Soy Excellence Center – Middle East & North Africa

The first SEC in the MENA region launched in September 2019 in Cairo, Egypt. Since then, USSEC’s MENA/Egypt SEC has provided a venue to deliver a full curriculum of training and resources to all members of the soy value chain.

We offer programs for employees in poultry and aquaculture production across the industry.

Our aim is to:

Be a one-stop shop for training in the region
Teach through real-world application
Provide a venue for networking in the region
Improve performance and decrease costs
Demonstrate the value of soy to the region

Ready to learn more?

"After attending several seminars and experiencing the value of the trainings and programs, I advise and invite all my colleagues to participate in Soy Excellence Center Aquaculture Production Training Programs, the cooperation between USSEC and WorldFish Egypt. What truly signifies this program is the variety of topics discussed, which added to the knowledge of our farmer producers. The programs focus on the Arabic language which opens doors and facilitate for our farmers to digest and understand the material. This training program creates a network from the aquaculture field, to discuss, develop and communicate together."

"I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to USSEC for organizing the scientific training courses and conferences. I was invited to attend an organized training course on poultry production at College of Agriculture, Cairo university, and as a university professor I thought it would not add much to me, but I found that the professors are well versed in the scientific content that was presented, also accommodation was perfect. After that, I attended many online courses, and they were all useful and purposeful. I recommended and nominated some of my students to attend different courses according to their specialization. Recently, I attended a conference on aquaculture in Dubai and enjoyed the presentations, especially the knowledge about using technology in cultivation, using supplements and treatments used in cultivation of soybean in USA, as well as In Pond Raceway System (IPRS)."

"The Soy Excellence Center is an impressive hub for sharing knowledge. Without the opportunity to share knowledge and increase competencies among Agribusiness professionals, we could not increase agricultural efficiency across our region. The SEC is a great place to equip professionals in emerging markets to enhance quality and make important improvements in the supply chain that will lead to creating more jobs."

"I am so grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Soy Excellence Center for Aquaculture Production training program. These programs were extremely comprehensive, covering topics ranging from fish pond management, fish feed production and management, to nutrition health and biosecurity. Thank you to all of the instructors and organizers for making this program possible!"

Upcoming Training
Sessions

6 – 27 August 2025
دورة إنتاج وإدارة الاستزراع المائي في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا (الشهادة الأساسية) – الدفعة الثالثة

2 – 23 September 2025
برنامج إنتاج الدواجن الأساسي لمنطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا الدورة 5

Our Partners

Our collaboration with key partners in the region ensures we connect participants to the latest science and world-renowned experts familiar with needs in our region.

USSEC Poultry Production Training Programs – Soy Excellence Training programs
In cooperation with The Egyptian Poultry Association and the Faculty of Agriculture – Cairo University

USSEC Aquaculture Production Training Programs – Soy Excellence Training programs
In Cooperation with WorldFish Egypt

Our Poultry Advisory Council

Eng. Mahmoud Al Anani

Mahmoud Al Anani is the owner and CEO of Dakahlia Poultry Co. founded in 1981 as one of the most leading companies in the Poultry industry in Egypt, with a number of subsidiaries established over the years. Covering the entire poultry value Chain from producing growing breeds , selling one day old chick to growers , producing poultry and fish feed, growing and processing broilers and importing and producing and selling poultry and Aqua feed to growers and importing and distributing the raw materials and additives to selling chicks and growing broilers, and operating in parent stock breeders, hatcheries, broilers, poultry processing, feed production, commodity trading for the company feed mills and other feed millers, also veterinary inputs trade. The Group also diversified operations by expanding into the agriculture business through Dakahlia Agriculture Development Co. for producing and exporting verities of fresh fruits and vegetables over 40 countries over the world.

Dr. Hassan Bayoumi Ali Gharib

In 1998, Professor Hassan received his PhD from Cairo University in Poultry Breeding. Since 2014 he is a Professor of Poultry management, Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University. Since 2018 he is a Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University. He has participated in and led many research and development projects. He is mostly concerned about poultry house environment control, modern management methods and chick, egg and meat quality. Hassan is a member in the Scientific Technical in the Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF) and other national and international scientific journals. He also supervised many M.Sc. Theses and PhD dissertations. In addition to the academic positions, he had performed several consulting assignments in different poultry production companies. He works as technical service and consultant in the different poultry production sectors such as, broiler grandparents, broiler breeders and layer breeders, broilers, egg production and hatchery sectors. Hassan is involved in many broilers, layers, breeders and hatchery training programs and Workshops, and he is enthusiastic of teaching producers and student’s the best modern farming practices.

Dr. Abdel Rahman Mohamed Atta

Dr. Abdel-Rahman Mohamed Mohamed Atta is a Professor of Poultry physiology at Animal Production Department, College of Agriculture, Cairo University. Dr. Atta obtained his Professional Degree in Agriculture Science and Animal Production (BSc.) In 1979 from College of Agriculture, Cairo University. In 1985, Dr. Atta received hid MSc. In Poultry physiology (Animal Production Department) from the same university. In 1990, Dr. Atta received his PhD in Poultry physiology (Animal Production Department) from the same university.

Member in 5 different Scientific Societies in and outside Egypt.
Shared in preparation of 7 books and 6 different booklets.
He has a list of Publication including 41 different Scientific Papers.
He has participated in 15 Scientific Conference in and outside Egypt.
He has participated in 6 different Scientific Projects.
Supervisor for 53 Master and PhD students in Poultry physiology.
He has participated in Organization and Training in more than 40 Scientific Training Programs and Workshop.
He has awarded Cairo university state prize (2001).

Dr. Mohamed Abdel Rahman Elmenawey

Dr. Mohamed A. Elmenawey is a Professor of Poultry Management at Animal Production Department, College of Agriculture, Cairo University; and Manager of Poultry Services Centre. In 2003, Professor Elmenawey received his PhD. in Poultry Production (Animal Production Department) from the Cairo University. Member in 4 different Scientific Societies in and outside Egypt. He also supervised many M.Sc. Theses and PhD. dissertations. He has a list of Publication including Scientific Papers, books and booklets. He has participated in many of national and international Scientific Conference. He is mostly concerned about poultry house environment control, modern management methods and chick, egg and meat quality. He has participated in Organization and Training in more than 40 Scientific Training Programs and Workshop. In addition to the academic positions, he had performed several consulting assignments in different poultry production companies. He works as technical service and consultant in the different poultry production sectors such as, broiler grandparents, broiler breeders and layer breeders, broilers, egg production and hatchery sectors.

Dr. Mohamed Hussein Hassan Awaad

Dr. Mohamed Hussein Hassan Awaad is a Professor of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University. He has a Ph. D in Poultry Diseases from Cairo University. He was the Head of the Department of poultry diseases Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University. A technical consultant of many poultry production companies in the private and governmental sectors, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Dr. Awaad is a member of the International Veterinary Poultry Association, a member of the Egyptian Veterinary Nutrition Association and member of the “directing board” of the Egyptian Veterinary Poultry Association. He is One of the authors of a book Published by Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University “Guide to Diseases and Parasites of Poultry and Rabbits. Also, a Member of Continual Scientific Committee Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture (2000-Date), Director of the Egyptian Poultry – Consulting Office (EPCO), and a member of the Poultry Consulting Committee, the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology.

Dr. Sayed Mohamed Shalash

EMPLOYMENT:
– Prof., Poultry Nutrition, Animal production Research Institute “APRI” (1994 – 2009).
– Former Head of poultry nitration department “APRI”.
– Emeritus Professor, “APRI” (2009 – Present).

CONSULTANCY:
Nutritionist and Technical Consultant for:
– Different companies in Egypt & Arab countries

OTHER EXPERIENCES:
– Member of Scientific Committee of the Regional Center for Food and Feeds (Reviews Registration Certificates of the different feed additives and feed formulas) , Egypt.
– Member of Import and Export Technical Committee for Raw Materials, Feeds and Feed Additives, Ministry of Agriculture, Egypt.

AFFILIATIONS:
– Member of the Egyptian Poultry Science Association (EPSA)

Dr. Mona Mehrez Aly

Prof. Dr. Mona Mehrez Aly is an accomplished leader in the field of poultry health and research. Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Cairo3A poultry, she has a rich history of contributions to poultry production, disease control, and bio-safety standards.

With an extensive academic background, she earned her stripes as the Chief Researcher at the National Laboratory for Quality Control Of Poultry Production. Her career spans several decades and includes roles such as Research Associate at the Animal Health Research Institute and the prestigious Avian Disease & Oncology Lab in Michigan, USA. She has risen through the ranks, eventually heading the Tumor and Immunosuppression Unit at the Poultry Department of AHRI.

Prof. Mona’s outstanding research achievements include leading critical projects on avian tumors, infectious diseases, and immunosuppression, often with international collaborations and funding. She has worked on projects aiming to combat Avian Influenza and has been a driving force in establishing and accrediting the National Laboratory for Quality Control.

Recognized with numerous scientific prizes and certificates of appreciation, Prof. Mona’s dedication and leadership have not only advanced scientific understanding but also ensured the safety and quality of poultry products. Her tireless efforts and visionary contributions have made a lasting impact on the poultry industry, both in Egypt and globally.

Our Aqua Advisory Council

Prof. Salah Mesalhy Aly

Professor of Fish Pathology at Suez Canal University, recognized as one of the top 2% of scientists in the world for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 according to Stirling University standards, USA.

Current Roles:

Chairman, Lakes and Fish Resources Protection and Development Agency Board, Egyptian Cabinet.
Chairman, Egyptian Mariculture Project Board, Ministry of Agriculture.
Chairman, Regional Advisory Council of the US Soya Excellence Center.
Board of Trustee member, National New Ismalia University, Ministry of Higher Education.
Board of Trustee member, WorldFish, CGIAR, Washington/Malaysia.
Member, Livestock and Fisheries Research Council, Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, Ministry of Higher Education.
Member, General Union of Arab Experts.
Member, General Union for the Protection of Wild and Marine Life, League of Arab States.
Faculty Council member, College of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ministry of Higher Education.
Faculty Council member, College of Fisheries, Suez University, Ministry of Higher Education.
Member, Egyptian Boards for Import and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture.
Council member, National Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, Ministry of Higher Education.

Academic Contributions:

Published over 220 scientific research papers in local and international journals.
Supervised, participated in, and discussed more than 250 master’s and doctoral theses.
Authored 4 scientific books in pathology.
Judged scientific research for over 50 local and international journals.
Secured 20 international research projects.

Previous Roles:

Chairman, General Authority for Fish Resources Development, Ministry of Agriculture.
Head of Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University.
Dean of Fish Farming and Technology Institute, Suez Canal University.
Head of Fish Health Program for Africa and West Asia, World Fish Center.
Head of Fish Diseases Department, World Fish Center (Malaysia/Egypt).
Expert Consultant for WHO, United Nations (Geneva).
Expert Consultant, FAO, United Nations (Rome).
Expert Consultant, OIE, United Nations (Paris).
Expert for Consultation Group of International Agricultural Resources, Washington, USA.
Coordinator for International Cooperation, Suez Canal University.
Professor and Head of Medical Laboratories Department, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia.
Teaching Assistant, Department of Biological Science, University of Texas at El Paso, USA.

Dr. Ahmed Nasr-Allah

Ahmed has over 30-years professional experience in Aquaculture. Ahmed holds a M.Sc. in Aquaculture Management and Planning (University of Hull, UK in 1997) and a Ph.D. in the Aquaculture (Suez Canal University, Egypt in 2010). Ahmed worked in The Central Laboratory for Aquaculture Research (CLAR) 1988-1997. From 1997 to 2003 he worked in the Multi-Sector Support Program (MSSP) EU program as Senior Aquaculture Monitor and joined WorldFish at the start of 2004. Currently Ahmed is senior researcher at CLAR and seconded to WorldFish. Ahmed participated and coordinated many projects such as Sustainable Transformation of Egyptian Aquaculture to Market Systems (STREAMS), Youth Employment in Aswan Governorate (YEAG) both projects funded by SDC. Published more than thirty peer reviewed publications (many in international journals) and more than ten technical reports and attended many national and international conference and workshops. Ahmed and team from WorldFish in cooperation with USSEC developed the first In-Pond Raceway System (IPRS) in Abbassa in 2017. In 2020 in Cooperation with USSEC and GAFRD supervise establishing IPRS facility in GAFRD farms (Zawia and Manzala).

Dr. Mohamed Osman

In 1988, Professor Osman received his PhD from Gottingen University (Germany) in Fish Nutrition. In addition to the academic position, he had performed several consulting assignments in different feed factories. He was responsible for creating different fish feed formulas especially for tilapia, carp, mullet, sea bream, sea bass and shrimp. Since 2017 he is an aquaculture consultant for the USSEC in Egypt. In 2006, he worked as aquaculture consultant for the Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. In 2008, he was loaned from the University to the Ministry of Agriculture as a Chairman of the General Authority for Fish Resources Development (GAFRD). In 2011, he was hired as President of the Agriculture Research Center (ARC). He is also Fellow of the Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research.

Hussien Mansour

Soy Excellence Center, a Hub for sharing knowledge, Without sharing knowledge and increase competences among Agribusiness stack holder , We couldn’t increase efficiency and reach our UNSDG’s for creating sustainable future without Sharing knowledge , Soy Excellence Center play a big role in that. Soy Excellence Center is a great Place to improve and proof outline of development and level-up Quality of Agribusiness and Food supply chain.

Soy Excellence center promote development of Agribusiness that Can lead to create more Jobs in emerging Countries.

Alaa Badr

I am a Veterinarian and Nutritionist with over 22 years of experience in animal and fish nutrition, gained through my tenure at Skretting Egypt and Trouw Nutrition Egypt. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Veterinary Science in 2000 and completed my Diploma in Poultry and Rabbit Disease in 2005. Additionally, I hold an MBA from ESLSACA Business School, earned in 2019.

Throughout my career, I have served in various roles, including Nutritionist, Production & Operations Manager, and Product Manager. These positions have allowed me to develop expertise in bridging the gap between science (R&D), nutrition, and the production of poultry and fish feed, ultimately delivering high-value products to farmers, enabling them to increase their profits.

I have also contributed to research in Fish Nutrition and most recently, in March 2023, published an article in the Aquaculture magazine titled “Tilapia Aquaculture Systems in Egypt: Characteristics, Sustainability Outcomes, and Entry Points for Sustainable Aquatic Food Systems.” This collaboration was made possible through the partnership between Skretting Egypt and the WorldFish Center.

As a Marketing Manager, I have excelled in formulating and implementing strategies, overseeing product development, managing budgets, and executing all tasks necessary to boost sales and achieve company objectives. I take pride in my ability to lead and cultivate strong teams within both Skretting Egypt and Trouw Nutrition Egypt.

Furthermore, I had the privilege of spearheading the establishment of Trouw Nutrition Egypt Premix New Factory from the ground up as a Project Manager. This venture transformed the business into one of the premier and highest-quality players in the premix market. Additionally, my experience in leading sales teams as a Marketing & Sales Manager has been instrumental in shaping my journey toward success.

Middle East & North Africa

Our Partners