The Egyptian government is formalizing its strategy to support the country’s burgeoning startup ecosystem, announcing the formation of a Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship and the drafting of a National Charter for Entrepreneurship. The initiatives, revealed by Member of Parliament Ahmed Fathy at the Start Summit in the Grand Egyptian Museum, are a direct response to challenges raised by young founders during the country’s National Dialogue sessions.
Quick Facts
- New National Charter for Entrepreneurship drafted.
- Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship established to unify efforts.
- Initiatives driven by direct feedback from young entrepreneurs.
From National Dialogue to National Policy
According to Fathy, a key takeaway from the government-led National Dialogue was the frustration voiced by entrepreneurs over fragmented support systems. Founders reported significant difficulties in navigating different government agencies to secure funding and the necessary backing to launch their ventures.
These discussions highlighted a clear demand for a single, coordinated government body to act as a central point of contact. “The sessions were marked by complete openness, allowing young people to present the challenges they face without restrictions,” Fathy stated, emphasizing that this feedback was instrumental in shaping the new policies.
A Unified Governmental Approach
In response, the government has launched the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship, a body designed to streamline policies and consolidate support across various ministries and state institutions.
The group, operating under the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Development, has expanded its membership to create a more integrated support network. It now includes the Ministry of Social Solidarity, the Central Bank of Egypt, and the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA), ensuring a more cohesive approach to fostering entrepreneurial growth. Fathy noted that the parallel development of a National Charter for Entrepreneurship aims to create a comprehensive framework for backing startups.
More Than Just Success Stories
Fathy stressed that the government’s objective extends beyond celebrating individual startup successes. The goal is to build an integrated system that prioritizes youth empowerment at its core. “The presence of various state institutions within this system reflects the government’s seriousness in turning ideas and recommendations into executive policies and programs on the ground,” he explained.
To illustrate the state’s broader commitment to economic and social support, Fathy pointed to the Takaful and Karama social protection program. Since its launch in 2015, its budget has grown from approximately EGP 5 billion to EGP 47 billion in the new state budget, signaling a strong focus on creating a stable foundation for citizens.
About the National Dialogue
The Egyptian National Dialogue is a government-initiated platform designed to bring together diverse voices from across society, including political parties, civil society, and youth representatives. Its primary goal is to discuss pressing national issues, gather feedback, and generate policy recommendations on economic, social, and political fronts to inform government strategy.
Source: Fintech Gate
