Egypt’s hosting of Global Entrepreneurship Festival to boost Africa investment ties – industry minister
Egypt’s hosting of the 2026 Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) will strengthen its position as a regional industrial and investment hub while deepening economic ties between Africa and global markets, Industry Minister Khaled Hashem said on Saturday.
Speaking at a press conference announcing that Cairo will host the third edition of the festival in November, Hashem said Egypt’s selection followed strong international competition and reflected growing confidence in the country’s economic and strategic standing.
“Winning the right to host this global event confirms Egypt’s expanding regional and international role in supporting economic development, innovation, and entrepreneurship,” Hashem said.
The minister described entrepreneurship and innovation as key drivers of job creation, productivity growth and the shift towards a more competitive economy built on knowledge, technology and added value.
He said the event would serve as a platform to strengthen economic and industrial partnerships between African countries and the wider world, particularly through greater support for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises.
Hashem said Egypt was well-positioned to attract industrial investment, citing its strategic location connecting Africa, the Middle East and Europe, as well as trade agreements that provide access to markets of more than one billion consumers.
He also pointed to the country’s industrial zones, logistics infrastructure, transport networks, and diversified manufacturing base as factors that support its competitiveness.
The festival, he said, could help launch new initiatives aimed at boosting innovation, manufacturing and entrepreneurship across Africa, while enabling young entrepreneurs to gain access to financing, technology and international markets.
Hashem added that Egypt was intensifying efforts to improve its startup ecosystem through dedicated business support initiatives, including the “Bedaya” programme, as part of a broader industrial strategy focused on increasing local production, attracting technology-driven investment and expanding exports.
“Industrial development and entrepreneurship are two essential partners in shaping the future,” he said, adding that small and medium-sized businesses remain central to sustainable economic growth and employment generation.
The Global Entrepreneurship Festival will take place in Cairo from 6-8 Nov., bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers from around the world.