AI
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Egypt
Naguib Sawiris
Jobs
Date of birth
Jun 17, 1955
Nationality
Place of birth
Egypt , Sohag
Constellation
Biography
Naguib Sawiris stands out as one of Egypt’s wealthiest and most influential businessmen. Heading major telecommunications and media ventures, he significantly expanded his family’s wealth through strategic vision and bold entrepreneurship. Sawiris transformed Egypt’s communications landscape by introducing numerous pioneering companies. He is also notable for launching influential media entities including OTV and ONTV channels, and contributing significantly to the “Al-Masry Al-Youm” newspaper.
Here at Arageek, we appreciate Sawiris’ remarkable journey, which reflects the essence of determination, innovation, and impactful leadership. His blend of success in entrepreneurship combined with active civic engagement represents a unique model worthy of study and admiration.
Read more
Early Life
Born into a prominent Egyptian Coptic family, Naguib Sawiris is the eldest son of businessman Onsi Sawiris and Yousriya Loza. Raised alongside his brothers, Nassef and Samih, he learned the value of humility and hard work early in life. Despite his privileged upbringing, his father deliberately exposed him to everyday realities, attending football matches from humble third-class seats. After high school, Sawiris pursued mechanical engineering at the prestigious Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich and later earned a master’s degree in technical management from the German Evangelical School in Cairo.
The Personal Life
Sawiris is married, the father of four children, and resides in Cairo. He identifies proudly as a member of Egypt’s Coptic Christian community. Known for his candor and wit, Sawiris regularly interacts with followers on social media, openly addressing various topics.
Quick Facts
- Fluent in Arabic, English, French, and German.
- Ranked number 577 globally in Forbes’ list of billionaires, with an estimated net worth of over $3.1 billion.
- Once worked part-time washing dishes and servicing cars in Germany during student vacations.
- Offered to purchase an island to assist refugees during the Syrian crisis in 2015.
Famous Quotes نجيب ساويرس
- “I don’t chase after authority.” “People will never go backward.”
- “I am very liberal-minded; my personality doesn’t fit politics.”
- “Every government should encourage investment and businesses because that’s who provides jobs.”
Achievements
- Sawiris joined his family’s conglomerate, Orascom, in 1979, climbing quickly through the ranks. In the 1990s, recognizing the enormous opportunities in telecommunications, he developed Orascom Technology Systems, securing pivotal distribution rights from global giants Hewlett-Packard and AT&T. His enthusiasm led him to launch InTuch, Egypt’s first internet service provider, in 1994.
- In 1996, he expanded into satellite communications, founding ESC, and notably entered the mobile phone market in 1997 with Mobinil, Egypt’s first private mobile network, partnering with Orange and Motorola. Under his leadership, Orascom evolved into Egypt’s largest private-sector conglomerate, listed prominently on Cairo and Alexandria stock exchanges.
- In 2011, Sawiris orchestrated the merger of Wind Telecom (Orascom’s parent company) with VimpelCom, forming one of the world’s largest telecommunications providers, serving over 181 million customers in more than 20 countries. He later expanded into gold mining by acquiring La Mancha Resources through Weather Investments. This Canadian-based company operates substantial mining investments across Australia, Africa, and Argentina, with Sawiris appointed as its Chairman in 2012.
- Beyond business, Sawiris engages actively in public discourse, founding the liberal political party “Free Egyptians Party” following Egypt’s revolution, promoting civil initiatives, human rights advocacy, and enhancing Egypt’s global investment climate.
- Recognized internationally, Sawiris holds prestigious awards like France’s Legion of Honour, Italy’s Stella della Solidarietà, and was notably honored by Pakistani leader Pervez Musharraf for contributing extensively to Pakistan’s telecommunications sector.
Other
- Positions include advisory roles for NYSE International Advisory Committee, National Bank of Kuwait, Egyptian Foreign Affairs Council, and founding board roles in Sawiris Foundation for Social Development and the French University in Egypt.
- Actively participates in multiple national and international organizations, enhancing cross-industry and cross-cultural collaboration.
Last updated