Egypt Launches Unified Roadmap to Boost Entrepreneurship and Financial Technology

Egypt’s Ministry of Planning and Economic Development has officially announced the launch of the “Startups in Egypt Charter,” a unified national roadmap designed to energize the country’s entrepreneurship and financial technology ecosystem. The announcement was made by H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat during her participation in the 2025 FinTech Forum in Cairo.

By the Numbers

• 77: Policies and procedures included in the new Startups Charter.
• 19: Government entities coordinated to develop the charter.
• 5,000+: Startups targeted for support through a new unified financing initiative.
• 500,000: Direct job opportunities projected to be created.
• ~75%: Egypt’s financial inclusion rate by the end of 2024.

A Unified National Vision for Startups

The “Startups in Egypt Charter” represents a significant reform, establishing a clear roadmap of the state’s commitments to supporting the startup sector. Developed in close coordination with 19 government bodies and representatives from the private sector, the charter includes 77 specific policies and procedures aimed at creating a more supportive and stimulating environment for growth and innovation. This unified vision is designed to boost the confidence of both local and international investors in the Egyptian market.

Key Initiatives to Empower Entrepreneurs

Alongside the charter, several key initiatives were announced to provide tangible support to the ecosystem:

• Unified Startup Definition & Certification: A unified definition for startups has been adopted, and a “Startup Classification Certificate” has been developed. This certificate will be granted to qualifying companies, making it easier for them to access financing and enter new markets.
• One-Stop Digital Platform: A unified electronic platform for the registration and licensing of startups is being launched to streamline and accelerate the setup process.
• Unified Financing Initiative: A new public-private financing initiative will be launched to support over 5,000 startups, with a focus on those that empower women and promote environmental sustainability.
• “Soft Landing” Program: A new program designed to facilitate the entry of international companies into the Egyptian market, providing them with a supportive regulatory and commercial environment.

Leadership on a Collaborative Approach

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, highlighted the collaborative effort behind this new roadmap. She noted that the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship, which she chairs, worked closely with founders, investors, and civil society to develop a unified national vision. “This support will empower Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises, especially those led by women, enhance the entrepreneurship ecosystem, and increase access to finance to create new economic opportunities in line with the priorities of the Economic Modernization Vision,” the Minister stated.

Building on a Foundation of Growth

This new roadmap builds on a period of unprecedented growth for Egypt’s fintech sector, which has seen the number of startups increase more than fivefold over the past five years. This growth, supported by the Central Bank of Egypt and the Financial Regulatory Authority, has helped raise the country’s financial inclusion rate to nearly 75%. The Ministry also highlighted its “Hafez” platform, which has facilitated over $15.6 billion in development financing for the private sector since 2020.

Looking Ahead

The launch of the “Startups in Egypt Charter” and its associated initiatives is a landmark development for the country’s economy. By creating a clear, supportive, and unified framework, the Egyptian government is laying the groundwork for a new era of innovation, aiming to position the nation as a leading and highly competitive hub for entrepreneurship and financial technology in the MENA region and globally.

Source: Al-Borsa News