This year’s edition was organized by El-Khazindar Business Research and Case Center (KCC). The competition brought together participants from 36 universities spanning over 12 countries and 28 nationalities - a fiercely competitive yet collaborative space shaped by diverse cultural and educational backgrounds.
Being the first competition of its kind in Egypt, the International Case Competition (ICC) offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with the case method. The main focus of the competition is for students to explore challenging business cases about Egypt and the wider Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. From consumer behavior and economic trends to technological advancements and policy reforms, the competition aims to bridge the knowledge gap with regards to the regional case-solving competitions.
The ICC aligns with the KCC’s mission to place the case method at the forefront of business education by giving students the practical experience of working on real-life cases that connect academia to practice.
“Cases are a practical tool to give exposure to the real world, international case competitions like ICC have an even wider impact and reach,” highlights KCC Director, Engy Magdy.
In this year’s edition of the ICC, the KCC brought together participants from countries including: Bangladesh, Egypt, Hungary, India, South Korea and many more. Not only does the competition serve as an opportunity for challenging the students with business cases, but it also aims to make the KCC a window for the world into the MEA region, exposing them to the intricacies and unique complexities of the region in a hands-on experience that leaves a lasting impact.
As part of organizing the ICC, the KCC connected the community of the Onsi Sawiris School of Business with several international bodies. Through collaborating with the school’s student-run Business Association as an outreach partner, as well as prominent global knowledge partners like the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and The Case Center, the ICC provided an opportunity for a global collaboration that goes beyond the walls of the school. This competitive experience was further embellished by the opportunity to receive mentorship and apt feedback from panelists who are part of the Leadership Coaching Excellence Company (LCE), ensuring students are left with a truly valuable educational experience.
We congratulate the winners of the year’s International Case Competition and look forward to the impact of future editions!
First place – Cedar Consulting from Lebanon:
Chelsey Saydi
Yara El Hkayem
Karl Hajjar
Gael Shirikian
Second place – Captivated from Indonesia
Rio Anggara
Irfan Septia Dwisantana
Muhammad Adnan Bayu Firdaus
Rayyan Septia Ardiana
Third place – JMMA from Egypt:
Mohamed Desouky
Mahmoud Elbahkiry
Youssef Khaled
Ahmed Shalaby
For the seventh year in a row, Onsi Sawiris School of Business held the virtual International Case Competition from February 20 – 26, 2025.
Since its inception, the Access to Knowledge for Development Center (A2K4D) has worked to shape inclusive futures through evidence-based, policy-driven research that bridges gaps between policymakers, private businesses and civil society.
A2K4D has led transformative research initiatives that respond to pressing real-world challenges in the Middle East and North Africa. The center’s work reflects a commitment to ensuring that technological advancements benefit all members of society, particularly marginalized groups.
Through projects like “Women and Work in Egypt’s Informal Digital Economy: Forward” project, developed in collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, A2K4D has championed women’s economic empowerment in the digital age. Similarly, its research on “New Work, Data and Inclusion in the Digital Economy: A MENA Perspective” has shed light on the challenges faced by digital platform workers, fostering a deeper understanding of the evolving nature of work in the region.
A2K4D’s leadership extends to shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) with an emphasis on inclusion and ethics. The center established the “MENA Hub for Feminist AI Research (f<a+i>r)”, a groundbreaking initiative that fosters youth-led innovation while ensuring that AI development aligns with feminist and inclusive principles.
In 2023, A2K4D further strengthened its global impact by launching the “MENA Observatory on Responsible AI”, with support from Canada’s International Development Research Center. This initiative explores the ethical implications of AI in the global economy, advocating for responsible frameworks that prioritize inclusivity and equity. Through these efforts, A2K4D is shaping discussions on AI’s role in the MENA region, Africa and the Global South, positioning itself as a global leader in ethical digital transformation.
At the heart of A2K4D’s success, is its extensive network of global partnerships. Collaborations with institutions like the Ford Foundation, Open African Innovation Research network, Fairwork, CopyrightX, the Access to Knowledge Global Academy and the Global Network of Internet and Society Research Centers, have played an instrumental role in advancing the center’s mission. These partnerships have enabled A2K4D to advocate for impactful policies and research that address inequalities and promote inclusive development worldwide.
In February 2025, A2K4D celebrated its 15th anniversary in a gathering with friends, collaborators and partners of the center. The event offered an opportunity to reflect on the center’s journey, exchange ideas and highlight the impact of its research in driving change across the region.
“Sharing ideas and insights on the impact of research in bringing change working with different stakeholders: with policymakers, private businesses [and] civil society,” said Founding Director and Professor of Economics Nagla Rizk, encapsulating the spirit of the celebration.
As A2K4D reflects on its 15 years of impact, it remains steadfast in its mission to create knowledge-based solutions that empower communities and foster innovation. From advocating for women’s rights in the digital economy to shaping the ethical use of AI, A2K4D continues to pioneer research and initiatives that ensure technology serves all members of society.
Here’s to 15 years of impact - and many more to come.
For 15 years, the Access to Knowledge for Development Center (A2K4D) at the Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo has been at the forefront of advancing knowledge and technology as tools for addressing inequalities and empowering communities.
This recognition highlights the competition’s transformative role in developing talent for Egypt’s Venture Capital (VC) ecosystem and addressing the industry’s growing demand for skilled professionals.
Launched in 2023 in partnership with Shorooq Partners, the competition allows students to step into the role of venture capitalists, performing due diligence, evaluating startups and crafting investment strategies under the guidance of industry experts. In just two years, the competition has engaged 423 students from 24 universities across Egypt, making a significant impact on developing VC talent in the region.
“We are delighted to receive this prestigious recognition. The Shorooq Partners Venture Capital Case Competition exemplifies our commitment to creating impactful learning experiences that prepare students to lead in Egypt’s evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem. This initiative, powered by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, is building a pipeline of talent that will drive innovation and economic growth,”commented Dean Sherif Kamel, Onsi Sawiris School of Business.
“This year’s Innovations That Inspire honorees exemplify the transformative power of collaboration between the school and industry in driving positive change,” said Lily Bi, AACSB president and CEO. “The American University in Cairo’s dedication to industry-driven education showcases how they are fostering innovation and ensuring graduates enter the workforce ready to make an immediate impact.”
The Shorooq Partners Venture Capital Case Competition continues to be a testament to the Onsi Sawiris School of Business leadership in entrepreneurial education and its commitment to fostering innovation in the region.
The Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo (AUC) is proud to announce that the Shorooq Partners Venture Capital Case Competition, organized by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI), has earned recognition as one of AACSB’s Innovations That Inspire for 2025.
