EFG Foundation for Social Development (EFG Foundation), a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to sustainable, high-impact development initiatives, is proud to announce that it has successfully completed two major initiatives to enhance dialysis care at Minia University Hospital. These projects, executed through strategic partnerships with Minia University, address the region’s critical shortage of dialysis services, benefiting both pediatric and adult patients.

Recognizing the acute need for pediatric dialysis services in Minia, the EFG Foundation undertook a comprehensive renovation and expansion of the pediatric dialysis ward at Minia University Hospital following a devastating fire that severely impacted the facility, leaving countless children without access to life-saving treatment. The Foundation’s efforts included complete renovation and expansion, restoring destroyed areas, adding a new ward, and creating fully functional dialysis treatment areas from previously idle spaces. Equipment upgrades included replacing destroyed dialysis machines, repairing salvageable units, and installing new dialysis units. Enhanced patient care was achieved by introducing ICU beds, ventilators, monitors, laboratory equipment, and specialized pediatric dialysis beds. Safety was reinforced with the installation of a modern fire safety system. These improvements increased the facility’s capacity to accommodate 75 children per month to approximately 107 additional children, expanding annual dialysis sessions by 15,330. An uplifting environment was created by decorating the ward with a mural painted by employees’ children and creating a dedicated space for medical staff.

Hanaa Helmy, Group Chief Sustainability Officer of EFG Holding and CEO of the EFG Foundation, said, “Our goal was to restore essential services and significantly elevate the quality of care for children suffering from chronic kidney disease. By enhancing the facility and creating a more comfortable environment, we provide hope and better outcomes for these young patients.”

Mona Zulficar, Chairperson of EFG Holding and the EFG Foundation, stated, “At EFG Foundation, we believe that healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Through our ongoing initiatives, we are committed to enhancing medical infrastructure and expanding access to life-saving treatments in underserved areas. Our partnership with Minia University Hospital is a testament to our dedication to sustainable healthcare solutions that have a lasting impact on communities in need.”

Building on the success of the pediatric initiative, the EFG Foundation extended its efforts to address the growing need for adult dialysis services in Minia. The foundation established a new facility equipped with seven state-of-the-art dialysis machines, providing an additional 7,644 dialysis sessions annually and reducing patient waiting times. Infrastructure enhancements were achieved by maintaining and enhancing the hospital’s water pump station to support the increased patient capacity. A new state-of-the-art laboratory was established to serve the entire hospital, improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficiency. The facility underwent further upgrades, including renovating the ward with antibacterial tiling, an upgraded air conditioning system, and a modern fire safety system.

Helmy added, “With over 60,000 dialysis patients in Egypt and a high concentration in Minia, we must invest in sustainable healthcare infrastructure. Expanding the adult dialysis ward and establishing a modern laboratory ensures that more patients receive timely and high-quality care.”

These initiatives underscore the EFG Foundation’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access in underserved communities, ensuring that residents of Minia receive the life-saving dialysis treatment they need

Thndr, Egypt’s leading investment platform, is proud to announce its approval by the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) to provide e-Identification, e-KYC, digital contracts, and digital registry services. This groundbreaking achievement establishes Thndr as one of the first brokerage firms in Egypt to gain such approval, further advancing its mission to deliver a faster, more seamless, and secure user experience.

Thndr had a strong performance in 2024, becoming Egypt’s leading retail brokerage with a total traded value of EGP 174 billion, capturing 11% of the retail market. It also attracted significant user growth, registering 190.1K new users—representing 82% of all new investors on the Egyptian Stock Exchange (EGX). With the recent approval of the digital license, Thndr is well-positioned to further accelerate growth and expand its reach, making investing even more accessible for Egyptians.

“This milestone reflects Doctor Mohamed Farid and FRA’s forward-thinking and innovative approach to regulation,” said Ahmad Hammouda, CEO of Thndr. “We are thrilled to bring a fully digital onboarding experience to our users, a vision we’ve pursued since our inception. Our heartfelt thanks go to Doctor Mohamed Farid and FRA for their unwavering support and for creating an environment that fosters technological innovation in the financial sector.”

This digital transformation aligns with the FRA’s executive decisions #139, #140, and #141 of 2022, which paved the way for advancements in digital financial services. The close collaboration between Thndr and the FRA has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.

Enhancing Security and User Experience

Thndr’s digital onboarding process is built on cutting-edge technology that prioritizes user security, protecting personal data against potential threats. This innovation aligns with Thndr’s commitment to providing a robust, secure, and user-friendly platform.

This approval underscores the FRA’s dedication to fostering innovation while maintaining the highest standards of security and regulatory compliance. Thndr’s digital services not only enhance the user experience but also strengthen the integrity of the financial ecosystem.

A Seamless Path to Investment

By leveraging advanced verification technologies, Thndr streamlines the onboarding process while adhering to rigorous regulatory standards. Users can now enjoy a fully digital and hassle-free experience, removing traditional barriers to entry and making investing more accessible for everyone.

This approval represents a major step in Thndr’s journey to becoming the leading investment platform in the MENA region. With a focus on innovation, compliance, and security, Thndr is redefining how individuals engage with investment opportunities.