Skills & economic empowerment
Practical learning helps young people, women and underrepresented communities prepare for work and take part in the digital economy.
- Job readiness and digital skills
- Entrepreneurship and lifelong learning
Rooted in Egypt. Open to possibility.
More opportunity.
A stronger future.
We support young people, women and small business owners with the knowledge and skills to build a more sustainable economic future.
An Egyptian nonprofit foundation · Registered No. 12259
About Zed
Opening doors to economic participation.
- Registration
- 12259
- Where we work
- Egypt
Zed Foundation for Economic Empowerment and Small Business Support is an Egyptian nonprofit foundation, registered under No. 12259.
We work with young people, women, entrepreneurs and economically marginalized communities. Through training, guidance, feasibility studies and economic research, we help people and small enterprises develop skills and participate in the formal economy.
Our vision
A strong, inclusive formal economy where every part of society has access to opportunity.
Our team
Board & team
Ahmed Hassan
أحمد حسن
Chairperson & Founder
ahmed@zedfoundation-eg.comAs the foundation’s founder and chairperson, Ahmed Hassan sets its overall direction, advances economic empowerment and support for small and micro enterprises, and strengthens links with communities and partner organizations.
Key responsibilities
- Set the foundation’s strategic direction.
- Chair discussions on key matters.
- Develop partnerships.
- Oversee progress towards the foundation’s mission and goals.
Mohamed Adel
محمد عادل
Executive Director
mohamed@zedfoundation-eg.comMohamed Adel oversees the foundation’s daily operations and team coordination, translating its goals into practical work plans and supporting the delivery of training, entrepreneurship support and community programmes.
Key responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations.
- Coordinate people and resources.
- Implement project plans.
- Monitor progress and report to the Board.
Yasmine Mansour
ياسمين منصور
Board Member
yasmine@zedfoundation-eg.comYasmine Mansour contributes to the foundation’s governance and discussions on key matters, with a focus on project delivery, resource use and service outcomes, supporting transparent, well-organized and sustainable operations.
Key responsibilities
- Participate in key decisions.
- Review work plans and reports.
- Oversee compliance with policies and the use of resources.
- Advise on the foundation’s development.
Noura Farouk
نورا فاروق
Programme Officer
noura@zedfoundation-eg.comNoura Farouk organizes and delivers projects, coordinating training activities, participants and partner resources. This work focuses on participants’ practical needs and continuous improvement in project delivery.
Key responsibilities
- Prepare project delivery plans.
- Coordinate training and activities.
- Liaise with participants and partners.
- Collect feedback and document project outcomes.
Our work
Skills to grow.
Support to build.
We bring learning, guidance and research together, connecting people’s ambitions with the needs of the economy.
Small business support
Feasibility studies, guidance and advice help small and micro enterprises plan carefully and organize their businesses.
- Business ideas, markets and costs
- Legal and accounting guidance
Research & sustainable development
Economic research and analysis help us understand challenges, support entrepreneurship and encourage responsible business practices.
- Economic analysis and policy papers
- Economic and environmental sustainability
Programmes & initiatives
- Youth empowerment across stages of education
- Khatwa Business campaign
Knowledge worth sharing
Publications & practical guides.
Practical resources and perspectives on enterprise, skills and economic opportunity.
Practical guide
A guide to feasibility studies
A practical introduction to assessing a business idea, its market, technical requirements and finances before putting it into action.
Arabic PDF · 24 pages · 3.1 MB
Research perspective · 2025
The gender gap & economic empowerment
Zed Foundation’s perspective on the Global Gender Gap Report, with a focus on women’s economic participation in Egypt.
Overview in Arabic and English
Research perspective · 2025
The future of jobs & skills
A perspective on changing work, technology and skills, and how young people can prepare for opportunities in 2025–2030.
Overview in Arabic and EnglishContact us
A new possibility
starts with a conversation.
For questions about the foundation, our programmes or opportunities to work together, we would be glad to hear from you.
Our address
Building 8, 2nd floor, apartment 5Osman Housing, Ezbet El Nakhl
Cairo, EgyptView location on the map
Office hours
Sunday–Thursday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm