GAFI CEO Commends Nawah’s Role in Advancing Innovation and Knowledge and Reaffirms Continued Support for the Scientific Sector
As part of Egypt’s commitment to supporting innovation and scientific investment, Mr. Hossam Heiba, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), participated in the celebration marking the tenth anniversary of Nawah Scientific, held at the Citadel.
The event was attended by Dr. Omar Sakr, the founder and CEO of Nawah Scientific; Dr. Ahmed Abdelhamid, Keheilan Asset Management (KAM) Group CEO; Dr. Mohamed Amin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tawasol Holding Group and a new investor in Nawah Scientific; and a number of prominent figures and leaders in the investment and scientific sectors in Egypt.
During the celebration, the company reviewed its most significant milestones since its founding and the efforts of the teams that contributed to building its position. The ceremony commenced with an inspiring short film documenting the company's success story over the past ten years, highlighting its pioneering achievements and innovations that have made it a role model in the field of scientific research and technology at the local and regional levels.
Mr. Hossam Heiba, GAFI CEO, expressed his pleasure and pride in participating in this important occasion, praising the company's local and international successes. He emphasized that " Nawah Scientific" has not confined itself to working within the confines of its laboratory for the past ten years, but has instead worked to build a true engine driving scientific research and serving industry in Egypt and the region.
He noted that its journey is living proof that scientific research, when provided with a fertile environment and intelligently invested in, becomes the strongest engine of the economy and genuine contributor to the societal development.
He pointed out that companies like " Nawah " are the true outcome of the national strategy that places innovation and knowledge at the heart of its priorities. He added that the company's products and solutions directly enhance the quality of life, strengthen the competitiveness of national industry, and open new horizons for exports in vital sectors such as precision pharmaceuticals and advanced biotechnology. He further stated that Egypt is experiencing a global transformation driven by deep technology and life sciences, and that the future of the Egyptian economy and its regional standing depend on shifting towards a development model based on knowledge and high added value.
He commended Nawah Scientific for obtaining international accreditations and earning the trust of global clients, considering it a model to be emulated. He emphasized that supporting innovation and technological entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of GAFI strategy, and that its role has evolved from simply facilitating procedures to becoming an active partner in building the national innovation ecosystem.
This is achieved by providing smart incentives for investment in research and development and the localization of advanced technology, working to simplify the legislative environment and remove obstacles to ensure the rapid growth of innovative startups, and strengthening cooperation between the private sector, academia, and government entities to transform ideas from laboratories to markets. He also highlighted the strategic funding provided through Egypt Ventures, GAFI investment arm, which was one of Nawah's earliest investors and strategic supporters.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Heiba emphasized that the "Nawah" success story embodies genuine Egyptian ambition, which begins with a small idea and withstands challenges to become a regional and global model. He added that the meaning of "Made in Egypt" in the 21st century is to create and export solutions, not merely import them.
He affirmed the GAFI ongoing commitment to being a supportive partner for every promising idea and every creative mind, and to making Egypt the premier destination for knowledge investment in the region, with Egyptian startups leading innovation on the global stage.
Dr. Omar SaKr, founder and CEO of Nawah Scientific, reviewed the company's journey and scientific contributions, highlighting its most prominent achievements over the past ten years.
These include developing innovative technologies, launching advanced scientific products, and strengthening the role of scientific research in supporting national industry. He commended the pioneering vision of the team and their efforts in transforming scientific ideas into practical applications that contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy regionally and internationally.
At the conclusion of the celebration, Mr. Hossam Heiba, GAFI CEO, witnessed the signing of an investment contract between "Nawah Scientific" and "Life Ventures Capital," affirming that this investment represents a strategic step to support the company's growth and enhance its innovation and expansion at the regional and international levels.
