ICTC Holds Coordination Meeting in Assiut to Advance “Benaa 3” Project and Empower Youth Employment

ICTC for Training and Consultancy held a comprehensive coordination meeting on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the premises of Attaa Bila Hodoud Association in Assiut. The meeting brought together representatives of key partners, including Sawiris Foundation for Social Development and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, along with sector experts and stakeholders involved in project implementation. Reviewing Project Progress and Implementation Plans The meeting commenced with an overview of the project’s progress since its launch, followed by a presentation by ICTC outlining the project objectives, target groups, key training interventions, implementation strategies, and the roadmap for the first phase. Discussions also addressed opportunities to expand the number of beneficiaries, with an emphasis on ensuring balanced participation of both male and female youth to maximize the project’s developmental impact. Promising Opportunities Across Key Sectors The meeting highlighted employment opportunities within the tourism sector, particularly in the Red Sea region, and explored the potential to expand into advanced fields such as medical tourism. In addition, discussions covered opportunities in smart agriculture and modern food processing. The outcomes of the e-commerce training track were also presented, demonstrating strong initial results, low dropout rates, and the acquisition of practical skills by trainees in digital marketing, content creation, and the use of various online platforms. ICTC also emphasized the availability of real employment opportunities in collaboration with major companies and logistics providers, supported by clear mechanisms for employment verification and income tracking. Collaboration with Academic Institutions and Quality Assurance The meeting included a review of the training experience delivered in collaboration with a local university, where positive feedback from trainees confirmed the effectiveness of the training programs as a promising initial phase. Current accreditation efforts were also presented, alongside ongoing coordination with relevant authorities to secure additional official recognitions. Promoting Inclusion and Digital Transformation Participants reaffirmed the importance of inclusion by ensuring that at least 5% of beneficiaries are persons with disabilities, in addition to presenting a digital system designed to manage and monitor the training process and outcomes efficiently. Field Visit to Ongoing Training Activities As part of the commitment to field monitoring, a site visit was conducted to observe ongoing training sessions in the sales and marketing track. The visit provided direct insights into training delivery and trainee engagement, reflecting the project’s dedication to quality implementation. The meeting concluded with a presentation on soft skills training outcomes, which play a critical role in preparing participants for the labor market.