Cairo-based food delivery platform Elmenus has announced a major leadership transition as it eyes expansion beyond Egypt’s major cities. The company has appointed Walid El-Saadany as its new Chief Executive Officer, taking over from founder Amir Allam, who led the business for 14 years. This marks a pivotal moment for Elmenus, which has grown from a small startup into one of Egypt’s most recognized local food delivery brands.
Founder's Farewell: Reflecting on a 14-Year Journey
Founder Amir Allam shared his reflections on the company’s evolution, recalling its modest beginnings with just $5,000, a laptop, and two teammates. He emphasized the company’s impact on millions of users and the positive transformation it has brought to Egypt’s food delivery landscape. Allam stated that now is the right moment to “pass the baton” as Elmenus prepares for a new growth phase.
A Proven Leader: Walid El-Saadany Steps In
Walid El-Saadany brings extensive experience in Egypt’s food delivery sector, having previously led Otlob—now known as Talabat—for five years between 2015 and 2020. During his tenure, he oversaw Otlob’s transitions through key acquisitions by Foodpanda and later Delivery Hero, two major international food delivery groups. His leadership record makes him a strong fit to guide Elmenus through its next stage of development.
Vision for Growth: Beyond Cairo and Alexandria
Under its new leadership, Elmenus aims to expand its reach beyond the metropolitan hubs of Cairo, Giza, and Alexandria. The company plans to onboard more than 4,000 restaurants across smaller cities and underserved regions in Egypt. With only 1,000 restaurant partners currently on the platform, this initiative represents a fourfold expansion of its network.
Technology-Driven Transformation: AI at the Core
Elmenus is also placing a strong emphasis on technology as part of its growth strategy, integrating artificial intelligence into its mobile app. The company aims to deliver smarter discovery options, quicker delivery times, and real-time order tracking to provide users with a more personalized and seamless experience. These upgrades reflect Elmenus' ambition to compete with international players through locally tailored innovation.
A Homegrown Contender in a Global Market
Founded in 2011 as a food discovery website, Elmenus has steadily evolved into one of Egypt’s most important digital food platforms. Despite strong competition from Talabat, which is owned by global delivery giant Delivery Hero, Elmenus remains the country’s only significant homegrown rival. The company has raised $30 million to date, with support from investors such as Fawry, Global Ventures, Algebra Ventures, Luxor Capital, and former Just Eat CEO David Buttress.
Empowering Local Talent and Businesses
New CEO Walid El-Saadany highlighted Elmenus’ role not just as a tech company, but as a platform for empowering Egyptian talent and small enterprises. He described the company's next chapter as one focused on “local relevance” and “world-class execution,” to contribute to Egypt’s broader digital transformation. The company aims to build a sustainable ecosystem that benefits users, restaurants, and delivery partners alike.
With a new CEO at the helm and ambitious plans for geographic and technological growth, Elmenus is positioning itself for its most transformative phase yet. The leadership change signals a renewed focus on innovation, regional inclusion, and scaling operations across Egypt. As it steps beyond Egypt’s largest cities, Elmenus is redefining what it means to be a locally grown tech success story in a highly competitive market.