The Economic Research Forum and the World Bank are pleased to announce the second round of the “Youth Essay Competition”. In this round, young Egyptians are invited to submit essays presenting innovative solutions to promote (social) entrepreneurship and tackle social challenges in their communities.
Deadline for submission is April 20, 2017.
Read the Arabic Call for Essays.
A dynamic Private Sector and Entrepreneurship are vital for growth, economic development, and job creation. In the current socioeconomic context, social entrepreneurship can play an important factor in the growth recovery for Egypt. Social entrepreneurship builds on solutions that are driven by individuals, rather than the state. It responds to market demand and addresses the needs of people, thereby creating a social benefit.
Problem Statement: International comparison, the rate of new start-ups per year is very low in Egypt and recent data shows that Early-Stage Entrepreneurial Activity is stagnating at a very low 7% between 2010 to 2015 (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Survey).
Participants are encouraged to present solutions to promote entrepreneurship ideas with social impact. Ideas can address a range of topics, and should fall in one or several of the below categories:
- Fin-Tech: For example, new solutions for E-Payment, E-Banking, Finance and Micro-Finance
- Energy Efficiency: For example, how can a social enterprise help reduce the energy needs for providing goods and services? How can innovative techniques be applied to transform waste into a sustainable energy source?
- Infrastructure: For example, solutions that can help Egypt’s largest cities transition towards becoming smart cities. How can social enterprises connect and improve access to basic infrastructure and public services for marginalized citizens?
Q1. Who can apply?
Any Egyptian under 30 years old.
Q2. Are there requirements for Language, Format and Length?
The essay can be written in Arabic or English, and must be under 2,500 words. A separate abstract of up to 250 words is required. The essay needs to contain: (a) title; (b) abstract with a concise summary of key messages/solutions; (c) simple structure with introduction, solution, and conclusion; (d) clear list of recommendations; and (e) bibliography. Please acknowledge all references and add a complete bibliography, which is not part of the word count.
Q3. How will the Essay be evaluated?
The Essay will be reviewed by a panel of independent experts in two stages.
Stage 1: The panel will be evaluating all submissions according to three criteria: (1) the relevance and originality of your solutions; (2) the soundness of your argument, and whether your essay is well substantiated by the existing literature or experience; and (3) the feasibility and practicality of your recommendations.
Stage 2: The finalists will be invited to present their essays at an Award Ceremony in Cairo, where the winners will be selected. The final selection of the winners, will be based on the quality of their essay and clarity of their presentation during the Award Ceremony.
Q4. What is the timeline?
An electronic copy of your individually written essay needs to be submitted online at
www.cognitoforms.com/EgyptYouthEssay/CompetitionRound2 by April 20, 2017. The finalists will be notified by April 15, 2016. All the finalists will be invited to present their essay at the Award Ceremony in Cairo in early May 2017.
Q5. Are there prizes?
The essay competition offers recognition and financial awards. In addition to a certificate of achievement to all finalists, you will be able to present your idea to an audience of policy makers, sector specialists and other stakeholders. The best five essays will be published online by the World Bank and by the Economic Research Forum on their websites. The author of the best essay will receive 20,000 Egyptian pounds. The second, third, fourth and fifth place winners will be awarded 15,000; 10,000; 7,000 and 4,000 Egyptian pounds, respectively.
