Egypt is planning an electronic village, or “E-Village,” to support startups, develop technology-driven innovation and improve access to funding, investment and international markets.
Dr. Smart Francis, head of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Africa, announced the initiative as part of the development projects linked to Egypt hosting the festival’s third edition in November 2026. Organisers describe the project as a potential “African Silicon Valley,” bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, universities, research institutions, companies and governments.
The E-Village is expected to include coworking spaces, startup incubation and mentoring programmes, an Innovation Nest centre and The Octagon Business Hub. Its proposed education and research components include a school focused on robotics and artificial intelligence, business and finance institutions, a creative academy and a research centre.
According to the announcement, the model is built around five priorities: infrastructure, entrepreneurship education, talent development, access to international markets, and funding and partnerships.
The initiative will also include the Entrepreneurs Investment Program, which aims to identify promising ventures and connect founders with investors, experts and potential partners. Participation will not guarantee funding, with projects subject to evaluation and eligibility requirements.
The festival is scheduled for November 6-8, 2026, with organisers targeting around 10,000 visitors, 80 speakers and representation from 70 countries. The organisers said similar electronic villages are planned for countries hosting future editions of the festival.
Source: Fintech Gate
