● Dr. Rania Al-Mashat: A technical secretariat chaired by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation and GAFI has been formed.
● The working groups prioritize diverse representation and provide opportunities for all stakeholders to participate in meetings, ensuring the best proposals for supporting and empowering the entrepreneurial community.
● These groups will collaborate with experts and seek diverse perspectives to reinforce Egypt's position as a regional hub for startups.
The Ministerial Committee for Entrepreneurship, led by H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, announced the formation of its organizational framework, including the establishment of affiliated working groups. This decision follows extensive consultations with various ministries and stakeholders, aiming to address the needs of Egypt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and strengthen its role as a regional innovation leader.
The committee’s structure features a technical secretariat co-chaired by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI). The committee includes representatives from the Ministries of Industry, Investment and Foreign Trade, Communications and Information Technology, Higher Education and Scientific Research, Finance, Supply and Internal Trade, along with the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA), the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), and the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE). The technical secretariat is tasked with conducting studies, proposing initiatives, developing action plans, and liaising with all relevant entities.
H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat emphasized the importance of involving representatives from the startup sector, including entrepreneurs, investors, and support organizations, alongside government bodies. This inclusive approach seeks to foster dialogue and develop proposals that will enhance the entrepreneurial environment and unlock the full potential of Egyptian startups.
She also highlighted that the selection of working group members was carefully balanced to ensure diverse representation from various sectors. The working groups will have the flexibility to engage with experts and stakeholders, facilitating coordinated efforts and inclusive discussions on challenges facing startups. The broader objective is to position Egypt as a regional hub for startups. Dr. Al-Mashat stressed the importance of active and regular participation in these working group meetings.
The Ministerial Committee for Entrepreneurship has established four working groups. The 1st group on Policy and Legislative Frameworks will discuss and evaluate submitted mandates, provide expert advice, and make recommendations for the ministerial committee. Its goal is to ensure that government policies and legislative frameworks align with the needs of startups, fostering an environment that encourages investment and innovation. The 2nd group on Coordination of Initiatives and Projects aims to enhance the entrepreneurship ecosystem by coordinating government efforts and optimizing resource allocation to maximize the impact of available initiatives. The 3rd group on Global Market Access and Talent Retention will focus on enabling startups to expand internationally while retaining local talent, ensuring they can compete on a global scale and access international markets. The 4th group on Linking Startups to Development Challenges will explore ways to increase the involvement of startups in addressing pressing national development challenges, particularly in high-potential sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and industry. It will also explore incentives and programs to encourage companies to contribute more effectively to the broader economy.