SEKEM Journey 2025 – A journey into sustainable development in Egypt 

SEKEM was founded in 1977 by Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish to promote sustainable development. The name comes from an Ancient Egyptian term meaning “vitality from the sun” and represents the company’s holistic vision integrating biodynamic agriculture, ethical business and cultural renewal. Located northeast of Cairo, SEKEM operates organic farms, food, phytopharmaceutical and textile companies, a medical centre, schools, and the Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development. 

SEKEM has been an Oikocredit partner since 2012 and has received equity investments and loans. The funding has been used, for example, to reclaim desert land and expand production lines for its companies. 

Learn more about SEKEM

The programme includes a mix of visits to SEKEM farms and companies, cultural experiences, and inspiring encounters with SEKEM staff:  

• SEKEM Farm and companies (ISIS, LOTUS, ATOS, NatureTex)  

• SEKEM Wahat farm  

• Tour of Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development  

• SEKEM Festival  

• Cultural highlights: Pyramids & Egyptian Museum 

The cost for the seven-day programme is €1,350. This will include: 

• Accommodation in a single room  

• All local transport during the programme  

• Food and beverages  

• Guides and translators during the several tours 

• Expenses incurred by Oikocredit or SEKEM in preparation for the journey 

Please note: Costs may vary slightly depending on airport pick-up/drop-off times, dietary preferences, and individual needs.  

Not included are flights to Cairo, travel health insurance, visa fees, vaccination costs and travel cancellation insurance (if desired). Participants are responsible for arranging these themselves. 

To be eligible for the SEKEM Journey, participants must 

• Be an Oikocredit investor 

• Have a genuine interest in promoting Oikocredit after the journey 

• Have a good physical condition  

• Be willing and able to travel long distances by bus, sometimes on rough roads 

• Have a good command of English 

• Have valid international health insurance 

• Participate in two preparatory online sessions: 3 September and 1 October 2025 at 17:00 CEST

The travel group will consist of 24 participants: Eight investors, eight representatives of Oikocredit Support Associations and eight Oikocredit staff members including the team responsible for the relationship with SEKEM. We have found this mix of participants to be enriching and a great opportunity to learn from each other. For parts of the Journey we will split up into two smaller groups to allow for better interaction with SEKEM staff.