Master puppeteer

1

WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TONIGHT

Gaza’s displaced begin their return to the north

Good afternoon all of you wonderful people and happy Monday. The presses are back to their regular whirl this afternoon — read on for all the latest.

THE BIG STORY TODAY

#1- Egypt pushes ahead with military stake sales: Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly has directed officials to fast-track plans to list military-owned companies on the EGX, calling for a clear roadmap and timeline during a meeting earlier today. The PM has also tasked Investment Minister Hassan El Khatib with following up on the stake sales’ progress.

REMEMBER- Madbouly announced last month that the government would be offering stakes in four military-owned companies during 2025, with the PM later confirming that the firms on the chopping block would include filling station operator Wataneya, bottled water company Safi, food manufacturer Silo Foods, and fuel retailer Chill Out. Wataneya and Safi are expected to IPO by mid-2025, while the IPOs for Silo Foods and Chill Out would come closer to the end of the year, Madbouly said at the time.

#2- Fincart closes funding round: Local shipping services provider Fincart has closed its pre-seed funding round for an undisclosed amount, the company announced in a press release (pdf). The round was led by Plus VC and saw involvement from Plug and Play, Orbit Startups, Jedar Capital, and other regional and international investors. The new funds will be used to expand Fincart’s courier network, augment its technology platform, and provide support to the Middle East and Africa’s fast-growing e-commerce market.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD

Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have belatedly begun to return to their homes in Gaza’s north today after Israeli forces failed to withdraw over the weekend amid claims that Hamas had failed to release a civilian hostage. The withdrawal commenced shortly after the release of an Israeli civilian and two other hostages on Sunday, with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu saying that Israel would allow the passage of Palestinians to the strip’s north beginning Monday if Hamas delivered a list detailing the status of each remaining Israeli hostage. Hamas will release three more hostages come Saturday, as per the ceasefire agreement. (Reuters | Financial Times | CNN | BBC | NYT)

AND IN BUSINESS NEWS- Shares in AI chipmaker Nvidia and other US tech firms plummeted this morning amid concerns that AI innovation won’t require the big ticket investments that markets have up until this point been expecting. The news follows last week’s release of Chinese startup DeepSeek’s latest chatbot, whose sophisticated model sans advanced chips has prompted a broad reassessment of Chinese companies’ competitiveness with US tech giants.

** CATCH UP QUICK on the top stories from today’s EnterpriseAM:

MPs gave their final approval yesterday to three tax-focused draft laws aimed at expanding tax breaks for SMEs, simplifying tax procedures, and settling disputes.
Another record year for outdoor ad spending: Egyptian businesses spent EGP 6.3 bn on out-of-home (OOH) advertising in 2024, a 53% jump from EGP 4.2 bn in 2023.
Donald Trump’s proposal to “just clean out” Gaza led the conversation on last night’s talk shows, with the dangerous and worrying suggestion sparking passionate and often angry responses from the nation’s talking heads.

☀️ TOMORROW’S WEATHER- The capital will see another chilly morning tomorrow, with the mercury set at a high of 22°C and expected to dip to a slight chiller low of 11°C at night, according to our favorite weather app.

Chinese tech is closing in on its US competition

Chinese firms may be the AI race’s dark horse. Chinese tech start-up DeepSeek took the tech world by surprise last week after the company revealed a chatbot whose AI model was uncannily good — like, ChatGPT-level good. The reveal has prompted many to take a second look at Chinese tech companies like Baidu, ByteDance, and DeepSeek — all of which are diversifying into tools that could reshape the AI landscape, CNBC writes.

A case in point: Best known for its chatbot Ernie, Chinese tech company Baidu recently launched an AI agent platform — dubbed Wenku — that creates powerpoints and other documents from sources as complex and arcane as financial statements. The app’s slide decks have rapidly garnered adherents, with the service reaching 40 mn paying users and revenue up 60% over last year.

AI agents are the next horizon for Chinese tech firms. Unlike AI models — which focus on one specific function — AI agents automate entire processes. Chinese companies are soon expected to bring these agents to market at scale, a development that comes as their existing models are increasingly integrated into novel corporate and commercial products. “The magic that Chinese technology companies have consistently displayed is coming up with compelling consumer products at competitive price points,” Albright Stonebridge Group partner Paul Triolo told the salmon-backed paper. “This will give them an edge over foreign companies in integrating AI into useful applications at scale.”

Navigating China’s regulatory environment isn’t always smooth sailing, though. Baidu’s Ernie, for instance, wasn’t approved by Chinese regulators until August 2023 — almost a year after ChatGPT had launched. Yet tighter restrictions also play to Chinese firms’ advantage. At a time when local firms are integrating more and more AI tools into domestically manufactured smartphones, Apple has yet to receive the Chinese government’s greenlight to roll out Apple Intelligence to iPhones in the country.

TikTok’s suitors are up against the clock. The fate of TikTok hangs in the balance as Oracle leads discussions to take over its global operations, the US’ National Public Radio reports. The potential acquisition is taking place against the backdrop of an executive order signed by US president Donald Trump that gave TikTok a 75-day reprieve from enforcement actions related to its Chinese parent company ByteDance’s divestment, originally set for 19 January.

The players and the plan: The partnership under discussion could see Oracle managing the app’s day-to-day operations, while other investors — such as Microsoft — would serve as key partners. ByteDance would retain a minority stake, maintaining some level of influence over the platform. Under the proposed transaction, Oracle would oversee critical elements such as data collection, software updates, and the app’s algorithm — a move aimed at addressing concerns over TikTok’s Chinese ownership and its implications for user privacy and US national security.

And that’s not the only plan on the drawing board: US search engine startup Perplexity has proposed merging with TikTok’s US outfit under a new holding company dubbed NewCo, Reuters reports. Under the plan, the US government would be set to own up to 50% of the new company after a future IPO valued at USD 300 bn. The merger proposal could satisfy regulatory concerns about the sale of the social media giant, while simultaneously aligning with President Trump’s suggestion that the US government gain control of a 50% stake in the company.

TV's wildest talk show

? Trash or treasure? Revisiting daytime’s most outrageous show. Before we dive into the brawls and blue cards, let’s set the stage: Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action is a Netflix-produced, two-part docuseries that tackles the three-decadelong saga of The Jerry Springer Show.

Who really pulled the strings? The series is not a Jerry Springer biopic but an exposé on the show’s executive producer, Richard Dominick. By leaning on interviews with former producers — including Dominick himself — alongside anecdotes from infamous episodes, the series makes an interesting case that Dominick, not Springer, was the master puppeteer.

But the documentary’s avoidance of Springer’s involvement feels like a missed opportunity. Indeed, the docuseries’ focus on Dominick almost makes it seem as if the producers wanted to shield Springer’s legacy. Yet, moments from media critics like Robert Feder hint that Jerry wasn’t just collecting a paycheck — he defended his show passionately, controversies and all.

Was the show the harbinger of cultural decline or a mirror reflecting the drama we secretly craved? The docuseries examines this in depth, spotlighting Dominick’s striving for outrageous content, even at the cost of staff burnout and public backlash. Yet, the show also created a formula for “conflict TV” that still thrives today in reality television.

What’s missing, however, is historical context. Brawls and sensationalism weren’t unique to Springer — talk shows before it had their fair share of scandalous moments.

Worth the watch? If you grew up watching episodes of Jerry Springer this docuseries will usher up nostalgia. But for anyone expecting a deep cultural exploration of the show, the series may feel like it pulled its punches.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch the docuseries on Netflix or watch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 2:21)

An Asian feast with portion sizes to prove it

? If you’re in the mood for an Asian feast, you’ll want to make a beeline to this spot. Sabai D has fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and generous portions — serving up an experience that’s both satisfying and memorable.

We started with the Vietnamese shrimp summer rolls — and suffice it to say, they’re a 10/10. These light, refreshing rolls came with not one, not two, but three sauces: sweet chili, peanut, and ponzu (the peanut sauce being the standout). Each bite was a perfect blend of fresh herbs, shrimp, and rice paper goodness, elevated by the dips. For health fanatics, it's light and filling too.

Next up was the satay chicken, another solid winner. Juicy, tender, and grilled to perfection, it came with the same rich peanut sauce that accompanied the summer rolls, complementing the meat beautifully. While it wasn’t spicy, the flavors were deep and comforting — and if you want a kick, there is a spicier version.

We were already full as the mains arrived, but the dishes’ appearance alone got our appetites ready for round two. The Pad Thai’s noodles were a triumph — perfectly chewy noodles tossed in a balanced, umami-packed sauce that hit all the right notes. It’s one of those dishes you’ll come back to time and time again.

Here comes the drop: The roasted duck with phanaeng curry sauce fell a bit below expectations, with only the juicy, flavorful duck a highlight. The sauce in particular fell flat, lacking the bold, spicy-sweet kick you’d expect from a phanaeng curry.

On recommendation: We didn’t try the Tom Yum soup this time, which came highly recommended as a perfect dish for chilly winter days. Its spicy and sour profile promises to warm you right up.

No feast is complete without dessert, and the mango sticky rice did not disappoint. The sweet, ripe mango and creamy coconut rice were the perfect way to end the meal. It’s an indulgence you simply shouldn’t skip.

Have an itch for Asian food but too lazy to go out? Good news it delivers on Talabat but, bad news, only for New Cairene residents — so you’ll have to make the trip to their location at Trivium Square Mall.

All eyes on the AFCON 2025 draw tonight + Pharaohs advance to quarterfinals of Handball World Championship

⚽ It’s a calm Monday for football, especially as we wait for the UEFA Champions League group stage finals this Wednesday. In the meantime, football fans can turn their attention today toward the Egyptian Premier League.

It’s Zamalek vs Gouna at 4pm tonight in round 10 of the Egyptian Premier League, with Zamalek aiming to catch up with league leaders Pyramids after an intense 2-2 draw against Al Ahly yesterday left the team in the top spot with 21 points. Zamalek currently sits in fourth place with 17 points, trailing Al Ahly (20 points) and Ceramica Cleopatra (19 points).

Other matches on today’s schedule:

Al Masry vs. ENPPI (7pm)
Haras Al Hodood vs. Modern Future (7pm)

We also have the AFCON draw tonight at 8pm. All eyes will be on the draw for the 2025 African Cup of Nations, with the ceremony set to take place at the Mohamed V Theater in Rabat, Morocco at 8pm. The competition’s 35th edition will be hosted by Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

The 24 qualifying teams will be divided into six groups, with the top two teams from each group and the four best third-place teams advancing to the round of 16, which will follow a knockout format. You can watch the draw live on the free-to-air beIN news channel and ONTime Sports’ terrestrial and satellite channels.

? Away from the football field, Egypt advances in the Handball World Championship. The Egyptian national handball team has secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2025 World Handball Championship, held in Croatia, Denmark, and Norway. Yesterday, Egypt defeated Cape Verde with a score of 31-24, finishing second in Group D behind Croatia. Our Pharoahs will now go on to face France, six-time champions of handball, in the quarterfinals.

Amira Selim at the Cairo Opera House

MARK YOUR CALENDAR-

? A Valentine's Day that hits all the high notes: Soprano Amira Selim will host a special Valentine's Day concert, performing a selection of classic romantic songs in French, English, Italian, and Egyptian Arabic, accompanied by pianist Pascal Rozier. The concert begins at 8pm on Thursday, 13 February at the Cairo Opera House in Zamalek. Get your tickets from Tazkarti.

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to external sources.)

HAPPENING THIS WEEK-

Get ready to get in on the laughs. Comedian Ali Quandil will host a 100% interactive comedy evening at the Boom Room in Open Air Mall, Madinaty on Tuesday, 28 January at 8pm. Tickets are available via Ticketsmarche.

The story behind the music. Egyptian singer and composer Dina El Wedidi will be showcasing the story behind some of her signature songs and walking the audience through her journey on Wednesday, 29 January at the Boom Room in Open Air Mall, Madinaty. The event will take place at 8pm, and tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

160 of Egypt’s most celebrated and promising artists. The 10th Edition of Cairo Art Fair is now open at TAM Gallery in Abu Rawwash and will continue running till Friday, 31 January.

It’s time for the country’s largest book fair. The Cairo International Book Fair is back for its 56th edition till Wednesday, 5 February. The event will take place at the Egypt International Exhibition and Convention Center in New Cairo, and will host guests of honor that include the Sultanate of Oman, scientists and artist Ahmed Mostageer, and author Fatma Elmadoul.

The ultimate gaming event in Egypt is here. Gamergy Egypt will feature live competitions, immersive experiences, and activities to bring together gaming fans of all ages. The festival will take place from Thursday, 30 January to Saturday, 1 February at Al Burouj Cultural Hub. Earlybird tickets are now available on their website.

Catch Saleh El Nawawy’s comedic debut: The Dubai-based filmmaker and comedian will be performing live at Theatro Arkan on Saturday, 1 February. Tickets are on Ticketsmarche.

End the first month of the year on a high note (literally): Lebanese DJ Rodge will be performing at CJC 610 right after an energetic performance from Bubblegum Kollective. The night will kick off at 9pm on Friday, 31 January. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

Catch the grand finale of the Double Dribble Basketball League at Heliopolis Sporting Club Shorouk on Saturday, 1 February. The event will start at 4pm and will run until 8pm, featuring matches between New Giza and Maadi Retro, along with the third place match between Negm El Geil and Underdogs. If that’s not enough, there's also going to be an exclusive performance from Egyptian rapper Moscow.

HAPPENING LATER-

This one is for the sports fans. The Football Access Summit will feature talks, panels, and presentations from sports industry leaders — giving the fans insider access. The summit will take place on Friday-Saturday 7 and 8 February at ZED Park. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

Diverse galleries and a dynamic fair program. Experience the artistic talents of the MENA region at the 6th edition of Art Cairo. The exhibition will be held at the Grand Egyptian Museum from Saturday, 8 February until Tuesday, 11 February. Tickets are available on CollardTickets.

Cairo Runners is once again hosting its iconic annual marathon, this time on the day of love. On Friday, 14 February, pick between a 21km, 10km, or 5km race, or even a short family run. Register your interest on Cairo Runners.

Fancy a Valentine’s Day serenade? Grab someone you love and get serenaded by Medhat Saleh, at Theatro Arkan on Friday, 14 February, with his Hob x Hob concert. Get your tickets at Ticketsmarche.

The sixth edition of the E7kky Festival. The festival will take place on Friday, 21 February at ZED Park in Sheikh Zayed City and will feature talks, panel discussions, and workshops revolving around empowering women. Disco Masr will also be performing in addition to the many activities taking place from 10am to 10pm. Tickets are available on Tazkarti.

Get dreamy with Ghostly Kisses. The French-Canadian pop band Ghostly Kisses will return to Cairo for a performance at the Mövenpick Media City Theater in 6th of October on Friday, 21 February at 10pm as part of their 2025 world tour. Get your tickets to the show on Ticketsmarche.

Cairokee x New Capital: Cairokee will perform in El Nahr El Akhdar Park in the New Administrative Capital at 8pm on Friday, 21 February. Tickets are available on Ticketsmarche.

What the markets are doing on 27 January 2025

The EGX30 fell 1.0% at today’s close on turnover of EGP 4.1 bn (8% above the 90-day average). Egyptian investors were the sole net sellers. The index is up at 0.01% YTD.

In the green: EFG Holding (+1.4%), Cleopatra Hospitals (+1.1%) and Faisal Islamic Bank- USD (+0.9%).

In the red: Elsewedy Electric (-3.3%), AMOC (-3.3%) and E-finance (-2.7%).

THE ENTERPRISE ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

JANUARY

8 January-1 February (Wednesday-Saturday): Aywa Aywa La2 La2 at Rawabet Art Space.

8 January-1 February (Wednesday-Saturday): Sohba Semsemia at Rawabet Art Space.

23 January - 5 February (Thursday-Wednesday): Cairo International Book Fair at the Egypt IECC in New Cairo.

29 January (Wednesday): Storyteller Series Vol.1: Dina El Wedidi at Boom Room.

29-31 January (Wednesday-Friday): Fire of Anatolia at Cairo Opera House.

7 December-31 January (Saturday-Friday): Cairo Art Fair at TAM Gallery.

30 January-1 February (Thursday-Saturday): Gamergy Egyptat Al Burouj Cultural Hub.

31 January (Friday): Adventure Zipline & High Ropes - Launching Event at Adrenalin Park.

FEBRUARY

1 February (Saturday): Saleh El Nawawy’s debut at Theatro Arkan.

2-5 February (Sunday-Wednesday): SYNC Public Speaking workshop at O West.

7 February (Friday): DHB at Giza Pyramids

7-8 February (Friday-Saturday): The Art of Public Speaking Workshop at AUC Tahrir.

7-8 February (Friday-Saturday): Football Access Summit at Zed Park.f

8-11 February (Saturday-Tuesday): 6th edition of Art Cairo at the Grand Egyptian Museum.

14 February (Friday): Heliopolis Marathon with Cairo Runners.

14 February (Friday): Medhat Saleh Hob x Hob concert at Theatro Arkan.

21 February (Friday): E7kky Festival.

21 February (Friday): Egycon 12 at Family Park, New Cairo.

23 February (Sunday): Umm Kulthoum Tribute Concert at The Grand Egyptian Museum.

23-25 February (Sunday-Tuesday): Sports Expo 2025 at Egypt International Exhibition Center.

APRIL

1 April (Tuesday): Annual Flower Exhibition at the Agricultural Museum.

OCTOBER

16-24 October (Thursday-Friday): Gouna Film Festival.

30 October - 22 November (Thursday-Saturday): Forever is Now at the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Sections

About

Privacy & Support

Get EnterpriseAM daily