A New Chapter Ahead: Walaa to Present English-Language Programming on Maspero’s Overseas Radio Services Broadcasting in 23″ Languages “Worldwide

Cairo – Maii Abdo:

From the quiet streets of Tanta emerged a young girl whose aspirations far exceeded the contours of her hometown.

As a child, Walaa Ghanem sat mesmerized before political talk shows—enchanted by the cadence of the Arabic language and the poise of Arab news presenters.

She had no way of knowing that this early fascination would chart the course of her professional life, guiding her years later into the heart of regional newsrooms.

Despite not coming from a media-oriented family, her ambition quietly matured. Upon completing high school, she pursued a degree in English at the Faculty of Arts, believing language proficiency to be the closest gateway to her dream.

At the encouragement of her father, she applied for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ examinations—a rigorous process she advanced through until the final stages. Although not accepted, the experience proved foundational. Exposure to subjects such as international law and political affairs equipped her with early insights that would later strengthen her journalistic identity.

A Modest Beginning… Opening the First Door

Her breakthrough arrived when she was nominated for training at the News Sector in Maspero. In 2007, Walaa took her first steps inside Egypt’s national broadcasting headquarters—beginning a demanding yet transformative journey.

For a full year she trained—without salary—as a reporter and field correspondent, while her family bore the weight of financial and logistical demands.

She traveled daily from Tanta to Cairo, often five or six days a week, carrying determination greater than her fatigue.Years of persistence paid off. After extensive training and unwavering dedication, she was eventually appointed as a correspondent—marking her first concrete step toward becoming a presenter.

Experience Across Channels… A Career Forged by Diversity

After establishing her footing at Maspero, she moved to Al-Ghad Al-Arabi, where she hosted The Market—an intensive economic program that introduced her to the complexities of global financial systems. She later anchored a political morning show on the same channel before joining ON Live, where she presented Economic Hour.

She regards this phase as one of the most mature chapters of her career, given its intellectual depth, prominent guests, and analytical rigor.

She then returned briefly to Al-Ghad Al-Arabi to host the morning program once more, before moving to Al-Hayat TV for a medical show.

Each stage, she notes, added a new layer to her professional persona—shaping a presenter capable of versatility and informed dialogue.In early 2025, Walaa returned to Maspero—the institution that launched her journey and continues to anchor her identity.

A Global Voice in the Making… Stepping Into the Future

Committed to lifelong learning, Walaa completed her Master’s degree in Digital Journalism at the American University in Cairo (AUC).

She developed new skills in photography and video editing and expanded her reading habits to become a defining element of her daily life.“Reading transforms the human spirit—how you see yourself and the world,” she says.

To Walaa, reading is not a casual pastime but an essential practice—an inner compass shaping her worldview. She describes books as “windows that recalibrate the soul,” portals that enrich human insight and broaden intellectual depth. She reads extensively in history, philosophy, and religion, believing every book leaves an imprint on her understanding of events.

She is equally committed to cultivating a reading culture at home. With a warm smile, she recounts how she encourages her daughters to read—offering one pound per page as a playful nudge toward developing a lifelong habit. The reward, she notes, is symbolic; the true goal is to ensure reading becomes a joy rather than a school obligation.

Soon on Air… Walaa’s English-Language Debut on Maspero’s Overseas Radio

Walaa is set to begin presenting English-language content on Maspero’s Overseas Radio Service—a global broadcasting arm transmitting in 23 languages across continents.This upcoming role marks a significant milestone, offering her a broader platform and a new audience.

A Landmark International Experience: AI Training in IndiaIn October, the Indian Embassy nominated a group of professionals for an advanced training program in artificial intelligence applications.

Walaa was selected as one of the participants—and notably, she was the first Egyptian journalist to take part in this international program.She describes the experience as “unforgettable,” noting that it reshaped her understanding of the future of media, particularly as AI continues to redefine the industry. The program reinforced her belief that staying technically informed is no longer optional—it is essential.

Her Style… and the Secret Behind Her Connection With Viewers

When asked what makes her stand out, she offers a modest smile: “I’m not sure.”Yet audience feedback tells a clear story: viewers appreciate her clarity, simplicity, and ability to make complex topics approachable. She prepares her material meticulously, crafts her own questions, and studies her guests thoroughly before going on air.Detail-oriented preparation, she believes, is the backbone of credible journalism.

A Home That Supports Ambition

Walaa attributes much of her strength to her parents and to her husband, whom she describes as “cultured, composed, and deeply supportive.” Their encouragement, she says, is what allows her to strike the balance necessary for success.

Patience… and the Beauty of the Long Journey

Walaa believes that many have grown distant from culture and contemplation, both of which she sees as essential to grounding the human spirit.

When asked if she would change anything in her life, she responds with quiet certainty:“I wouldn’t change a thing. Every step—pleasant or difficult—brought me here.”

Her message to young dreamers:“Pursue your goals with unwavering dedication. Do not stop—not even when every door seems closed. Those who persevere are the ones who arrive. And read—read abundantly.”

Beyond Economics… A Calling Rooted in Humanity

Though she has excelled in political and economic journalism, Walaa aspires to focus more deeply on stories of refugees and the forcibly displaced—a subject she believes is profoundly human and morally necessary.“When you witness the journey of a refugee, you realize that your excuses for failure pale in comparison.”

During her Master’s program, she intentionally selected a course on refugee issues in North Africa and the Middle East—reinforcing her commitment to bringing these human stories to the forefront.

A Journey That Proves Success Is Built One Step at a Time

Walaa Ghanem is far more than an economic presenter; she is a woman who clung to her dream, persevered through a long and demanding journey, and rose with patience, knowledge, and purpose. Her path—shaped by Maspero, Al-Ghad Al-Arabi, ON Live, and others—reflects a journalist who reads extensively, prepares meticulously, and speaks with clarity and depth.

Her story serves as a testament that success is not instantaneous—it is built through persistence, belief, and an unyielding commitment to the path.In her own words:“Pursue your goals with everything you have… for those who continue are the ones who ultimately reach.”