• Egypt-based fintech Bokra and the Canadian International College (CIC) have jointly launched a $207,000 fund to back Egyptian students aspiring to become entrepreneurs.
• The partnership will launch a new initiative to provide students with the right guidance, Bokra Academy, a platform designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
• Last April, Bokra, Founded in 2023 by Ayman El-Sawy, closed a $4.6 million pre-Seed round.

Press release:

Bokra, MENA region’s first goal-achiever app backed by real assets, announced its strategic partnership with the Canadian International College (CIC), marking a pivotal moment in Egypt's educational and entrepreneurial landscape. The collaboration has given rise to a groundbreaking EGP10 million student fund aimed at empowering changemakers with disruptive ideas at CIC to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.

The launch event, which drew over 1,000 students, showcased that the EGP 10 million fund will be the first in establishment under the partnership, designed to plant the right seeds and nurture innovation for early-stage student ideas through small ticket sizes and strategic mentorship.

Ayman El-Sawy, Founder and CEO of Bokra, stated: “Our mission at Bokra is crystal clear; we make financial goals a reality. Our partnership with CIC is reflective of our commitment to cultivate a more mature and dynamic startup ecosystem by empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs with the essential tools, resources and funding they need to not just succeed but to thrive.” 

“Through our EGP10 million fund, we are paving the way for a new era of innovation and progress in Egypt by building a future where entrepreneurship is not just a dream but a tangible reality for all who dare to innovate and create change," he added.

From his part, Magdy El Kady, Chairman of CIC, expressed his excitement about the partnership: "We are immensely proud to join forces with a trailblazer like Bokra in this transformative initiative. Together, we are creating opportunities for the next generation of innovators to unleash their potential and drive positive change in our society and economy."

The strategic partnership is a cornerstone of the newly launched "Bokra Academy," a platform designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, equipping Egypt's youth with the skills and resources needed to excel in tomorrow's business world. The initiative aims to establish a closed loop that begins with certified educational courses and culminates in employment or access to funding to realise entrepreneurial dreams, fostering a stronger and more dynamic 'Digital Egypt.'

Under the "Bokra Academy," aspiring changemakers can access a range of free online courses in key areas such as financial planning, marketing, technology, artificial intelligence, and corporate law. Graduates of these certified programmes will have access to a job pool within Bokra and its partner organisations, creating pathways for professional growth and development.

More importantly, certified graduates will benefit from fast-tracked access to funding opportunities through the newly launched EGP 10 million fund, co-funded by Bokra and CIC, providing up-and-coming founders with the necessary resources to bring their visions and value-added to the Egyptian economy. This strategic collaboration marks a significant step towards empowering Egypt's youth, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth in the region.