For the First Time in the History of the Egyptian Exporters Association (ExpoLink): Dr. Shaimaa Oleba Elected as the First Woman to the Board of Directors (2026–2030)
Cairo –Mostafa El Masry:
In a landmark step reflecting institutional progress and the advancement of women in economic leadership, Dr. Shaimaa Oleba has been elected as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Exporters Association (ExpoLink) for the 2026–2030 term, becoming the first woman to assume this position in the Association’s 29-year history.
Dr. Oleba expressed her deep appreciation for the confidence placed in her by the General Assembly, emphasizing that the coming phase requires strategic integration between enhancing industrial, agricultural, and service production, and deepening local manufacturing by expanding the base of competitive small and medium-sized manufacturers alongside large enterprises. She underscored the importance of maximizing added value from international trade and cross-border partnerships to localize industry, attract investment, and increase exports, with the aim of achieving the strategic target of USD 150 million.
She further affirmed that effective institutional participation in policymaking, identifying opportunities, removing obstacles facing exporters, and transforming import-oriented traders into export-oriented businesses represent fundamental pillars for generating tangible and sustainable economic impact.A Distinguished Professional Track RecordDr. Oleba brings over 21 years of experience across trade, contracting, manufacturing, consulting, export development, and strategic alliance building.
She serves as Chairperson of Swick Infinity Solutions for Industry and Specialized Contracting, and previously served as a Board Member of the Engineering Industries Chamber at the Federation of Egyptian Industries (2021–2025). She is also a Board Member of Benha National University for Research, Development and Innovation, and an active member of the Egyptian Junior Business Association.
Throughout her career, she has contributed to the implementation of eight major national projects, in addition to numerous private-sector initiatives. During 2024 and 2025, she participated in establishing joint manufacturing and industrial localization projects in Egypt with foreign partners, with total investments exceeding USD 350 million.
Institutional Leadership and Policy Engagement
During her tenure at the Engineering Industries Chamber, she chaired the Committee for Integrating and Legalizing the Informal Sector and actively participated in several key committees within the Federation of Egyptian Industries, including foreign trade policy, investment, international cooperation, trade remedies, taxation, customs, standards and quality, and SME development.
She has played a leading role in preparing and qualifying 200 small and medium-sized enterprises for export readiness, supporting the formalization of informal factories and workshops, and contributing to major national policy files, including the State Ownership Policy Document, amendments to the SME Law, and public policy papers related to industry and export development.
Academic Excellence and Continuous DevelopmentAlongside her executive responsibilities, Dr. Oleba continues her academic journey as a Professional Doctorate researcher in Development Project Management at Cairo University and a Professional Doctorate researcher in Business Administration.
She holds two professional master’s degrees in Political Economy and National Security, and Risk and Crisis Management, in addition to completing more than 26 specialized training programs in public policy, governance, sustainability, green economy, digital transformation, and strategic planning.
National and International Recognition
Dr. Oleba was listed among Egypt’s Top 50 Most Influential Women in 2020 and has received multiple honors from national institutions. In November 2025, she was selected among the Choiseul 100 Africa ranking of the top 100 promising young African economic leaders.
Her election marks a significant milestone in the history of the Association and represents a strong step toward reinforcing women’s leadership in economic decision-making, while supporting Egypt’s strategic direction toward expanding exports and deepening local manufacturing.
