At the Onsi Sawiris School of Business, we believe in the power of rigorous thinking paired with real-world action. What began in 2020—amid the uncertainties of a global pandemic—has grown into a regional force for impact. Today, J-PAL MENA supports governments and researchers across seven countries, helping translate data into decisions that improve lives.

Anchored in Partnership

The day commenced with reflections from the very people who helped bring J-PAL MENA to life. Ahmed Elsayed, executive director of J-PAL MENA, was joined by Laila Hosny, executive director of the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development and George Richards, director of Community Jameel. Together, they spoke of a shared vision rooted in trust and a commitment to outcomes—not just outputs.

Elsayed noted the regional momentum building around evidence-informed policymaking, especially in areas like youth employment and climate resilience. Hosny described the anniversary as not just a milestone, but as a reaffirmation of why the work matters. And Richards reminded us that rigorous research isn’t just about papers—it’s about improving the lives of millions by scaling what works.

A Turning Point for Public Policy

H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Egypt’s minister of planning, economic development and international cooperation and AUC President Ahmed Dallal. Al-Mashat also spoke of a growing culture of evidence within Egypt’s policymaking, one that J-PAL MENA has helped shape. President Dallal echoed the sentiment, noting that while J-PAL launched in uncertain times, its purpose has only grown stronger, to generate knowledge that serves society.

Rethinking What We Know

A highlight of the day was the keynote address by Nobel Laureate and J-PAL Co-Founder Professor Abhijit Banerjee, who brought wisdom and humility to a challenging question: How do we turn research into lasting change?

Drawing on decades of fieldwork, Banerjee reminded us that good evidence often challenges what we think we know. Sometimes, it’s the smallest interventions—when timed right—that create the biggest ripple effects. From mentoring programs to service delivery tweaks, the lesson was clear: bold experimentation, paired with local insight, can reshape what’s possible.

He also touched on a deeper point. Evidence alone isn’t enough. Real impact comes from ecosystems—networks of trust among researchers, governments, and communities, working iteratively toward solutions that stick.

A Journey of Learning and Leadership

In a fireside chat titled The Journey to Five Years of J-PAL MENA, faculty and global partners reflected on lessons learned along the way. Moderated by Ahmed Elsayed, the session brought together Adam Osman, associate professor of economics, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and co-scientific director, J-PAL MENA; Bruno Crépon, professor, ENSAE and École Polytechnique and co-scientific director, J-PAL MENA; Alison Fahey, global director of partnerships and strategic initiatives at J-PAL; and our own Samer Atallah, associate dean for graduate studies and research at the Onsi Sawiris School of Business.

The discussion reinforced that lasting change is built on relationships. Long-term partnerships with governments, universities and development actors create the conditions for research to become action. They also create space for local researchers to lead, shifting the center of knowledge production to where it matters most.

One key takeaway: the best research doesn’t just ask if something works, but how, for whom and in what context. As the conversation turned to the future, panelists emphasized the need for fresh thinking on challenges like climate adaptation and gender equity.

Voices from the Field

If data tells one kind of story, people tell another. In a segment called Voices: Stories of Impact, development practitioners and government partners reflected on how J-PAL MENA has helped shift mindsets and reshape systems.

Speakers Abdelrahman Nagy, lead evaluation specialist at International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ei); Medhat Massoud, former government official and senior advisor, J-PAL MENA; Reham Rizk, director of Egypt Impact Lab; Mohannad Hesham Abouelrouse, founder and CEO of Life From Water Foundation; and Noha Magdy, MENA Scholars Fellow, brought energy and candor to the conversation. They spoke of the “J-PAL mindset”, one that challenges assumptions, invites experimentation, and insists on asking hard questions.

Their reflections were a powerful reminder that good intentions don’t always lead to impact and that embedding evidence within institutions isn’t just a technical challenge, it’s a cultural one. When public servants become champions for evidence, they build the muscle for continuous learning and lasting reform.

Looking Ahead

In his closing remarks, Iqbal Dhaliwal, global executive director of J-PAL, offered a candid reflection on the state of development and the road ahead. With tighter budgets and greater scrutiny, the sector must be more focused than ever: scaling what works, discontinuing what doesn’t and staying grounded in evidence.

He spoke, too, of the promise and pitfalls of new technologies like AI. Used thoughtfully, AI can enhance targeting and reduce bias. But it must be implemented inclusively, evaluated constantly and always in service of human dignity.

Perhaps most importantly, Dhaliwal reminded us that the work of development is deeply human. Policies don’t change lives, people do. Champions inside systems, who believe in data and act on it, are the key to real, sustained transformation.

Over the past five years, J-PAL MENA has conducted over 60 randomized evaluations, working with partners across the region to test, learn and improve. With initiatives like the Egypt Impact Lab and the Hub for Advanced Policy Innovation for the Environment (HAPIE), the foundation is in place for the next chapter of evidence-based innovation.

As the anniversary celebration came to an end, the energy in the room was palpable. This was more than a retrospective; it was a recommitment to asking tough questions, sharing what we learn, and building partnerships that endure.

Together, we look ahead. Not only to the next five years, but to a future where data drives decisions, partnerships drive progress, and impact drives everything we do.

On April 6, we hosted 20 undergraduate students from Leeds University Business School. The week-long trip was nothing short of remarkable. From classes given by faculty to practical insights from Egyptian industry leaders, the study tour offered an enriching academic journey, complemented by unforgettable cultural experiences.

A Phenomenal Learning Experience 

During the tour, students were exposed to the different facets that make up the business landscape in Egypt. From entrepreneurship and branding to the fundamentals of the MENA region’s economy, the study tour encapsulated the key knowledge points that students need to know in order to do business in the Middle East.

This experience not only focuses on giving the students a solid theoretical understanding, but it is also deeply rooted in the context of the region; with industry-focused sessions on areas such as sports marketing and tourism, students were able to explore areas that are uniquely influential within the Egyptian market. 

“The program has been a learning experience for our international business students. It offered an amazing balance of academic insight, cultural immersion and corporate engagement, giving our students a deep understanding of the MENA region's business dynamics and global relevance,” said Andy Smith, director of student education for the International Business Department.

An Industrial Encounter 

What makes DBiME a special experience is its immersive edge, offering industry visits that are designed to demonstrate to students how key players in the Egyptian business landscape function. In this tour, students had the opportunity to visit the Domty and P&G  plants as well as meet the CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board of Domty, Mohamed El Damaty. Many students enjoyed the contrast between both, with each having its own unique features that made it stand out.

As Charlie Fullerton, one of the students said, “When we went to the Domty headquarters, we got to meet the CEO and that is something you wouldn’t get the opportunity to see in the UK. I was able to ask the person who is actually running the company  questions, and find out more about the business  firsthand”. 

A Cultural Dream

While the program focuses on academia and professional advancement, Egypt’s unique cultural context remains at the heart of the experience. Visits to cultural landmarks like the Pyramids, Khan El-Khalili and El Moez embellished the tour, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

“I know it’s a study tour, but the culture and exploring all the places here is something else,” said Summer Heeks, one of the students who were visiting Egypt for the first time ever. Another student, Louis Bulpitt said, “The experience was a 10 out of 10 both in terms of  fun and education - Egypt is beautiful and the hustle and bustle in Cairo is really good”. 

 

This partnership, effective June 4, 2025, focuses on distributing high-quality case studies that highlight businesses and industries in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

Through this collaboration, KCC’s case studies will now be accessible to educators, students and organizations worldwide via Ivey Publishing’s extensive print and digital distribution network. This strategic move not only enhances the visibility of KCC’s work but also positions it as a significant contributor to global business education.

The partnership reflects KCC’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and practical business insights. By showcasing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in the MEA region, KCC aims to foster a deeper global understanding of this dynamic and rapidly evolving market.

Candis McInnes, executive director of Ivey Publishing, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration:

“We’re proud to partner with the El Khazindar Business Research and Case Center at the Onsi Sawiris School of Business of The American University in Cairo (AUC) to bring forward case studies that reflect the dynamic nature of business across regions and highlight the unique perspectives of case writers from around the globe. This collaboration supports our commitment to case learning for the world by making globally relevant learning materials accessible to all educators and students engaging with the case method.”

Engy Magdy, director of KCC, shared her thoughts on behalf of the school:

“Partnering with the prestigious Ivey Publishing reflects KCC’s commitment to sharing the voices and stories of businesses in the MEA region. This collaboration expands the global reach of our case studies and supports our mission to advance impactful business education. We look forward to working closely with Ivey, confident that this partnership will benefit the case community in the MEA region and beyond.”

The case collections will feature case studies that address a wide range of topics, including entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership and sustainability, all within the context of the MEA region. By collaborating with Ivey Publishing, KCC ensures that these cases will be leveraged as educational tools, promoting experiential learning and equipping students and business leaders with the skills and knowledge to navigate complex global challenges.

This partnership is a milestone in KCC’s mission to expand the global reach and impact of its case studies. It also reinforces KCC’s position as the leading case development center in the MEA region and a key player in advancing the use of case studies as powerful tools for learning and development.

Whether you're an educator, a business professional, or a student, this collaboration will provide you with access to diverse, high-quality case studies that offer valuable insights into the business landscape of the MEA region and beyond.

Stay tuned for more updates on the launch of the co-branded collection and how it will shape the future of business education!