Egypt has launched its first national Startup Charter, outlining a five-year roadmap aimed at mobilising $1 billion in financing, supporting up to 5,000 startups, and generating around 500,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The charter was unveiled by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Minister Rania Al-Mashat, following more than a year of consultations involving government bodies, venture capital funds, entrepreneurs, and parliamentarians.
Officials described the charter as an action-oriented and adaptable policy framework, designed to evolve alongside technological and market developments and to guide future legislative and regulatory reforms.
A key feature of the charter is the introduction of Egypt’s first unified, official definition of startups, classifying them as newly established, high-growth companies built around innovative products or business models. The classification enables eligible firms to obtain certification from SME authorities, granting access to targeted incentives and facilitation measures.
The initiative forms part of Egypt’s broader efforts to strengthen its startup ecosystem, attract private investment, and accelerate the transition toward a knowledge-based economy.
