The Egyptian government has outlined a new package of legislative, institutional, and financial measures designed to help local startups expand both domestically and internationally. The announcements were made during the fifth day of the Egypt 2026 Forum, which is being held in the New Administrative Capital from October 19 to 24 under the direction of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly told entrepreneurs that supporting Egyptian companies that grow into regional or global players is now a core economic priority for the state.
A Coordinated Government Framework
Madbouly confirmed that the cabinet will introduce legislative amendments to simplify company expansion and improve access to foreign markets as part of the state's entrepreneurship agenda. He also announced plans to establish a dedicated entrepreneurship unit under the Council of Ministers to track startup needs, coordinate support, and remove obstacles. The unit will work with relevant ministries and international institutions to provide suitable financing mechanisms for growth.
A Ministerial Group for Startups
The Prime Minister said that one of the main challenges facing the sector has been the lack of a single clear government authority responsible for startups. To address this, the government has formed a ministerial group for entrepreneurship under the supervision of the Council of Ministers. A special advisor to the Prime Minister will also support the group, with the goal of accelerating decision making and coordination.
Funding and Regulatory Reforms
Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rustom announced that efforts are underway to complete a venture financing fund through NI Capital in cooperation with development partners. The government has also launched an executive plan to support 5,000 startups, attract US$5 billion in venture capital, and mobilize US$1 billion through a unified financing initiative over five years. Rustom added that regulatory sandbox transitions to permanent licenses will be reviewed with the Central Bank of Egypt and other authorities.
Skills and Global Ambitions
Rustom stressed that universities have a central role in producing graduates who can identify real market problems and build solutions. He encouraged young Egyptians to develop skills in technology, programming, and artificial intelligence, particularly for logistics, industry, and agriculture. Madbouly urged ambitious companies to pursue listings on global stock exchanges, saying that capital markets strengthen growth and competitiveness.
Economic Importance of Startups
Madbouly reiterated that entrepreneurship is a top priority within Egypt's three-year economic transformation program. Rustom cited Startup Genome estimates showing the value of startup ecosystems at approximately 8% of GDP across G20 countries, underscoring the sector's significance. The Prime Minister praised Egyptian entrepreneurs who have turned unconventional ideas into companies operating inside and outside the country, highlighting their success as evidence of the economy's competitive capacity.
Supporting Existing Startups
The Egypt Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation has launched a Business Clinic mechanism that received 48 challenges from startups. Officials said 21 of these challenges have already been resolved, with follow-up continuing on the remaining cases. The government is also working to integrate Egyptian entrepreneurs abroad so they can expand into the domestic market and beyond.
The government's latest steps reflect a broad effort to create an integrated environment for startups, from early-stage support to international expansion. Officials highlighted the Business Clinic at the Egypt Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which has resolved 21 of 48 challenges received, while working to integrate Egyptian entrepreneurs abroad. The coming period is expected to bring accelerated implementation of these measures as Egypt seeks to position its startups as regional and global competitors.