Mahmoud Hadhoud
2025-2026 Columbia University Scholar
Egypt
Co-founder, Open Transformation Lab Inc.
Empowering journalists with tech-driven tools and training to foster informed public discourse, counter misinformation, and champion participatory social change
Mahmoud Hadhoud is the co-founder of Open Transformation Lab Inc., a media innovation hub dedicated to advancing democratic transition in the MENA region through journalism, fact-checking, and media entrepreneurship. Through platforms like Arabi Facts Hub (AFH), his work empowers journalists and media actors with tech-driven tools to counter misinformation, promote transparency, and advocate for human rights. AFH has trained over 450 journalists in the MENA region through its sessions, equipping them with essential skills to promote accurate reporting and informed public discourse. After working as a journalist for more than a decade, Mahmoud plans to leverage the Scholars program to refine his approach to building societal resilience against propaganda and foster a deeper understanding of disinformation tactics to promote transparency and informed dialogues. He seeks to strengthen his capacity to scale collaborative, cross-border efforts that bridge media, technology, and policy reform to foster inclusive democratic change.
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More About the Scholars Program
More About the Scholars Program
The Obama Foundation Scholars program gives rising leaders from around the world who are already making a difference in their communities the opportunity to take their work to the next level.
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