Egypt’s government is exploring a new collaboration with the UN Global Compact to provide international technical support for promising local startups, aiming to accelerate their regional and global expansion. The potential partnership focuses on the winning companies from the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects, Egypt’s flagship program for climate tech innovation.
Quick Facts
- Egypt and UN Global Compact discuss a formal partnership.
- The focus is on supporting winners of a national green tech initiative.
- The goal is to provide technical support for global expansion.
- The talks took place during the HLPF 2026 in New York.
Forging a Path for Green Tech Expansion
The discussions were held during a meeting between Dr. Ahmed Rostom, Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, and Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General of the UN and CEO of the UN Global Compact. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF 2026) at the UN headquarters in New York.
Dr. Rostom proposed leveraging the UN Global Compact’s advanced programs to provide targeted technical support for the top-performing companies in the national green projects initiative. This support is intended to help these startups scale their operations and enter international markets. The initiative has already supported dozens of companies across Egyptian governorates through incubation, grants, and investment matchmaking.
Strengthening the Broader Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
The conversation also addressed wider support for Egypt’s entrepreneurship and SME sector. Both parties discussed the importance of improving the business environment, simplifying access to global markets and value chains, and providing better financing mechanisms and capacity-building programs.
Sanda Ojiambo highlighted that the UN Global Compact’s programs are designed to help SMEs integrate sustainability principles directly into their business models. She noted this approach enhances their competitiveness and ensures their long-term, sustainable growth.
The dialogue also touched on potential cooperation within the framework of the “UN Private Sector Forum 2026” and coordination on the “Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI),” both aimed at strengthening the private sector’s role in Africa’s development.
About the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects
The National Initiative for Smart Green Projects is a pioneering Egyptian government program launched to identify and support innovative green technology and climate action projects across the country. It provides a platform for startups and businesses to receive incubation, grants, and exposure to investment and promotional opportunities, fostering a local ecosystem for sustainable development.
Source: mobtada
