INTRODUCTION
In a rapidly changing world marked by complex and interconnected challenges, innovation has become a cornerstone for achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Supporting and empowering startups is a key driver of innovation, enhanced competitiveness, investment attraction, and the creation of employment opportunities for youth. International experiences have demonstrated that providing a supportive and enabling environment for startups contributes to accelerating development and achieving national objectives.
The success of any startup ecosystem depends on several fundamental pillars, most notably the existence of clear policies and regulatory frameworks, the availability of financing mechanisms suited to the nature of startups, the establishment of effective partnerships between the public and private sectors, sustained investment in the development of human capital, and the advancement of digital infrastructure.
However, prior to undertaking the study of reforms, it was necessary for the Ministerial Group to first agree on a unified definition of startups. Accordingly, and following consultations with all relevant stakeholders, the following definition was adopted.
A STARTUP IS A RECENTLY ESTABLISHED COMPANY, CHARACTERIZED BY RAPID GROWTH, AGILITY AND INNOVATION, AND AIMS TO INTRODUCE OR DEVELOP NEW PRODUCTS OR SERVICES OR BUSINESS MODELS INTO THE MARKET.
DESPITE SUCCESSIVE ECONOMIC CHALLENGES IN RECENT YEARS, EGYPT HAS MANAGED TO ACHIEVE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN THE FIELDS OF INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP. IT HAS SUCCESSFULLY…
Built strong foundations anchored in a broad and dynamic youth base.
Developed and strengthened infrastructure.
Provided competitive operating costs that enabled the emergence of innovative business models.
Demonstrated clear political will to support private sector participation.
Accordingly, it has become evident to Egypt’s startup community that adopting the “Startup Charter” is of critical importance, serving as a shared action framework that combines immediate measures with a forward-looking roadmap. The Charter opens new avenues for growth, enhances clarity and trust, attracts investment, and ensures the sustainability and global competitiveness of Egypt’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Under the supervision of the Ministerial Group responsible for its implementation, this charter aims to strengthen the capabilities of startups and the entrepreneurship ecosystem to achieve rapid and sustainable economic growth based on knowledge and competitiveness, thereby contributing to the provision of suitable employment opportunities.
CHARTER OBJECTIVES
With the accelerating pace of technological advancement, which requires swift and effective governmental response, startups have found themselves at a critical stage that necessitates flexible policies and procedures tailored to their unique nature, enabling the national economy to fully benefit from these developments.
Accordingly, the current phase calls for enhanced collaboration through the development of a clear and implementable plan that strengthens trust between the Government and the startup community, and provides a stable environment that encourages investment in this vital sector.