Egyptian officials called for stronger support for startups and deeper economic cooperation across Africa during a session focused on entrepreneurship and economic development at the Alamein Africa Forum.
Badr Abdelatty, Egypt’s minister of foreign affairs, international cooperation and Egyptians abroad, said Africa’s natural resources, economic potential and human capital could support faster growth. He stressed the need to move from setting priorities to implementing projects and mobilising the investment needed to deliver measurable development outcomes.
Ahmed Rostom, minister of planning and economic development, said supporting startups had become a key driver of structural economic change, productivity and sustainable job creation. He outlined a vision for an integrated innovation ecosystem connecting startups with manufacturing, artificial intelligence, green industries and fintech.
Rostom also proposed a joint innovation model between Egyptian and African entrepreneurs based on technology exchange and cross-border value chains.
Mohamed Farid, minister of investment and foreign trade, said the region’s challenge extends beyond launching companies. Startups also need access to finance, effective regulation and markets to scale and compete regionally and internationally. He added that supply chains, productivity, trade and resource use present opportunities for technology companies to address real economic needs.
Source: Ahram
