Ismaeel Tharwat

Ismaeel Tharwat serves as Assistant Professor of Economics at The American University in Cairo's Onsi Sawiris School of Business within the Mohamed Shafik Gabr Department of Economics. Holding a PhD from Paris-Saclay University, he bridges academic research with high-impact policy implementation across government, UN agencies, and international business initiatives.

Education

• PhD in Economics, Paris-Saclay University
• Master's in Business Decision Engineering, EPF-Ecole d'Ingénieurs, Paris
• Master's in Economics and Management of Digital Economy, Paris-Saclay University
• Master's in Economics (Financial Economics), Ecole Polytechnique and HEC Paris
• BSc Engineering & BA Economics with Political Science minor, The American University in Cairo

His research integrates innovation policy, globalization dynamics, and regional development with specialized focus on Middle Eastern and African economies. Tharwat uniquely connects theoretical economic frameworks to practical applications in entrepreneurship, venture capital, and sports/media economics through fieldwork and policy design.

Scientific Recognition

• Cem Ertur Prize for gender equality spillovers research in international trade
• World Bank/ERF Best Essay Award for Egyptian entrepreneurship education policy

Tharwat leverages dual expertise as former Associate Minister for Local Development in Egypt (leading Strategic Management Unit) and current AU-EU Youth Cooperation Hub Business Cluster expert. His co-founding of The Sports Hub (TSH) demonstrates applied entrepreneurship, while World Economic Forum Global Shaper status reflects leadership in cross-continental economic initiatives targeting public welfare through Africa-Europe innovation partnerships.