Al Ahram Beverages Company (ABC), one of Egypt’s leading multi-category beverage producers, has hosted more than 50 young entrepreneurs from the Orange Corners Egypt programme at its manufacturing site in Sharkia Governorate, as the company continues to expand its collaboration with the Dutch-backed initiative.
The visit forms part of ABC’s ongoing involvement with Orange Corners Egypt, a partnership now entering its third year and aimed at supporting innovation and business creation among young Egyptians. Orange Corners is an initiative funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and operated locally by Outreach Egypt, under the supervision of the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation. The programme provides early-stage entrepreneurs with resources, exposure and mentorship to help build scalable and sustainable ventures.
ABC said the continued collaboration remains aligned with Egypt Vision 2030 and contributes to national priorities around youth empowerment and private-sector-driven economic growth, while also supporting progress towards key UN Sustainable Development Goals.
As part of the latest engagement, participants from regions including Upper Egypt and the Delta took part in interactive sessions at the Sharkia plant. ABC executives from departments including supply chain and production, finance and procurement, sustainability, health and safety, customer service logistics and planning led discussions and fielded questions from the entrepreneurs. Attendees were also given a guided tour of the facility to view the company’s operations, manufacturing processes and sustainability measures.
“Our partnership with Orange Corners is a powerful example of how the private sector can help nurture the next generation of Egyptian innovators,” said Nikolay Mladenov, Managing Director at Al Ahram Beverages Company. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to investing in local communities and building resilient value chains. Worth to mention, that nearly 90% of our raw materials are sourced locally, as we believe deeply in the strength and potential of Egyptian talent.”
“It’s been an incredible journey partnering with Orange Corners Egypt over the past two years,” said Cherine Aidarous, Head of Corporate Affairs at Al Ahram Beverages Company. “We’ve had the privilege of supporting over 250 entrepreneurs and witnessing the graduation of nearly 140 startups across Egypt. What makes this journey even more meaningful is that nearly 50% of these participants are women, proof that inclusive innovation is not just a goal, but a reality. We were proud to witness and contribute to the launch of the new Delta cycle last year, and that’s exactly why we’re always encouraged to expand our partnership. Seeing these bright, driven individuals here today fills me with pride and reinforces our belief in the power of inclusive innovation. At ABC, we’re committed to walking alongside these founders, offering mentorship, resources, and real-world exposure to help them thrive.”
The latest cohort visit takes place at a time of expansion for the Orange Corners Egypt programme. In 2025, 100 new startups from the Delta joined the initiative as part of its second cycle there, while a new group of entrepreneurs was launched in Luxor. Earlier in the year, 30 startups from Upper Egypt secured funding through the Orange Corners Innovation Fund, selected from more than 1,200 applications, a sign of the growing pipeline of emerging ventures nationwide. The programme’s focus on accessibility continues, with women making up more than half of participants to date.
“At Orange Corners Egypt, we believe that private sector engagement is the cornerstone for a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Dalia El Nazer, Programme Manager of Orange Corners Egypt. “This partnership is a testament to how businesses can go beyond traditional CSR to play an active role in shaping the future of innovation and job creation in Egypt. When leading companies open their doors to young entrepreneurs, and share their knowledge, networks, and real-world insights, they help bridge the gap between ideas to growth and impact. Together, we’re not only empowering entrepreneurs to grow but also fostering a culture of a unique partnership that benefits the youth across the country.”
ABC, which has operated in Egypt for more than 120 years, currently employs close to 1,500 people across its headquarters and production facilities. The company invested over €30 million in 2023 to enhance its operations, boost export capabilities and reinforce its long-term presence in the country.
The Sharkia facility, described as one of the company’s largest and most advanced production hubs, has seen capacity increases alongside environmental improvement efforts. In 2023, ABC introduced two new high-efficiency production lines, resulting in increased output, new employment opportunities and a 50% reduction in water and energy usage, while maintaining more than 100% PET circularity across its volume for a second consecutive year.
The company said ongoing investment in operational upgrades and sustainability aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030, particularly around industrial expansion, export-led growth and environmentally responsible production. ABC noted that its continued work with entrepreneurship programmes like Orange Corners forms part of its approach to strengthening value chains, advancing skills development and contributing to long-term national economic priorities.
