Grace Ashiru
Nawah Scientific, a prominent Egyptian scientific research and analysis institution, has recently achieved a significant feat by securing accreditation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its food analysis and safety procedures. This landmark achievement marks Nawah Scientific as the first African center to receive such recognition. This accreditation is particularly beneficial for Egyptian and African companies, as it eliminates the need and expense of sending samples abroad for analysis. This development is a substantial step forward in facilitating exports to the U.S. market and simultaneously strengthens the domestic food industry in Egypt.
Originating as a startup, Nawah Scientific has been a key player in scientific research and analysis. The startup has been financially and technically supported by Egypt Ventures, a fund initiated by the Ministry of International Cooperation, the General Authority for Investment, Free Zones, and the National Investment Bank. This fund focuses on investing directly and indirectly in startups, entrepreneurship, and small-scale businesses.
Dr. Omar Sakr, the Founder and CEO of Nawah Scientific, has highlighted the significance of the company’s recent FDA accreditation, a milestone previously exclusive to European firms. This achievement places Nawah Scientific prominently among world-class laboratories and research centers, positively influencing the company and Egypt’s food market. It paves the way for partnerships with international bodies like the U.N. World Food Programme, offering cost and time savings for Egyptian exporters looking to analyze their products before exporting to the U.S.
Dr. Sakr also revealed Nawah Scientific’s ambitions to use this accreditation as a springboard into major African markets, including Nigeria and South Africa.
Mr. Hossam Heiba, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, commented on the role of accreditation in enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian agricultural exports globally. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Nawah Scientific organizationally and in terms of promotion, underscoring his belief in startups as catalysts for economic growth and integral to Egypt’s participation in global production chains.
Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, the Minister of International Cooperation, affirmed the government’s commitment to bolstering Egyptian startups, like “Nawah Scientific,” in their quest for regional and global expansion. This will involve forging agreements with global institutions and creating alliances with neighboring countries to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Such initiatives will benefit from sharing international best practices, further enhancing these endeavors.
Founded in early 2015, Nawah Scientific Research Center has emerged as a pivotal force in advancing the region’s scientific research and industrial analysis. It offers an innovative online platform that equips researchers and businesses with state-of-the-art scientific tools, allowing them to perform intricate laboratory experiments from afar.
Nawah Scientific’s impressive trajectory includes the analysis of over 400,000 samples from 12 different countries, with a remarkable annual growth rate of 250%. The center currently boasts a team of over 100 dedicated researchers, contributing significantly to scientific endeavors in universities and the industrial sector. Notably, Nawah Scientific has been honored with the Africa Business Heroes Award, recognizing it as one of the fastest-growing scientific enterprises in Africa.
