Ibrahim Elbanna (He / Him)

With over a decade of experience in quality assurance within the agricultural sector, I currently serve as the Quality and Certifications Lead at Abt Global under the USAID-funded Egypt Rural Agribusiness Strengthening (ERAS) Project. In this role, I lead initiatives to enhance food quality and safety standards across Egypt’s horticultural value chain, ensuring compliance with both domestic and international certifications. My responsibilities include developing and managing annual food safety work plans and budgets, overseeing food safety activities, and leading expert consultants to achieve project deliverables. I collaborate with key governmental bodies, including the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA), Agricultural Exports Council (AEC), Chamber of Food Industries (CFI), and the Egyptian Agricultural Quarantine (CAPQ), to strengthen regulatory alignment and industry best practices. My work includes reviewing and updating food safety manuals, conducting on-site educational sessions, and preparing comprehensive reports with actionable recommendations. Prior to my role at Abt Global, I held key quality assurance positions at OFI (Olam Food Ingredients) and the Horticultural Export Improvement Association (HEIA). At OFI, I managed sustainability initiatives, developed planting and harvesting plans, and guided contracted growers in meeting international standards such as the Olam Supplier Code. At HEIA, I conducted compliance assessments and provided technical assistance to farms and packing houses to align with GLOBALG.A.P., BRC, and other international benchmarks. My expertise is reinforced by strong business planning skills and a commitment to continuous improvement in food safety and quality management. I hold a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Business Administration and Global Management from ESLSCA University and a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from Mansoura University. By leveraging my technical expertise and leadership, I remain dedicated to advancing food safety standards and enhancing the competitiveness of Egypt’s agricultural sector.