Ehab Abdou is a social entrepreneur who has spent more than 15 years working to energize young Egyptians to contribute to their country's development. He is co-founder of the Fat'het Kheir and Nahdet El Mahroussa NGOs. He also co-founded and was the first president of the Federation of Egyptian Youth NGOs.

Abdou published this guide that presents a collection of reflections and tips for anyone aspiring to start new development projects or social enterprises. While some of the challenges will be similar anywhere in the world, Abdou shares here his pointers for success within the contemporary Arab social, economic and political context.

The guide builds on both personal experience and discussions with young social innovators an entrepreneurs in Egypt and across the region and was  published in October 2010 by the American University in Cairo’s (AUC), John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy & Civic Engagement.