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Omar Fathy, Co-founder of Thrive for Restaurant Management, asserted that developing the vocational education and training system is a fundamental requirement to support the growth of Egypt's Food and Beverage (F&B) sector, especially given the labor-intensive nature of the industry.

Speaking during a panel titled "Egypt’s Largest Industry, Yet the Least Invested In – Unleashing the Empowerment of the F&B Sector" at the Entlaq Summit for the launch of the Egypt State of Entrepreneurship Report in El Gouna, Fathy noted that the sector has a broad economic and social impact and requires qualified personnel capable of handling modern operational demands.

He explained that workforce development should not be limited to in-house corporate training; rather, it requires supporting the technical and vocational education system, hotel management schools, and specialized institutions focused on qualifying workers for the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Fathy added that the availability of a qualified workforce is a critical factor in companies' ability to maintain service quality and enhance operational efficiency, particularly as the sector continues to expand with the emergence of new brands and increasing investment volumes.

He pointed out that skills development must keep pace with the changes sweeping the sector. This includes the growing reliance on technology, data, and artificial intelligence tools in operations management, alongside core skills related to customer service and day-to-day operations.

Fathy emphasized that investing in human capital is a key pillar of the sustainable growth strategy for the F&B sector, noting that providing clear pathways for training and qualification can help companies bridge skill gaps and improve overall productivity.

The Entlaq Summit is being held in El Gouna from September 10 to 12, 2026, bringing together officials, experts, investors, and entrepreneurs to discuss growth and investment opportunities across various economic sectors.