The National Council for Women (NCW) made a prominent appearance at the 10th edition of Food Africa, Africa's leading food and beverage trade fair, held from December 9-12, 2025. The NCW pavilion spotlighted innovative projects by Egyptian women from Upper Egypt, turning local agricultural traditions into competitive, market-ready products. Mai Mahmoud, Director General of the NCW’s Women’s Skills Development Centre, emphasized the council's commitment to boosting women's productive and marketing skills.
The NCW pavilion at Food Africa underscored the innovation and resilience of Egyptian women in converting local agricultural practices into sustainable, competitive businesses. The council's involvement represented a strategic investment in sustainable development, with the fair serving as a bridge between rural production and international markets to enhance women's livelihoods and project longevity.
Mai Mahmoud stated: “We are committed to enhancing women’s productive and marketing capabilities. This platform helps bridge the gap between rural production and international markets, directly improving women’s livelihoods and ensuring the long-term sustainability of their projects.”
The showcase focused on women-led initiatives from Luxor and Minia provinces, offering economic alternatives in communities prone to irregular migration. Highlighted projects included Aton for Drying in Luxor, funded by the Addressing the Economic Drivers of Irregular Migration initiative and specializing in high-quality dried agricultural goods; Sakhra Apiary in Minia, an artisanal honey business expanded via NCW funding and technical aid; Kavoura, a brand producing premium chocolates; and Nature Kingdom, which employs fruit-drying methods for natural, healthy snacks.
Through Food Africa, the NCW opened new opportunities for female entrepreneurs by linking them to regional and global markets. The event provided essential networking, allowing business owners to share expertise with international industry leaders and forge partnerships to bring Upper Egyptian products to worldwide consumers. This effort aligns with the NCW's core mission: economically empowering women fosters thriving families, communities, and local economies.