Philip Morris Misr and Misr El Kheir Launch a Campaign to Improve Living Conditions for Families in Sohag

Philip Morris Misr has joined forces with Misr El Kheir Foundation to support economic empowerment and enhance infrastructure for families in Akhmim, Sohag Governorate. The initiative comes as part of a joint CSR campaign in Upper Egypt under the theme “We Shape Tomorrow.”
The partnership aims to foster economic empowerment by providing comprehensive support for the establishment or development of microbusiness for beneficiaries from Akhmim. These individuals, equipped with practical skills and ideas in fields such as tailoring, embroidery, trade, and food production, will receive financing, training, technical consultation, and equipment to start their businesses. This integrated support is designed to strengthen micro businesses and support the new entrepreneurs in creating sustainable income opportunities for families.
The new partnership between Philip Morris and Misr El Kheir also aims to improve essential infrastructure to foster productivity and economic growth by providing safe drinking water for Nagaa Arab Mahdi in Akhmim, Sohag Governorate. This will be achieved through replacing degraded asbestos water pipes in the village, which are now known for their long-term harmful effects on both human health and the environment. Asbestos fibers can contaminate soil and water, causing lasting environmental damage. Replacing these pipes is therefore vital to protect residents from disease and safeguard the environment, particularly in a community that ranks among the most impoverished and in need of development in Upper Egypt. The beneficiaries from this infrastructure will be 5 thousand community partners.
Ali Nevzat Karaman, Managing Director of Philip Morris Egypt and Levant, described the initiative as a pioneering model for corporate social responsibility in Egypt. “This partnership goes beyond traditional donations. It represents a true approach to sustainable development. Not only does it tackle poverty and unemployment but also keeps an eye on the surrounding environment to foster and nurture the community as a whole.” He added, “we have many building blocks that shapes our sustainability programs in Philip Morris for which in 2024, we received for the forth time in a row , a ‘Triple A’ rating from the global nonprofit CDP. This initiative reflects our commitment to translating sustainability pledges into tangible projects on the ground,” he said.
Amal Mobadda, Chief Fundraising Officer at Misr El Kheir Foundation, valued the collaboration, emphasizing its impact on transforming lives in Sohag. “This partnership will help families shift from being aid recipients to successful business owners within an improved environment. It aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and is successful with the effort and dedication in place. “We Shape Tomorrow” will serve as a strong model to replicate across other governorates,” she noted.
This collaboration between Philip Morris and Misr El Kheir reinforces national priorities to support eradicating unemployment and community development. It also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), on both organizations’ sustainability agendas, particularly those related to poverty reduction, improving living standards, and environmental protection.