Egypt has officially announced it will host the third edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) in Cairo, scheduled for November 6-8, 2026. The event, held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, aims to bring together global investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, placing a significant spotlight on Egypt’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem.
Quick Facts
- Cairo will host the Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2026.
- Event dates are set for November 6-8, 2026.
- MSMEDA has signed a strategic partnership to co-organize.
A Vote of Confidence in Egypt’s Ecosystem
Government officials are framing the selection of Cairo as a strong international endorsement of the country’s investment climate and entrepreneurial landscape. The move is seen as more than just hosting an international conference; it’s a recognition of Egypt’s potential to lead regional efforts in supporting innovation and connecting startups with global capital.
Dr. Hussein Eissa, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, highlighted that the decision represents a “strong international vote of confidence” in the nation’s ecosystem. He emphasized Cairo’s position as a strategic gateway connecting Africa with regional and global markets.
“Entrepreneurship has become one of the most significant drivers of economic growth by transforming knowledge into economic value, challenges into opportunities, and ideas into scalable and competitive businesses,” Dr. Eissa stated.
Government Backing and Strategic Priorities
The announcement aligns with the Egyptian government’s increasing focus on supporting startups and SMEs, a priority driven by directives from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
Reflecting this commitment, the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship was recently expanded from nine to twelve ministers. According to Dr. Eissa, this expansion is designed to create a more integrated approach to supporting the sector and ensure a swift, coordinated response to challenges faced by entrepreneurs.
Eng. Khaled Hashem, Minister of Industry, pointed to Egypt’s strategic advantages, including its large domestic market, extensive free trade agreements, modern infrastructure, and young workforce, as key factors making it a regional hub for manufacturing and innovation.
MSMEDA and GEF Forge Strategic Partnership
A key part of the announcement was the signing of a strategic partnership between Egypt’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA) and the Global Entrepreneurship Festival’s Partnerships Directorate. The agreement was signed by Bassel Rahmy of MSMEDA and Dr. Joy Smart, Director of Partnerships at the festival.
This collaboration will focus on organizing the event and supporting the participation of Egyptian enterprises. Key goals of the partnership include training youth and women, attracting local and international investment, boosting Egyptian exports, and accelerating digital transformation through the adoption of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence.
Connecting Egyptian Innovation with Global Capital
Dr. Summy Smart Francis, Chairman of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival – Africa, commented that by hosting the event, Egypt is assuming a leadership role. He stated the country is “presenting a model of a nation that believes the future belongs to those who build and innovate.”
He added that the festival’s core mission in Cairo will be to “connect local innovation with global capital and transform Egyptian ideas into solutions that serve the world.”
About The Global Entrepreneurship Festival
The Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) is an international event that convenes a diverse group of government officials, ministers, investors, business leaders, and startup founders from around the world. Its primary objective is to foster innovation, empower startups, and connect entrepreneurs with critical resources including funding, new markets, technology, and international partnerships.
Source: Zawya
