Egyptian Startups Raise $614 Million in 2025 as Incentives Take Shape

Egyptian startups raised a total of $614 million in equity and debt financing in 2025, marking a 51% year-on-year increase, according to figures presented at the sixth meeting of the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship. The data was shared as the government prepares to roll out a new package of incentives aimed at strengthening the country’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Separate 2025 figures from MAGNiTT, cited during the meeting, showed around $304 million raised across 69 venture capital deals, alongside 12 mergers and acquisitions. This represented the highest number of startup exits recorded in Africa during the year, highlighting growing investor interest in Egyptian companies.

The ministerial meeting reviewed a series of policy tools nearing launch, including a unified definition for startups and a startup classification certificate that would regulate access to government support and facilitation measures. Unified investment incentives are also being prepared as part of a broader effort to simplify and standardise engagement between startups and the public sector.

Central to the proposals is a Startup Charter, described as an executive roadmap comprising more than 80 government actions. The charter is designed to coordinate policies across ministries, improve regulatory clarity, and provide a more predictable environment for investors and founders.

A Unified Government Guide for Startup Services and Licensing has also been developed, aimed at streamlining access to more than 170 services offered by 35 government entities. Additional initiatives under discussion include a Startup Ecosystem Observatory to track data and assess policy impact, and a Scale-Ups Support Program focused on preparing high-growth companies for international expansion and potential future listings.