Mashat: Rania Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation and Chair of the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship, affirmed that startups have become one of the main drivers of economic development, noting that a package of incentive measures and policies will be launched soon as part of the Startups Charter in Egypt. This announcement was made during her speech at the annual conference of 'Entlaq' to launch the 3rd edition of the Annual Egyptian Entrepreneurship Sector Diagnostic Report (SDR 2025), held in El Gouna, under the auspices of the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship, the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Mashat explained that despite the challenges faced by the Egyptian economy in recent years, startups in Egypt have witnessed significant growth. Since 2020, the sector has attracted investments totaling $2.2 billion, which is seven times the volume achieved during the period from 2015 to 2019. She highlighted that the announced investments in startups during the first eight months of this year reached $254 million, showing a 17% increase in the total number of deals compared to the same period last year.
Recognizing the importance of startups, the Egyptian government is focusing on supporting entrepreneurship as a key pillar for sustainable growth and competitiveness. This focus is part of Egypt's Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs, and Resilience, which aims to transition toward a productivity-driven economic model by empowering the private sector, consolidating macroeconomic stability, and advancing structural reforms and policies.
Mashat emphasized that the government interest is reflected in the launch of the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship, established by a decision of the Prime Minister. This group, which includes relevant ministers and authorities, aims to strengthen the entrepreneurial environment and contribute to job creation. Since its formation, the Ministerial Group has worked collaboratively with the startup community, following international best practices. Working groups have been formed, including startup founders, investors, support organizations, parliamentarians, and civil society organizations.
The Ministerial Group has held successive meetings, resulting in the formulation of over 70 incentive policies for startups in coordination with 19 government entities. These policies include simplifying government procedures, supporting international expansion of local startups, and enhancing their participation in government projects. Efforts also focus on developing an electronic platform for startup registration and licensing, along with a unified financing initiative to support more than 5,000 startups, including fintech companies that empower women and enhance social and environmental impact.
The Minister added that the Ministerial Group is preparing a guide for government services and licenses for startups, covering 14 rapidly growing sectors. This guide will provide data, required documents, timeframes, legal frameworks, and estimated costs, thereby increasing transparency for entrepreneurs. The final touches are being made to officially launch these measures within one package under the Startup Charter in Egypt.
Mashat praised the efforts of Entlaq, noting that the annual report serves as a reference for monitoring entrepreneurship indicators in Egypt and as a practical tool for policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs. She commended the company's active role within the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship as part of its participatory approach.