Mohsen Sarhan Ali the CEO of the Egyptian Food Bank. Photo from EFB
With just five days to go, anticipation is building for the 6th Africa Philanthropy Conference (6APC), set to open on July 27, 2025, at The American University in Cairo.
Among the keynote speakers, one name stands out for his bold, integrative approach to development: Mohsen Sarhan Ali.
As CEO of the Egyptian Food Bank, a multi-award-winning executive, and a published author, Ali will deliver a keynote titled “Faith-Based Philanthropy and Africa’s Next Chapter: Bridging Faith, Equity and Innovation.”
His session is expected to serve as a cornerstone for the conference’s broader theme: “Sustainable Financing for Development in the Majority World.”
A Leader Guided by Purpose
Ali’s journey into philanthropy isn’t one of convenience; it’s one of conviction.
His academic credentials are solid: he holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School and another Master’s in Nonprofit and International Development Management from The American University in Cairo.
His foundation in economics, gained from Cairo University, laid the groundwork for a career that would pivot from profit toward purpose.
Before joining the Egyptian Food Bank, Ali led Kheir Wa Baraka, a national nonprofit focused on comprehensive community development.
He also chaired the MENA Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, underscoring his deep engagement with regional and global philanthropic networks.
His professional path reflects a deliberate shift away from transactional enterprise, toward impact-driven leadership that prioritizes equity and sustainability.
The Egyptian Food Bank: More Than Meals
At the helm of the Egyptian Food Bank (EFB), Ali has transformed the institution into more than just a food distribution center.
Under his leadership, it has evolved into a holistic development engine, tackling hunger while addressing the structural causes of food insecurity.
EFB operates under a “six-pillar” model that includes not just direct service delivery but also education, advocacy, and economic empowerment.
So far, its programs have reached over 12 million people across Egypt.
One of the bank’s most significant achievements is helping 7.3 million former beneficiaries become self-reliant through capacity-building efforts and livelihood support.
This model’s success has resonated beyond Egypt.
It inspired the launch of the Food Banking Regional Network (FBRN), which has helped establish 33 food banks across 30 countries, demonstrating the scalability of faith- and equity-driven solutions.
Faith-Based Giving Meets Modern Development
Ali’s upcoming keynote on faith-based philanthropy couldn’t be more timely.
In Africa, faith-based organizations (FBOs) play a pivotal role in delivering services, from healthcare to education to humanitarian aid.
Their grassroots presence and trusted relationships within communities make them critical allies in the development ecosystem.
Ali will explore how religious giving practices, such as Zakat, Sadaqa, and other culturally rooted traditions, can be operationalized for long-term impact.
These forms of giving, often abundant and recurring, are rarely integrated into formal development finance frameworks.
His message will be clear: faith-driven generosity, when systematized and directed strategically, can fuel transformational change.
Innovation Rooted in Tradition
One of Ali’s greatest strengths lies in his ability to bridge tradition with innovation.
He doesn’t advocate for replacing old systems; rather, he champions enhancing them with smart, scalable solutions.
Take food security, for example — a cornerstone of EFB’s work.
Rather than rely solely on food parcels, EFB invests in smallholder farmers, poultry breeders, and nutrition-focused programs.
Its “Foursa Oula” initiative targets child stunting by supporting mothers and young children with tailored nutritional interventions.
These programs don’t just fill stomachs — they build futures.
Ali also understands the role of technology in driving efficiency.
Under his leadership, EFB adopted Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and donor Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools.
These upgrades have cut operational errors by 90% and improved response times by 70%, making EFB one of the most digitally advanced nonprofits in the region.
Equity at the Heart of Innovation
Ali’s emphasis on equity isn’t rhetorical; it’s operational.
For faith-based philanthropy to unlock its full potential in Africa’s next chapter, it must intentionally reach marginalized groups.
It must also embrace data, partnerships, and innovation to extend its reach.
His message aligns perfectly with the broader call at this year’s APC Conference: to reimagine sustainable financing through inclusive, locally grounded, and values-based approaches.
A Voice for Africa’s Future
In a time when the world faces persistent inequality, climate shocks, and rising food insecurity, Mohsen Sarhan Ali offers a radically hopeful framework.
He demonstrates that faith and innovation need not be at odds.
On the contrary, when merged thoughtfully, they can deliver powerful, contextually relevant solutions.
Ali’s presence at the Cairo conference serves as a call to action for faith leaders, development practitioners, policymakers, and donors to work together in crafting sustainable, community-led systems.
As the countdown to July 27 continues, his keynote is poised to be one of the most influential contributions to shaping new models of financing for Africa’s sustainable development.
