Egyptian entrepreneurship organisation Entlaq has recommended 10 measures to address key challenges facing startups, covering data transparency, licensing, customs, tax incentives, early-stage funding, government procurement and talent retention.
The recommendations in its 2026 annual entrepreneurship sector report are divided into three implementation periods: three short-term actions within 12 months, four medium-term actions over 12 to 30 months, and three long-term reforms extending up to 60 months.
Short-term priorities include publishing data from the Entrepreneurship Policy Observatory, improving transparency around permits through the Startup Portal, and issuing a quarterly indicator tracking Startup ID applications and approvals. The portal currently offers more than 170 services through 35 government entities, according to the report.
Medium-term proposals include a dedicated fast-track customs process for startups, a public tool tracking access to tax incentives, co-investment and first-loss structures for Seed to Series A companies, and a pilot investment bond for Egyptians abroad. The report said the bond is a new proposal, not an existing government instrument, and should first undergo market testing and a published feasibility study.
Longer-term reforms include creating a predictable route for foreign-currency transfers and repatriation, using government procurement to help certified startups win contracts, and developing a package to attract and retain Egyptian technical talent.
Entlaq said implementation should begin with data publication, followed by inter-agency coordination and structural reforms.
Source: Fintech Gate
