Ministerial group finalizes Egypt's startup charter
Egypt's government plans to bolster its startup sector with a new financial package and a unified definition of startups, officials announced following a recent meeting.
The Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship, chaired by Planning Minister Rania Al-Mashat, concluded its third meeting at the Ministry's headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. The group, established by Prime Minister's decree, aims to strengthen the startup ecosystem to fuel sustainable economic growth and create jobs.
The meeting produced a proposed financial package and a unified definition of startups, both key components of a forthcoming 'Startup Charter.' The charter, currently under development, is intended to serve as a roadmap for investors and startups alike, according to Al-Mashat.
'The working groups have held intensive meetings over the past period to discuss various proposals and recommendations from stakeholders in the sector, including startups and investors,' Al-Mashat said. 'The discussions and recommendations will be reflected in the Startup Charter, which is currently being finalized to become a clear roadmap to enhance investor confidence in the opportunities available for startups in Egypt and support their rapid and sustainable growth.'
Al-Mashat highlighted that the implementation of these recommendations aligns with the government's National Structural Reform Program, focusing on private sector empowerment and a business-friendly environment. She underscored the government's dedication to supporting startups, citing their pivotal role in future economic development, particularly given the rise of AI and emerging technologies.
'The government's commitment to supporting the entrepreneurship sector, particularly startups, is due to its crucial role in shaping the future economy in many countries, especially with the rise of emerging technologies and the revolution in AI-based services and products, which have an impact across all areas of development,' Al-Mashat said. She added that Egypt, with its large market, young population, skilled workforce, and competitive costs, is well-positioned to become a regional startup hub.
The meeting was attended by a range of high-level officials, including Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport; Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade; Sherif Farouk, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade; Mohamed Farid, Chairperson of the Financial Regulatory Authority.
It was also attended by Mai Abu El-Naga, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt; Basel Rahmi, Head of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency; Hossam Heiba, Head of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones; Osama El-Gohary, Assistant to the Prime Minister and Head of the Information and Decision Support Center; Jehan Saleh, Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister; Hossam Osman, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Amr El-Abd, Entrepreneurship Advisor to the Prime Minister; Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency; Hany Ayad, CEO of the Innovation Support Fund; and Tamer Taha, Advisor to the Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Head of the Private Sector Participation Unit; and Ater Hanoura, Head of the Public-Private Partnership Unit at the Ministry of Finance.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
See - Sada Elbalad
5 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
MCE Participates in Egypt's Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change
Mohamed Mandour The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change (LCOY Egypt 2025), organized by the Mediterranean Youth Foundation and hosted at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The event drew active participation from numerous institutions, as well as official, academic, and religious figures. In a recorded address broadcast during the opening session of the conference, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasized that climate change is a fundamental and existential issue that is closely linked to achieving social justice. He noted that it is also a humanitarian concern that threatens humanity and the shared planet we all inhabit. He explained that the Muslim Council of Elders has embraced this cause on multiple fronts, including its participation in several United Nations Climate Change Conferences, most recently COP28 in Dubai and COP29 in Azerbaijan. At these conferences, the Council launched a landmark initiative—the Faith Pavilion—which aimed to strengthen the role of religious leaders and figures in addressing the climate challenge. Judge Abdelsalam further noted that the Council also organized the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate, which resulted in the issuance of the document titled The Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Joint Declaration on Climate." This statement was signed by 30 of the world's most prominent religious leaders, including His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and the late Pope Francis, former Pontiff of the Catholic Church. He also highlighted that, in recognition of the importance of youth engagement, the Council organized a climate-themed youth competition that attracted more than 50 participants from 11 countries around the world, aimed at involving youth in this global challenge. The Secretary-General commended the LCOY Egypt 2025 initiative, particularly as it was launched by Egyptian civil society. He expressed his confidence that such efforts would contribute positively to empowering youth to play a greater role in confronting climate change. He reaffirmed the Muslim Council of Elders' support for the initiative, stemming from its firm belief in the vital role of youth in addressing contemporary challenges and in promoting peace, coexistence, and human fraternity. It is worth noting that LCOY Egypt 2025 is being organized for the first time under the leadership of Egyptian civil society, across 11 governorates from May to November 2025, and concurrently in 110 countries around the world. The conference will culminate in a policy paper, which will be submitted annually in November to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Recorded remarks at the opening session were delivered by Ambassador Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration; Dr. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation; Dr. Mahmoud Seddiq, Vice President of Al-Azhar University; Dr. Heba Labib, Vice President of Nile University for Innovation and Entrepreneurship; and Dr. Ne'ma Sa'eed, Representative of the World Health Organization in Egypt. The opening session also featured in-person participation from a large number of prominent figures from official, academic, religious, and youth leaders. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Egypt Independent
14 hours ago
- Egypt Independent
Syria orders women to cover up on beaches with conservative new dress code
CNN — Syria issued a conservative new dress code Tuesday requiring women to wear burkinis or full-body swimwear on all public beaches, the latest cultural shift since Syria issued a conservative new dress code Tuesday requiring women to wear burkinis or full-body swimwear on all public beaches, the latest cultural shift since Islamist-led rebels toppled dictator Bashar al-Assad's regime last December. The Tourism Ministry said the new guidelines were made in 'the requirements of public interest.' 'Visitors to public beaches and pools, whether tourists or locals, are required to wear appropriate swimwear that takes into account public taste and the sensibilities of various segments of society,' Tourism Minister Mazen al-Salhani said in a directive posted to Facebook. 'More modest swimwear is required at public beaches and pools (burkinis or swimsuits that cover more of the body),' said the directive, adding, 'When moving between the beach and other places, it is necessary to wear a beach cover-up or loose-fitting robe (for women) over swimsuits.' Men are required to wear shirts under the new guidance, which says that 'topless clothing is not permitted in public areas outside of swimming areas, hotel lobbies, and food service areas.' 'In public areas outside of beaches and pools, it is preferable to wear loose clothing, covering shoulders and knees, and avoid transparent or overly tight clothing,' according to the directive. However, the ministry said that in resorts and hotels 'classified as international and premium (4-star)' and in private beaches and swimming pools 'typical Western swimwear is permitted.' It's unclear what repercussions people who do not follow the guidelines will face, but the ministry said that 'lifeguards and beach supervisors' would monitor people to ensure compliance. The new regulations reflect the influence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist coalition now leading Syria's transitional government. Formerly known as Al-Nusra Front, HTS is designated as a terrorist group by the US and UK. Interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who signed the dress-code directive, led HTS in the lightning offensive that led to the fall of Assad, whose regime had been in power for several decades. In March, al-Sharaa signed an interim constitution mandating Islamist rule for a transitional phase of five years. Al-Sharaa said in December that rewriting Syria's constitution might take three years, with elections potentially taking place within five years. The US-based Human Rights Watch said in March that Al-Sharaa's 'broad authority raises serious concerns about the durability of the rule of law and human rights protections unless clear safeguards are put in place.' Tourism Minister al-Salhani, who recently courted Qatari and Saudi investors for tourism projects worth 'billions of dollars,' framed the rules as respecting Syria's cultural, social, and religious diversity.' The announcement comes amid a push to revive Syria's tourism industry following the lifting of US sanctions in May 2025 – a move US President Donald Trump described as a 'chance at greatness' for Syria.
See - Sada Elbalad
17 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Qatar strongly condemns shooting incident at school in Austria
Basant Ahmed The State of Qatar strongly condemned the shooting incident that took place at a school in the city of Graz, Austria, leaving many victims. In a statement reported by the Qatar News Agency on Tuesday, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qatar's firm position rejecting violence, terrorism, and criminal acts, regardless of the motives and reasons. The Qatari Ministry expressed the State of Qatar's condolences to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of Austria, wishing the injured a speedy recovery. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
