Table of Contents
Key Points
- Walid El-Saadany named Elmenus CEO, succeeding founder Amir Allam as the company enters a new phase of growth and digital innovation.
- Elmenus to expand nationwide, targeting 4,000 new restaurants and rolling out AI tools for faster ordering and better delivery experiences.
- The company boosts investment in local talent, launching mentorships, rider support, and tech programs to empower communities and restaurant partners.
Egyptian entrepreneur and investor Walid El-Saadany has been appointed CEO and Board Member of Elmenus, the food-tech platform serving millions of users across Egypt. He steps into the role as founder and outgoing CEO Amir Allam transitions to a Board position, marking a new chapter for the company as it looks to grow its reach, improve its technology, and support more local restaurants.
Allam, who founded Elmenus in 2011, will remain closely involved. His presence on the Board offers continuity and guidance as the company shifts leadership. Meanwhile, El-Saadany brings fresh energy and perspective, joining at a time when Elmenus is preparing to scale up with smarter tools and wider access. Backed by $30 million in funding, the company is gearing up for what it calls a more connected and inclusive food experience across the country.
Elmenus begins new chapter of growth
With nearly two decades of experience, El-Saadany is no stranger to Egypt’s digital and delivery space. He played a central role in shaping the online food sector during his years at Otlob, leading it through two major acquisitions, first by Foodpanda and later by Delivery Hero, which rebranded the platform as Talabat. His background combines entrepreneurship, logistics, and venture capital, giving him the tools to lead at a time of growth and change.
“Elmenus is at an inflection point,” El-Saadany said. “We’re entering a new chapter, one rooted in local relevance and powered by world-class execution. We aim to become more than a food delivery platform; we are building an ecosystem that empowers Egyptian talent, supports small businesses, and leads the country’s digital transformation”.
Allam reflected on the company’s beginnings and how far it has come. “What began 2011 with $5,000, a laptop and two teammates, became a household brand that impacted millions of users, created jobs for tens of thousands, and brought lasting positive change to an entire industry,” he said. “It is now the right time to pass the baton as the company enters a new phase of sustainable growth building on the brand’s strong foundations and loyal customers. I remain committed as a Board member and advocate of our mission to elevate Egypt’s food industry.”
Growth plans include 4,000 new restaurants
Over the past 12 years, Elmenus has become one of Egypt’s top food discovery and delivery platforms. In the last year alone, more than 8.5 million unique users used the platform in Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, and other cities, browsing dishes from over 12,000 restaurant partners.
Today, more than 1,000 of those restaurants are active for direct online ordering. The company’s investors include Careem, Global Ventures, Algebra Ventures, and former Just Eat CEO David Buttress.
Looking ahead, El-Saadany plans to grow Elmenus’ footprint in underserved towns and cities, with the goal of adding 4,000 more restaurants to the platform. The company is also rolling out new AI-powered features designed to improve user experience, from faster food discovery and real-time order tracking to more reliable delivery times.
“It’s not just about expansion, but about going deeper—enhancing service quality and approaching the local market more effectively,” El-Saadany added. “We’re not just delivering food, we’re delivering opportunity—for people, partners, and communities.”
Elmenus targets growth through people, tech
Elmenus is also investing heavily in people. From developers to delivery riders, the company is building strong teams through hands-on training, mentorship, and leadership programs, designed to help Egyptians thrive in the digital economy.
Restaurant partners will also see improvements. New loyalty features, better analytics, and upgraded dashboards are in the works, all aimed at helping local businesses grow in a sustainable way. On the social side, Elmenus is planning initiatives to support women-led kitchens, introduce tech opportunities for young people, and create stronger support systems for riders on the ground.
In this next phase under the leadership of El-Saadany, Elmenus is positioning itself not just as a food delivery platform, but as a company with long-term goals: helping people succeed, strengthening communities, and building a food ecosystem that works better for everyone.
