The Arab Spring - New Opportunities for Associations in the Middle East and North Africa

Mr. Hisham Fahmy, CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in EgyptI had the chance to speak recently with Mr. Hisham Fahmy, the CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt. Mr. Fahmy is also a Member of the Board of Advisors at the American University of Cairo Business School and is a former Chairman of the Egyptian Society of Association Executives.

Today, there are 85 million Egyptian citizens, busy at work defining their new constitution, a democratic government and a market economy. All across North Africa, in countries like Tunisia, Morocco and Libya, there are new and exciting opportunities for associations and other civil society organizations to make a real difference. 

The political process in Egypt is evolving with a resoltion expected by end of February 2012 when a new President and Parlament is expected to be elected and installed. It is hoped that this process will continue peacefully. 

At present, despite the political vacuum, business is moving ahead. The financial and banking sectors are functioning and it is only now in the public sector where there are calls for better pay and working conditions. Public sector employees have been paid very low wages for decades and see the political changes as an opportunity to gain parity with the private sector.

Although the many political changes have had an impact on businesses, they have also produced some great opportunities. The fundamentals of Egypt: a large domestic market, trade agreements with the EU, Africa (COMESA) and the other Middle Eastern countries, and its position as a commercial and cultural hub in the region are all very favorable for businesses and associations.  

Egyptians are also very positive toward Americans and American institutions despite the serious differences regarding politics in the region. Companies like Coca Cola, Proctor and Gamble and General Motors are thriving and expanding in the region from their base in Egypt.

Today there approximately 30k NGO's of which half are active and the vast majority of those are in the charity and relief sector. There are only a small number of very active or effective business and professional societies in Egypt due to the formerly negative environment under the previous government. This means that there is a serious gap for associations to fill regarding education, professional development, standards and certification in all professional sectors.

It is expected that the number of civil society organizations, including trade and professional associations, will expand rapidly, especially after the political situation has been defined and stabilised.

Egypt is also a great base to develop opportunities in other parts of the region including the other North African countries of Tunisia and Libya which are going through their own democratization phases as well.

If your organization is interested in developing a stronger presence in the fast growing MENA region, Mr. Fahmy is someone you will want to speak with.

Contact him directly at: 

Hisham Fahmy, CEO

American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt

33 Soliman Abaza Street, Dokki - Giza, Egypt

Tel: +20 2 3338 1050   |   Fax: +20 2 3338 1060