Orascom Construction Plc, controlled by Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris, has announced the historic stone-laying of the Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Foundation‘s heart center in Kigali, Rwanda.
An event marking the start of construction took place on Dec. 29. Attendees included Rwandan and Egyptian dignitaries such as Rwandan First Lady Jeannette Kagame, world-famous heart surgeon, Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, and Nassef’s brother, the mega-rich businessman Samih Sawiris.
When completed, the complex will include a research wing, clinics, operation theaters, pharmacies, an administrative block, laboratories and accommodation. Christened MY Heart Center, it will serve as a leading heart research center in Rwanda, with an expected project cost of $20 million.
Commenting on the recent development, the Egyptian construction giant said in a statement on its website: “Orascom Construction strives to work on projects that have a direct positive impact on the local communities. The Group is proud to be associated with this important project and to build MY Heart Centre in Kigali. This project also strengthens the Group’s involvement in such important causes and particularly with the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation.”
Founded and led by Professor Yacoub, the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation is an Egyptian NGO that hopes to change the health outcomes of society’s most vulnerable people, particularly children, by providing free comprehensive, advanced cardiac care to all those in need.
Founded in 1950, Orascom Construction is a leading engineering and construction firm led by the wealthiest man in Egypt, Nassef Sawiris. It has an operational presence in the United States, Egypt, Spain and Turkey, among other countries.
In February 2021, the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation appointed the construction giant to build a historic heart center in Egypt.
