SwissCham Gala Celebrates Timeless Leadership and Swiss-Egyptian Collaboration With the Participation of H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat

The Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Egypt (SwissCham) hosted its highly anticipated annual Gala Event during May under the theme “Timeless Leadership: From the Peaks of the Alps to the Soul of the Nile.” Held at the distinguished Swiss Residence Villa in Cairo, the black-tie evening brought together senior figures from Swiss and Egyptian government and business sectors to celebrate leadership, partnership, and innovation.
Honoring Leadership and Partnership
The Gala welcomed an esteemed guest list, including H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning , Economic Development and International Cooperation ; H.E. Eng. Mohamed Shimi, Minister of Public Business Sector; H.E. Dr. Sameh El-Hefny, Minister of Civil Aviation; H.E. Dr. Andreas Baum, Ambassador of Switzerland to Egypt; Mr. Kamal Abdel Malek, President of SwissCham Egypt; and H.E. Amr Moussa, former Egyptian Foreign Minister and former Secretary-General of the Arab League.

SwissCham continues to serve as a vital platform for Swiss businesses operating in Egypt, facilitating dialogue, building connections, and supporting sustainable commercial development. The recent establishment of its counterpart in Switzerland—the Egyptian Swiss Business Circle (ESBC)—further strengthens bilateral engagement by fostering partnerships and business exchange from both sides. Switzerland has long been one of the leading foreign investors in Egypt, ranking among the top ten in recent years.
A Night of Insight and Celebration
The evening commenced with a welcome reception followed by opening remarks from Mr. Kamal Abdel Malek and Ambassador Dr. Andreas Baum.

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“Timeless leaders lead with purpose, not just plans. They embrace uncertainty as a field of possibility and uplift others with their words,” said Mr. Abdel Malek. “At SwissCham, we are committed to cultivating actionable dialogue and creating investment opportunities that serve both Swiss companies and the Egyptian economy.” “When Swiss precision meets Egyptian ingenuity, exceptional things happen,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Baum stated: “SwissCham Egypt plays a crucial role in connecting Swiss excellence with Egypt’s dynamic business environment. As we build on the momentum of the first Joint Economic Commission and celebrate 90 years of Swiss-Egyptian friendship, the Gala is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation, partnership, and sustainable growth.”

This year’s Gala highlighted the importance of inclusive leadership and gender diversity, with keynote speaker H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat delivering a powerful address titled “Egypt & Switzerland: A Timeless Journey of Progress.” Her remarks underscored the dynamic ties between the two nations while emphasizing the pivotal role of women’s empowerment in economic development.

Her speech, rich in data and personal insight, touched on the importance of trust, clarity, and shared purpose in leadership, leaving a lasting impression on the audience of policymakers and executives.
Honoring Lifetime Achievement
A centerpiece of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to H.E. Amr Moussa, honoring his distinguished contributions to diplomacy and regional cooperation. “The Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Egypt plays a vital role in deepening economic cooperation between our two countries. By supporting its members and helping them tackle challenges, it opens doors to new investment windows,” said Mr. Moussa.
Showcasing Swiss Business Leadership
The “Swiss Business Leadership Visions” segment featured inspiring contributions from:
– Ahmed Hammad, Chairman, ABB Egypt – celebrating 100 years of ABB’s innovation in energy, automation, and infrastructure;
– Ramy Hamza, Commercial Director, Lafarge Egypt – reflecting on 20+ years of infrastructure leadership;
– Tarek Kamel, Chairman & Managing Director, Nestlé Egypt – marking 125 years of Nestlé’s continuous presence in Egypt;
– Jihane El Murr, President, Novartis Egypt – highlighting over six decades of contributions to healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

Their collective insights painted a vivid picture of Swiss industry’s long-term impact on Egypt’s development.
Commitment to Social Responsibility
In alignment with its CSR values, SwissCham dedicated a portion of this year’s Gala proceeds to support the Bishara Foundation, which empowers women in the Al Asmarat community. Ms. Sara Al Haddad, Executive Director of SwissCham Egypt, shared this initiative during the evening, presenting a token of appreciation to Ms. Marie Bishara, founder of the foundation, in recognition of her ongoing contributions to social development and women’s empowerment.
A Night to Remember
The evening concluded with live musical performances, a gourmet dinner, and a recognition ceremony honoring SwissCham’s corporate partners. The event wrapped up with an official group photo featuring board members, diplomats, ministers, and business leaders—visibly underscoring the spirit of unity and collaboration that defines SwissCham’s mission.