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In today’s rapidly evolving digital economy, Talabat stands out as a leader in fostering partnerships that drive growth, innovation, and customer satisfaction in the food and Q-commerce industry. We had the opportunity to speak with Talabat’s Head of Business Development, who provided an in-depth look into the strategies and values that guide their partnership choices, how Talabat overcomes challenges in the field, and the critical role of business development in Egypt’s emerging markets. Through this conversation, we gain insights into Talabat’s roadmap for success, their favorite partnerships, and valuable advice for entrepreneurs navigating this space.
What standards do you always keep in mind when choosing a partner for Talabat?
We focus on partners who align with our core values of integrity, reliability, and customer satisfaction. We seek out those who share our vision for innovation and growth in the food & Qcommerce delivery space. Their reputation and track record are essential, but we also prioritize partnerships that drive mutual benefit and positively impact the communities we serve, contributing to our long-term growth and service excellence.
What is your favorite partnership that Talabat had?
While each partnership brings its own unique value to talabat. We always partner with reputable partners who share the same values and beliefs we have. One that stands out for me is “Everyone is a winner” Which we launched this summer since we collaborated with 3 key partners “Samsung, Anghami & Shahid”. Witnessing the tangible impact of our support on these businesses’ growth and sustainability is truly rewarding.
Also, one of our most successful partnerships has been with Visa. This collaboration has been a turning point in facilitating e- payments and reducing reliance on cash transactions, in line with the government’s initiatives to change into a cashless society. Partnering with payment schemes significantly enhanced the convenience and security of transactions for our customers and vendors alike.
What is the most challenging part of being a partnership and business development Head? What are the qualities that a business developer should have?
I’d say that the biggest challenge in this role is deeply understanding the business’s needs and assets, ensuring they are leveraged efficiently to unlock new opportunities. Business development requires close collaboration with nearly every function, so having a solid grasp of each department and maintaining a strategic mindset are critical to forging successful partnerships.
There’s a misconception that excelling in business development is all about having an extensive network, but the reality is different. The key lies in having strong soft skills, a foundational understanding of the business and industry, and a strategic, agile mindset. This role demands flexibility and foresight—it’s not a 9-to-5 job; it’s a lifestyle. Opportunities can emerge in any setting, whether in meetings, events, or casual interactions. To really succeed in this role, you need to be adaptable, resilient, and creative, while always keeping an eye on market dynamics. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to negotiate win-win partnerships are essential to success.
How is business development important for startups? What are the main tips you can give to Entrepreneurs?
Business development serves as the lifeblood of startups as it drives growth, and ensures long-term sustainability in highly competitive markets. For startups, it’s not just about expanding sales but about building strategic partnerships and alliances that can open doors to new opportunities and enhance market penetration.
A key distinction entrepreneurs need to understand is that business development is not the same as sales. While sales focus on immediate revenue, business development is about expanding the business itself—whether through partnerships, product innovation, or strategic initiatives that pave the way for sustainable growth. It’s about positioning your business for future success and ensuring its adaptability in a changing market.
My top advice for entrepreneurs would be to prioritize relationship-building, stay agile and adaptable, and focus on creating mutually beneficial collaborations. It’s essential to clearly define your value proposition and target market, while proactively seeking opportunities for collaboration. Also, emphasize the importance of a seamless partner experience, ensuring that partnerships are built on trust and shared goals. Long-term relationships should always take precedence over short-term gains, as they are the true foundation for sustainable business development.
Tell us about your plans for this year. Are there any new programs in the pipeline? Tell us what’s different this year…
We are always working to offer our customers the best experience with their loved brands and continuously adding value through these collaborations. Our strategy is built on delivering unique and engaging experiences, so stay tuned for more updates through our communication channels.
As part of our commitment to enhancing customer experiences, we are currently working on expanding our partnership with Vodafone to include tailored offerings and new benefits that will actually happen for the first time in the market. This initiative will not only strengthen our collaboration but also help us expand our communication channels.
Additionally, we’re gearing up for major events like the Black Friday campaigns, where strategic partnerships will be key in offering unbeatable sales and discounts to capture our customers’ attention and drive engagement as our collaboration with samsaung.com and with CIB offering up to 50% discounts on CIB and 50K EGP vouchers for our top users.
How can you describe the business development field in Egypt?
Business development field in Egypt is actually very dynamic with unique opportunities & challenges. With an evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem and a growing digital economy, there is immense potential for innovation and growth. However, navigating market saturation, and evolving consumer preferences requires agility, resilience, and strategic foresight. Successful business development professionals in Egypt must possess a deep understanding of local market dynamics, forge strong relationships & network with stakeholders, and continuously adapt to emerging trends to drive sustainable business growth.
Talabat is very active when it comes to building and creating new partnerships, what are the common challenges you face with a partner/client? & How do you solve it?
As a tech-enabled company, our main challenge when building partnerships is usually integrating technology smoothly with partners who have varying levels of tech adoption. While many partners are leaders in their industries, not all are equally tech-driven. However, they recognize the importance of a seamless digital experience to enhance customer satisfaction and minimize human error.
We always work closely with our partners, simplifying processes and ensuring technology implementation is smooth and efficient. Clear communication, collaborative problem-solving, and a focus on mutual goals help us overcome obstacles and create partnerships that are both effective and scalable.
Have you ever lost an opportunity to do business with an important partner? Why? What did you do after, and what did you learn from the experience?
In any business, setbacks are inevitable, and we’ve occasionally missed opportunities to collaborate with key partners due to factors like diverging priorities, misaligned business models, or timing challenges. However, we see these moments as opportunities to improve. Afterward, we conduct a thorough review to understand what went wrong and how we can refine our approach. A key part of our strategy is customization—we work closely with each partner to tailor offerings that align with their specific goals. We learn from these experiences and enhance our ability to deliver personalized solutions, to strengthen future partnerships and explore new avenues for collaboration.
How has the growth in partnerships contributed to Talabat’s success and brand presence in the local market?
This year, we achieved an impressive 100% growth in partnerships across various industries, solidifying our position in the local market. In addition to our long-standing collaborations, many partners have developed tailored, integrated systems specifically for us, reflecting the strength of our relationships. This success is driven by our dedicated team, a relentless focus on enhancing customer experience, and a commitment to understanding and prioritizing our partners’ needs. Our strategy centers on forging impactful partnerships that deliver real value, which has significantly amplified our brand presence and bolstered our reputation in the market.
