Misr Elkheir News

To support researchers and innovators, the Ministry of Agriculture sponsors the “Innovation for Sustainable Development” Conference

The organizing committee of the “Agricultural Innovation for Sustainable Development 2026” Conference and Competition, held under the umbrella of the “State of Agricultural Innovation” initiative, announced the names of the finalists in a step aimed at supporting innovative minds and strengthening the role of scientific research in developing the agricultural sector and achieving food security.

The competition is being held under the official patronage and support of Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, as part of the state’s efforts to transform scientific research and applied innovations into practical solutions that serve farmers and investors while addressing climate and environmental challenges.

The competition witnessed broad participation with support from the Misr El Kheir Foundation – Scientific Research Sector, the Sandy Soil Clay Injection Project, and in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, along with the participation of several scientific and research institutions, including the Agricultural Research Center, the National Research Center, the City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, in addition to a number of agriculture faculties at Egyptian universities.

The organizing committee confirmed that the projects were evaluated through five specialized judging panels consisting of leading scientists and experts from Egypt and the Arab world, according to international scientific standards aimed at selecting projects that are applicable and economically and developmentally feasible.

The competition saw strong rivalry among 180 contestants from various universities and research centers before the entries were administratively and technically filtered down to 35 finalists representing individuals and research teams.

The winners are scheduled to be announced during the “Innovation: From Idea to Application” conference, set to take place on July 11, 2026, at the Olympic Village in Maadi, in the presence of several companies and institutions supporting agricultural investment.

The innovations that reached the finals varied between producing alternative animal feed from agricultural waste, nano-ozone and nano-oxygen devices, vertical hydroponic farming technologies, water requirement measurement systems, as well as the development of natural biopesticides and modern technologies to increase agricultural productivity.

Dr. Ali Abdel Aziz, President of the Conference, stated that the competition represents the foundation for launching the “National Initiative for the State of Agricultural Innovation,” with the goal of supporting innovators and building an integrated system linking scientific research with the productive sector.

Meanwhile, Dr. Zakaria Fouad, Vice President of the Conference and Head of the Judging Committees, explained that the great diversity of submitted ideas reflects the rapid development taking place in Egypt’s agricultural technology sector.

For her part, Dr. Nagwa El-Sayed, representative of the Misr El Kheir Foundation, emphasized the importance of investing in scientific research as one of the most important tools for confronting climate change and achieving sustainable development.

The conference’s General Coordinator, Dr. Dina Ahmed Ali, concluded by emphasizing that the organizing committee will work on marketing the winning innovations and connecting them with relevant institutions and organizations, helping transform innovative ideas into projects that can be implemented on the ground.

Thursday: Free Medical Convoy in Al-Najahia Village, Qena

Qena Governorate announced the launch of a free medical convoy in Al-Najahia village, following to Nag Hammadi Center, in cooperation with the Misr El Kheir Foundation and Al-Shifa Hospital in Qena, and with support from Banque Misr Foundation for Community Development. The initiative aims to support women’s health and provide free medical services to residents.

In an official statement, the governorate explained that the convoy will be held at the village health unit on Thursday and Friday, May 14 and 15, 2026, with preparations underway to provide free medical examinations and treatment for citizens.

Qena Governorate called on the residents of Al-Najahia village and neighboring villages to benefit from the services offered by the medical convoy, emphasizing the continued organization of medical convoys and health initiatives to ease burdens on citizens and deliver healthcare services to the villages most in need.

“Misr El Kheir Foundation Reaches 40% of Egypt’s Villages during Eid Days”

Ahmed Ali, Executive Director of Programs at Misr El Kheir Foundation, a member of the National Alliance for Civil Development Work, confirmed that the quality system within the foundation is divided into two main phases: pre-slaughter and post-slaughter. He explained that the institution handles each phase with the utmost precision to ensure that high-quality sacrificial meat reaches both beneficiaries and donors alike.

Pre-slaughter stage relies entirely on veterinary and agricultural supervision within the foundation’s farms

He explained that the pre-slaughter stage depends entirely on veterinary and agricultural supervision at the foundation’s farms, starting from the selection of livestock to the type of feed and the daily care provided to the animals.

The ultimate goal is to provide meat worthy of deserving families

He added that achieving the well-known taste of “local Egyptian meat” requires careful preparation and multiple stages of technical, agricultural, and veterinary monitoring. He emphasized that the ultimate goal is to provide meat worthy of deserving families while also giving donors confidence and pride when distributing sacrificial portions to those around them.

Every service within the foundation has what is known as a “Policies and Procedures Manual”

He pointed out that the second part of the quality system relates to slaughtering, preparation, and packaging operations. Every service within the foundation has a “Policies and Procedures Manual” that outlines the required quality standards at every stage of the project. He confirmed that the foundation reviews every step, from selecting the appropriate slaughterhouse to packaging and transportation operations, ensuring that work is carried out only in accredited government slaughterhouses operating under full veterinary supervision and official oversight.

The foundation sets precise standards for every detail within slaughterhouses and processing facilities

He added that the foundation establishes detailed standards for all aspects inside slaughterhouses and processing plants, starting from specially prepared flooring designed to prevent bacterial growth, to cutting and draining tables, freezing tunnels, refrigeration units, and even the type of packaging bags used. Every component undergoes approval and monitoring by specialized authorities before use.

He revealed that the foundation operates through more than 120 approved sources, including slaughterhouses and certified entities, in addition to a network of more than 1,500 civil society organizations across various governorates. He confirmed that work teams reach no less than 35–40% of Egypt’s villages during the four days of Eid al-Adha meat distribution.

He explained that the government slaughterhouses cooperating with the foundation are subject to continuous veterinary supervision, and meat is not stamped or approved until its safety and suitability for human consumption are confirmed. He stressed that health and veterinary standards represent a top priority for the foundation.

Criteria for selecting sacrificial animals

Regarding the criteria for selecting sacrificial livestock, Ahmed Ali confirmed that the foundation relies on specific religious and technical standards. He explained that the minimum acceptable weight is approximately 420 kilograms in order to ensure high meat yield and superior meat quality.

He added that animals weighing less than 350 kilograms are still in the skeletal growth stage and therefore do not provide the required quality or optimal meat yield.

The foundation focuses primarily on local meat

He pointed out that the foundation places greater emphasis on local meat. Some breeds may originate from outside Egypt at a young age, but they are raised on Egyptian farms for periods of two months or more, fed on local feed, and eventually acquire the characteristics and flavor of traditional Egyptian local meat. This distinguishes them from imported meat, which is slaughtered directly at the borders before entering the country.

He emphasized that donors and citizens consistently show the highest demand for local meat because of its superior quality and distinctive taste. This is why Misr El Kheir Foundation is keen to expand this type of sacrifice within its annual campaigns.

The foundation complies with Egyptian law regarding slaughter operations

He added that the foundation complies fully with Egyptian law concerning slaughter operations, relying exclusively on male livestock for sacrifices, while the slaughter of females is prohibited except in specific cases and with official veterinary certificates, in order to preserve livestock resources and comply with applicable regulations.

He concluded by affirming that the quality system at Misr El Kheir Foundation goes beyond simply providing good meat. It also aims to maintain donors’ trust and ensure that safe and healthy products reach deserving families across all governorates according to the highest approved veterinary and technical standards.

“Misr El Kheir Foundation aims to reach 32,000 sacrificial shares and expand the beneficiary base”

Mahmoud El Masry, Senior Director of Projects and Economic Empowerment and Director of the Sacrificial Share Campaign at Misr El Kheir Foundation, a member of the National Alliance for Civil Development Work, emphasized that quality remains the core principle of the organization’s sacrificial share campaign every year. He noted that over the years, the foundation has become associated with providing high-quality local meat, which has earned donors’ trust and made the campaign one of the leading sacrifice initiatives in Egypt.

He explained that the foundation relies on a fully integrated system that begins with selecting sacrificial livestock from the organization’s farms located across several regions. The animals undergo thorough religious, technical, and veterinary inspections supervised by specialized teams of veterinarians and agricultural engineers to ensure the health of the livestock and the quality of the meat. These preparations begin as early as five to six months before the sacrifice season.

He pointed out that this year’s campaign aims to offer four main products, led by the local sacrificial share priced at 11,900 Egyptian pounds per share. Another offering is the “One Animal in a Village” initiative, which involves slaughtering an entire sacrificial animal within targeted villages and distributing the meat to the most vulnerable families, at a cost of 85,000 pounds.

The foundation also provides “charity meat” products for those unable to afford a full sacrificial share. Donors can contribute a kilogram of charity meat for 480 pounds or support a package including one kilogram of meat, a bottle of oil, and one kilogram of rice for 550 pounds, with the aim of bringing joy to deserving families during Eid al-Adha.

El Masry added that the foundation is committed to maintaining the same quality standards for both the meat distributed to beneficiaries and the portions received by donors. A donor wishing to receive their share gets approximately 9 kilograms of meat starting from the fourth day of Eid, while distribution to eligible families begins on the first day of Eid al-Adha across 27 governorates and various targeted villages and hamlets.

He stressed that quality is not limited to the meat itself but extends to every stage of production, starting from the type of feed and grazing systems to livestock breeding and housing conditions at the foundation’s farms, all the way to controlling fat ratios in the meat according to proper standards to ensure a healthy and safe product. He explained that feed is selected with great care to achieve the best feed conversion rates for the animals, ultimately improving the quality of meat provided to citizens.

He revealed that the foundation aims this year to reach 32,000 sacrificial shares, marking growth compared to previous years. This expansion requires continuously updating databases of eligible families and extending outreach to new villages and hamlets that many donors cannot easily access directly. He also noted that the foundation has a wide network of volunteers and field teams that help reach the most vulnerable groups across different governorates.

He explained that packaging, transportation, and distribution operations are also subject to strict quality standards. Refrigerated transport vehicles are used to preserve the safety and quality of the meat and ensure it reaches beneficiaries and donors in optimal condition. The foundation is continuously working to improve this system in order to reach the largest possible number of families in need.

Regarding veterinary supervision, El Masry confirmed that monitoring is conducted year-round, not only during the sacrifice season. Animals are constantly monitored for diseases or health changes resulting from climate fluctuations, alongside regular vaccination and inspection programs to maintain livestock health. Growth rates and feed conversion are also tracked within the farms to guarantee the highest possible meat quality.

He further noted that the foundation’s sacrifice project is not limited to charitable work but is also connected to economic empowerment initiatives. Many of the livestock raised on the foundation’s farms originally belong to young people and female breadwinners who received them through development programs. These beneficiaries are trained in modern breeding and housing techniques within the foundation’s farms, helping them generate sustainable income and improve their living conditions.

Mahmoud El Masry emphasized that when donors entrust the foundation with carrying out a sacrificial share, they are not only fulfilling a religious duty but also indirectly supporting economic empowerment projects and assisting vulnerable families across Egypt’s governorates.

“For the 12th Consecutive Year… Misr El Kheir Foundation Announces Details of the Sacrificial Share Campaign”

For the twelfth consecutive year, Misr El Kheir Foundation, a member of the National Alliance for Civil Development Work, has launched its 2026 Sacrificial Share Campaign under the slogan: “ Goodness is Joy… Your Sacrifice with Misr El Kheir.”

Dr. Ahmed Ali: The Sacrificial Share Campaign with Misr El Kheir is not merely a religious ritual, but a fully integrated development process

Dr. Ahmed Ali, Executive Director of Programs at Misr El Kheir Foundation, stated that the Sacrificial Share Campaign is entering its twelfth year with the aim of bringing joy to deserving families during Eid al-Adha by distributing meat across all governorates of Egypt.

He emphasized that the campaign is not simply a religious ritual performed by Muslims, but rather an integrated development initiative that contributes to creating thousands of job opportunities for young people. He said: “Over the past years, we have provided tens of thousands of job opportunities that benefit both youth and the state through supporting the food security system.”

He explained that the campaign’s primary goal is to provide red meat to Egyptian families while generating a social—not profit-driven—return. The initiative includes training programs for youth in the field of livestock production, followed by providing the necessary funding to establish small-scale projects, in addition to supplying livestock, vaccinations, feed, and veterinary supervision. After the fattening cycle is completed, the livestock are purchased back from the participants.

He added: “We have farms in Beheira, El-Tor, South Sinai, and the Oases,” noting that farm locations are selected based on their suitability for livestock production and their ability to provide employment opportunities for youth.

Dr. Ahmed Ali stressed that Misr El Kheir Foundation is considered one of the largest livestock producers in Egypt, emphasizing that the campaign reflects the organization’s commitment to its developmental role in building human capacity and encouraging youth employment through supporting small projects that provide sustainable income.

Mahmoud Abdel Hakim: The campaign includes four programs, and we aim for 32,000 sacrificial shares to serve around 2 million beneficiaries

Mahmoud Abdel Hakim, Director of the Sacrificial Share Campaign at the foundation, stated that the campaign includes four products:

• The “Local Sacrificial Share” valued at 11,900 Egyptian pounds
• “A Local Sacrificial Animal in a Village” valued at 85,000 pounds

He added that two additional products were introduced for contributors who wish to participate but cannot afford a full share:

• “One Kilogram of Charity Meat” for 480 pounds
• “One Kilogram of Charity Meat + a Bottle of Oil + One Kilogram of Rice” for 550 pounds

He confirmed that all campaign products rely entirely on 100% locally sourced meat.

He explained that the sacrificial share worth 11,900 pounds includes 27 kilograms of local meat distributed to beneficiaries starting from the first day of Eid. Donors may also receive their religiously entitled portion of 9 kilograms, delivered free of charge starting from the fourth day of Eid if they choose, or they may allocate the entire share to beneficiaries.

He pointed out that one of the campaign’s main advantages is its full compliance with Islamic Sharia regulations, along with the application of the highest medical and veterinary standards. This process begins with carefully selecting livestock, which undergoes strict examinations by specialized veterinarians, followed by slaughtering in more than 100 equipped slaughterhouses across Egypt, and ending with packaging and distribution.

He also stressed the variety of donation methods available, including through the website (mekeg.org), the “Misr El Kheir” mobile application, the hotline 16140, and the foundation’s branches. He confirmed that purchasing sacrificial shares will continue until the Day of Arafah.

Mahmoud Abdel Hakim further revealed that the campaign aims to reach approximately 32,000 sacrificial shares benefiting more than 2 million people. He added that the foundation has adopted the use of “thermal bags” for delivering meat to donors through Misr El Kheir branches in order to preserve quality.

Marwa Osama: The meat is pure local meat subject to the highest veterinary care standards to ensure safety

Engineer Marwa Osama, Deputy Director of Ard El Kheir Livestock Company, stated that for the twelfth consecutive year, the campaign is being launched from one of the foundation’s farms. She explained that the meat provided is “pure local meat” subject to strict monitoring and control.

She confirmed that livestock selection is conducted through specialized veterinary committees to ensure compliance with both religious and health standards.

She concluded by noting that the foundation cooperates with youth through “Ard El Kheir” farms to transform them into small-scale investors, where beneficiaries raise livestock under the foundation’s full supervision until they become capable of independently managing their own projects.

When Banks Meet Charity: A Real Story of Development on the Ground

Major General Dr. Mostafa El-Beblawy, Governor of Qena, received Dr. Heba Hussein, Executive Director of the Banque Misr Foundation for Community Development, and Dr. Khaled Omran, Director of Misr El Kheir Foundation in the governorates of Qena, Luxor, and the Red Sea, along with representatives from both organizations. The meeting aimed to explore avenues for joint cooperation in implementing a number of developmental and service projects targeting the improvement of quality of life for citizens in villages and centers across the governorate, especially the most vulnerable groups.

The Governor of Qena praised the fruitful cooperation between the two sides and the developmental projects that have been implemented across the governorate. He emphasized that such partnerships represent a successful model of integration between state institutions, civil society, and the banking sector, contributing directly to achieving comprehensive development and improving citizens’ quality of life.

El-Beblawy affirmed that the achievements made in the villages of Nag Hammadi reflect an integrated development vision focused on people, through improving education and healthcare services, supporting economic empowerment, and enhancing living stability for the most vulnerable families. He stressed the importance of continuing and expanding these efforts to reach a greater number of beneficiaries.

Heba Hussein, Executive Director of the Banque Misr Foundation for Community Development, confirmed that continued cooperation with Misr El Kheir Foundation reflects the institution’s commitment to supporting comprehensive development efforts. She noted that the foundation believes in the importance of integrated development and the interconnection between community and economic empowerment.

She added that the current phase aims to enhance the sustainability of the services provided and expand the scope of beneficiaries, ensuring the achievement of integrated and sustainable development within the villages of Nag Hammadi in Qena Governorate.

In a gesture of appreciation reflecting the depth of partnership and cooperation, the Governor of Qena presented the governorate’s shield to Dr. Khaled Omran and Dr. Heba Hussein in recognition of their efforts in supporting development work. In return, Dr. Khaled Omran presented the Misr El Kheir Foundation’s shield to the Governor of Qena in appreciation of his continuous support for development initiatives in the governorate.

Misr El Kheir Foundation announced the success of its strategic partnership with Banque Misr in implementing the development project for villages in Nag Hammadi, Qena Governorate. This comes as a continuation of previous successes, including the development of Al-Arki village in Farshout, which achieved a tangible impact in improving the living environment and services provided to residents.

The Nag Hammadi villages development project in Qena Governorate represents an integrated model of sustainable development, combining improvements in education and healthcare services, support for livelihoods, and empowerment of vulnerable groups—contributing to raising living standards and achieving real development that citizens can feel within their communities.

Signing of a Cooperation Protocol to Establish a Water Desalination Plant in Central Sinai

North Sinai Governorate signed a cooperation protocol with Misr El Kheir Foundation to establish a water desalination plant in the village of Bir 7 in Nakhl Center. The project aims to provide a safe and sustainable source of drinking water for the village’s residents.

Major General Dr. Khaled Megawer, Governor of North Sinai, confirmed  that the protocol include  efforts to improve water services and enhance quality of life, noting the continued cooperation with civil society organizations to serve the people of the governorate.

Dr. Afaf El-Gohary from Misr El Kheir Foundation explained that the project builds on previous efforts to implement desalination plants in several villages, supporting stability and providing essential services to citizens.

Misr El Kheir Foundation and Film Heroine Faiza Honored at the Closing of the Aswan International Women’s Film Festival

At the closing ceremony of the 10th edition of the Aswan International Women’s Film Festival, Misr El Kheir Foundation received special recognition for its second consecutive year of participation. The foundation’s film heroine, the Egyptian student “Faiza,” was also awarded a special prize by the jury in the Short Films with Impact competition, where she was selected as “Best Influential Character” in recognition of her portrayal as a real-life Egyptian girl who faced challenges with strength and determination.

Misr El Kheir also supported young talents through the “Southern Films” competition. Dr. Hanan El-Darbashi, Head of the Social Solidarity and Debtors Sector at the foundation, took part in presenting awards during the closing ceremony.

Dr. Loay Saad El-Din Nosrat, Acting President of Aswan University, praised the films screened at the festival, emphasizing that they served as an honest reflection of society by deeply addressing humanitarian and social issues.

In a gesture of appreciation, the Acting President of Aswan University announced a full free scholarship for Faiza, the heroine of Misr El Kheir’s film, to complete her Master’s and PhD studies in engineering at the university.

In the same context, Dr. Hanan El-Darbashi noted that the foundation’s participation in the festival focuses on building genuine partnerships with artists to produce works carrying humanitarian messages capable of changing perceptions. She added that the foundation showcased impactful examples addressing various social issues, including indebted women, economic empowerment, and environmental challenges. She emphasized that Misr El Kheir seeks to expand its impact through collaboration with universities and art academies, as well as organizing training workshops for youth to help prepare a generation that is aware of development issues and capable of expressing them through modern artistic tools.

Actor Hamza El-Aily praised the foundation’s support for the film’s heroine, noting that her selection as a model made the jury pause and reflect, as she represents the strong Egyptian woman who can successfully lead her life when given the opportunity. He also commended the foundation’s initiative and commitment to presenting real-life stories in a creative format capable of competing internationally, expecting that the film will win several awards at upcoming international festivals.

Writer Azza Kamel, a member of the festival’s board of trustees, also praised the foundation’s participation, emphasizing that choosing a real-life heroine reflects the authenticity of the experience and presents a role model for using art to serve social causes.

The ceremony concluded with the affirmation that true success is not measured only by awards, but by a work’s ability to reach people’s hearts and influence them—something Misr El Kheir achieved through vibrant human stories.

Faiza’s recognition came as the culmination of an inspiring journey of resilience, in which she overcame illness and the hardships of living away from home, transforming her story into a message of hope that reflects the essence of the foundation’s societal role in improving the lives of Egyptian families.