• Egypt’s student discount platform, Youth, secured USD 20,000 (LE 1 million) in funding through the Gen-Z entrepreneurship show.

• Malak El Leithy, 22, founded Youth after using similar apps abroad. She created the platform to fill a gap in Egypt’s market.

• Youth’s success was driven by an initiative from Egypt’s Ministry of Higher Education, providing young entrepreneurs with funding and mentorship from top business leaders.

Youth, Egypt’s student discount application, has raised USD 20,000 (LE 1 million) in funding through the Gen-Z entrepreneurship show.

The show attracted over 25,000 student applicants from 39 universities across the country, showcasing the innovative potential of Egypt’s youth.

This application, launched less than four months ago, provides students with exclusive discounts in various sectors including fitness, dining, shopping, and entertainment. With over 60 brand partnerships already secured, Youth’s rapid growth is evident.

Founder’s Vision and Inspiration

The platform’s founder, Malak El Leithy, just 22 years old, drew inspiration from similar student discount apps she used while studying in the UK and the Netherlands.

Furthermore, recognizing a gap in Egypt’s market for such a service, she created Youth to cater to the needs of Egypt’s young, tech-savvy population. El Leithy’s efforts, coupled with support from prominent Egyptian business leaders, underscore the potential of her innovative platform to reshape student experiences across Egypt.

Strategic Support and Mentorship

Moreover, Youth’s recent funding came as part of a broader initiative led by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Innovators Support Fund (ISF), and United Media Services.

Additionally, the Gen-Z show offers young entrepreneurs a platform to overcome financial, technical, and logistical challenges. It is also providing invaluable mentorship from leading business figures like Tarek Kamel, CEO of Nestlé Egypt, and Mohamed Shelbaya, CEO of PepsiCo Africa and Egypt.

Generation Z: Egypt’s Driving Force for Innovation

Generation Z in Egypt, born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, represents about 20% of the country’s population. They are contributing over 20 million young individuals to the workforce and economy.

This generation is marked by its high digital literacy, entrepreneurial spirit, and affinity for technology-driven solutions.

With their increasing participation in the startup ecosystem, platforms like Youth are uniquely positioned. As they also cater to their needs, reflecting the growing influence of Gen Z in driving Egypt’s digital and economic future.