Monday, 25 May 2026
Walid El-Saadany, newly appointed CEO of Elmenus
Elmenus appoints new CEO to lead expansion and digital innovation in Egypt
Egypt’s prominent food technology platform, Elmenus, has embarked on an exciting new chapter with the appointment of Walid El-Saadany as Chief Executive Officer and Board Director.
This transition, with founder Amir Allam remaining on the Board, signals Elmenus’ bold ambitions for nationwide expansion, advanced artificial intelligence (AI) integration, and a deepened commitment to Egypt’s digital transformation, according to a press release obtained by The Nile Observer.
“We’re aiming to be much more than a food delivery service,” El-Saadany shared. “Elmenus is building a digital ecosystem—empowering Egyptian talent, uplifting small businesses, and leading the way in Egypt’s technological progress.”
Founded in 2011 by Amir Allam—with just $5,000 and a small team—Elmenus has since grown into Egypt’s largest food discovery, ordering, and delivery platform. Over the past decade, it has become a household name, creating jobs for tens of thousands of Egyptians and enabling millions of users to explore and savor local cuisine.
Backed by international investors such as Careem, Global Ventures, Algebra Ventures, and Just Eat’s former CEO David Buttress, Elmenus has raised $30 million in funding to date. Last year alone, the platform served over 8.5 million unique users through partnerships with more than 12,000 restaurants, making it a driving force in Egypt’s digital economy.
El-Saadany joins Elmenus with nearly 20 years of leadership experience in entrepreneurship, logistics, and technology. He previously shaped Egypt’s online food delivery market while managing Otlob’s successful transitions—including major acquisitions by Foodpanda and Delivery Hero. His seasoned guidance is expected to accelerate Elmenus’ growth and ability to deliver impactful digital solutions across Egypt.
Elmenus is now expanding rapidly beyond Cairo and Alexandria—integrating thousands more restaurants from previously underserved towns and cities. The company is also introducing AI-powered features for more personalized recommendations, faster deliveries, and real-time tracking, making food discovery simpler and more delightful for everyone.
A key focus is nurturing Egyptian talent. Through training programs and leadership development, Elmenus supports everyone—from software developers to delivery riders—helping Egyptian workers thrive in the global digital economy. Special initiatives are set to empower women entrepreneurs and young technologists, with further social programs planned to build community resilience and inclusion.
As Egyptian tourism grows, Elmenus uniquely connects international visitors with authentic local dining experiences—from charming street food stalls to top-tier restaurants. The platform is also advancing Egypt’s cashless future, offering digital wallet and fintech payment options for safer and more convenient transactions.
Elmenus leverages artificial intelligence to support restaurants in optimizing operations and planning, while giving customers smarter, quicker, and more delicious choices.
“We’re not just delivering food—we’re delivering opportunity,” El-Saadany highlights. “Our goal is to bring positive change for people, partners, and communities all across Egypt.”