As ICSB prepares for its Global Congress and 70th Anniversary celebration in Cairo this November, we spotlight the transformative work happening in Egypt that exemplifies our commitment to human-centered entrepreneurship. The partnership between AUC and J-PAL MENA demonstrates how evidence-based research and entrepreneurial education can create sustainable solutions to poverty and social challenges—core principles that align with ICSB’s mission to advance entrepreneurship for human flourishing.
Business schools in emerging economies play a crucial role in driving innovation and community development. The Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo (AUC) exemplifies this role through its partnership with the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), a global research center committed to reducing poverty through evidence-based policy.
J-PAL, supported by over 1,000 researchers worldwide, conducts randomized impact evaluations to address key questions in the fight against poverty. In July 2025, the Onsi Sawiris School of Business and J-PAL marked five years of partnership in fostering evidence-based decision-making to combat poverty in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Key Milestones
Since its inception, J-PAL MENA has conducted over 60 randomized evaluations across nine countries, covering education, labor markets, health, social protection, and environmental sustainability. The partnership has created over 500 government officials and development practitioners trained through various programs.
In 2022, J-PAL MENA created the Egypt Impact Lab (EIL) in collaboration with Egypt’s Ministry of Planning to institutionalize evidence-based policymaking. The 2023 MENA Scholars Fellowship mentors early-career researchers, while the 2025 Hub for Advanced Policy Innovation for the Environment (HAPIE) addresses climate and environmental challenges.
The collaboration demonstrates how academic institutions and research organizations can unite around a shared vision to break the cycle of poverty through rigorous research, capacity building, and evidence-informed policy. This partnership continues to expand its impact across the MENA region, fostering a culture of learning and evidence-based decision-making.
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28 August 2025 | Issue #55