The third edition of the “Annual Entrepreneurship Report 2025” summit, organized by Entlaq in El Gouna, featured a pivotal panel discussion titled “Untapped Capital – Women, Youth, and Regions as Drivers of Growth.” The session brought together a prominent group of business leaders and investors to address the challenges and opportunities in empowering women, supporting youth, and leveraging the potential of Egypt’s diverse governorates to foster sustainable economic growth.
Investing In Education For The AI Era
Speakers unanimously agreed that investing in education is paramount for navigating rapid global transformations. Dalia Ibrahim, Chairwoman of Nahdet Misr Publishing and Founder of EdVentures, emphasized that education is a lifelong journey and must be linked to the evolving needs of the job market, noting that AI could impact 390 million jobs globally in the coming years. Similarly, Mostafa Sharara, CEO of SYNC, framed AI not as a threat but as a powerful tool for productivity, stating, “The future will be in the hands of creative individuals capable of turning technology into real value.”
Breaking Barriers For Female Founders
Ramez El-Serafy, CEO of F6 Ventures, highlighted that the primary obstacles for female entrepreneurs in Egypt extend beyond access to funding. He pointed to the critical lack of female representation on investment committees and boards of directors as a significant barrier. “We must give women a real seat at the decision-making table,” El-Serafy asserted. “Empowerment is not a slogan but practical decisions that start from within the institutions themselves.”
The Challenge Of Talent Retention
The discussion also shed light on the fierce competition for talent within the startup ecosystem. Ayman Fahmy, CEO of Mory International, shared that his company’s success was built on investing in youth early, providing them with opportunities while still in university to foster deep-seated loyalty. In contrast, Mohamed Samy, CEO of Daily Dose and Soil Spaces, identified talent retention as the biggest challenge for startups. He argued that the solution requires state-level intervention through incentives and tax exemptions to help startups retain skilled professionals who are often lured away by more attractive offers.
About The Annual Entrepreneurship Report Summit
The “Annual Entrepreneurship Report Summit,” held on September 25 and 26, serves as a central platform for exchanging expertise and exploring investment opportunities in the Egyptian and regional markets. The report provides an in-depth, evidence-based analysis of Egypt’s entrepreneurial economy, linking economic indicators with public policies to highlight entrepreneurship as a key driver of inclusion, innovation, and sustainable growth.
About Entlaq
Entlaq is an Egyptian company focused on fostering the entrepreneurship ecosystem. It works to connect startups, investors, and policymakers to create a more dynamic and supportive environment for innovation and economic development in Egypt and the wider region.
Source: Follow ICT
