In the dynamic world of public relations and strategic communication, very few names shine as brightly as Manal Youssef. A Cairo-based powerhouse and Regional Head of Public Relations and Communication for North Africa at Jumia Group, Manal has proven that with vision, resilience, and a human-first approach, success is not just achievable—it’s inevitable.
Born on August 8, 1984, this Egyptian trailblazer has built her name from the ground up, standing out in a fiercely competitive market. From early beginnings in pharmaceutical marketing to leading PR strategies across four African nations, Manal’s story is one of dedication, adaptation, and unstoppable ambition.
Breaking Barriers in North Africa’s PR Scene
Manal began her journey in 2007 after graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Ain Shams University, but her career took a creative turn into communications, fashion, hospitality, and ultimately e-commerce. Her diverse experience is not just impressive—it’s essential to her success.
Currently, Manal leads PR and communication for Jumia Group across Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria, ensuring a cohesive regional voice while respecting each country’s unique culture and audience. Her leadership drives event strategies across nine African nations and involves strategic collaborations with global institutions such as UN Women and USAID.
She’s also responsible for internal communication strategies, managing international media, and shaping the corporate narrative across multiple territories—a feat that requires more than just skills; it demands visionary thinking and adaptability.
Climbing the Ladder: From Pharma to Fashion to Fame
Manal’s early professional years were shaped by her roles at Pyramid Scientific Office, where she handled everything from product registration to marketing coordination across the Middle East. Her pharmaceutical background set the foundation for a detail-oriented mindset and a deep understanding of consumer behavior.
Later, her passion for branding and communication led her to InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in Port Ghalib, where she dove into marketing, public relations, and e-commerce. Here, Manal truly began to merge creativity with strategy—an intersection that would define her later success.
Her transition to L’Oréal from 2012 to 2015 marked a pivotal phase, as she launched powerhouse brands like Vichy and La Roche-Posay in Egypt. Her work in trade marketing, POS activations, and physician-level campaigns showcased her ability to build impactful, multilayered marketing plans with tangible results.
Shaping the Future at Jumia Group
Since joining Jumia Egypt in 2015, Manal has climbed the ranks from Senior Fashion Vendor Development Manager to the top PR leadership role across North Africa. Under her guidance, Jumia’s image has transformed into one of innovation, community service, and market leadership.
Manal’s reputation isn’t just about corporate success—she’s also a known champion of CSR, women empowerment, and government collaboration. She helped drive multiple initiatives that aligned with Egypt’s national vision and global development goals.
Her recognition as one of the Top 50 Women in Egypt’s ICT Sector in 2020, 2021, and 2022 speaks volumes. She was honored by the Arab League, the Egyptian Women’s Forum, and at the BT100 event, among others. These accolades highlight her contributions not just in business, but in nation-building and community impact.
A Passion for Empowerment and Mentorship
Manal isn’t just a leader—she’s a mentor. She participated in the Orange Startup Cup and conducted marketing workshops for students, sharing her knowledge and inspiring Egypt’s next generation of marketers and innovators.
In a male-dominated industry, she stands as a beacon for women professionals aiming to break ceilings and lead with empathy and confidence. Whether speaking at the Techne Summit or Egypt Economic Summit, her voice resonates with authenticity and power.
Not Just Business: A Creative Spirit with a Personal Touch
While her professional resume is packed with achievements, Manal remains deeply connected to her creative side. She played a key role in the launch of Cairo Show Theaters in 2019—bringing to life iconic plays such as Mohamed Henidy’s “3 Ayam fel Sahel” and Dr. Yehia El Fakharany’s “King Lear”. She handled branding, on-ground activations, and complete 360 campaigns for theatrical events, showing that her skill set extends far beyond corporate corridors.
Balancing Passion, Power, and Purpose
Despite her demanding career, Manal stays grounded. She’s proud of her Egyptian roots and is driven by a clear mission: to use communication as a tool for connection, empowerment, and change.
Her journey from pharmaceutical regulation to continental PR leadership is not just about career progression—it’s about vision and values. Through every role and every campaign, Manal keeps people at the heart of her work.
What’s Next for Manal Youssef?
Looking ahead, Manal continues to drive regional impact. With the rapidly evolving landscape of digital communications, she aims to further strengthen stakeholder engagement across Africa, scale social impact programs, and inspire more women to take up leadership roles in marketing and PR.
She’s also committed to mentoring young talent, collaborating with NGOs and global partners, and exploring new frontiers in digital storytelling and brand reputation management.
Conclusion: An Inspiration to the Region and Beyond
Manal Youssef is more than her title. She is a story of courage, consistency, and creativity. From launching luxury cosmetic brands to mentoring startups and leading major regional initiatives—she shows that you don’t have to choose between strategy and heart—you can lead with both.
For anyone dreaming of making an impact in communications, public relations, or beyond, Manal’s story is a blueprint for success—grounded in passion, driven by purpose, and lifted by perseverance. Do connect on Linkedin.
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