business skills in Arabic.
- Career 180: A platform providing career development and job placement services for young people.
- Deaf Gain: A consultancy offering services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Fednee: A networking platform that also offers career development, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities.
The cohort also features:
- iSchool: An initiative teaching AI and coding to children aged 6-17.
- Mharet Tefl: A speech therapy program tailored for children.
- Nafham by Tayro: An online learning application.
- OTO Courses: A platform for one-on-one online courses in English and other subjects.
- Science Street: A venture promoting science literacy.
- Bayt Alkhyata: An organization dedicated to social development for women and their communities.
This diverse group of startups represents the fellowship’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering a future where education is more accessible and innovative.
