Hussein Eissa, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, has held a meeting to review the latest developments and preparations for Egypt’s hosting of the third edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2026, scheduled to take place from 6 to 8 November.
The meeting was attended by Baher Mounir Ghabbour, President of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival – Egypt, and Hassan Kamal, the festival’s Regional Director. At the start of the meeting, Eissa said Egypt’s hosting of the international event reflects its growing position as a leading regional hub for entrepreneurship and innovation and a destination for investment.
He added that the event comes as part of the state’s strong focus on supporting the sector. The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs said startups have become key drivers of economic growth, job creation, productivity gains and economic competitiveness. He noted that startups represent a fundamental part of the future of the economy, given their capacity for innovation, expansion and access to regional and international markets.
Eissa also pointed out that the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship is carrying out intensive efforts to provide the necessary support for the entrepreneurship sector. He said this reflects the state’s commitment to establishing an integrated ecosystem that contributes to achieving economic development objectives, improving the business and investment environment and strengthening Egypt’s startup ecosystem based on a strategic vision.
During the meeting, Ghabbour reviewed the main achievements since the official announcement in late June that Egypt would host the festival. He also outlined coordination efforts among the various participating entities to ensure the event is delivered in a manner befitting Egypt’s standing, while showcasing its promising young talent and attractive investment and development opportunities.
The meeting also reviewed the main participation opportunities available to entrepreneurs of various nationalities, startups and investors, as well as a range of initiatives aimed at supporting innovation, strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem and stimulating investment.
The Global Entrepreneurship Festival is one of the largest international gatherings specialising in entrepreneurship and investment. Its third edition, to be held in Egypt from 6 to 8 November, is expected to attract more than 10,000 participants from over 70 countries, with more than 100 exhibitors and over 60 international speakers representing government, economic and investment leadership.
Over three days, the festival is set to address a number of key themes, including the future of investment in Africa; the digital economy and artificial intelligence; the green transition; youth and women’s empowerment; social entrepreneurship; startups and technological innovation; financing mechanisms for small and medium-sized enterprises; and strengthening economic integration between African countries and global markets.
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