- GAFI participates in the final showcase of the Elevate Lab initiative supporting startups, in collaboration with Enactus Egypt and Exits MENA.
- GAFI announces the launch of the Technology Hub project to enable startups to expand and export to international markets.
The Elevate Lab initiative announced the launch of the final demo day of its intensive training program designed for entrepreneurs and startups in Egypt.
The event was organized in collaboration with Enactus Egypt, Exits MENA, and several partners supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem, under the patronage of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI).
Hossam Heiba, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones “GAFI”, participated in the final showcase, where selected startups presented their projects before a high-level judging panel that included prominent experts, investors, and ecosystem leaders.
The event welcomed more than 200 attendees, including entrepreneurs, partners, and supporters.
The demo day served as a key platform for highlighting the achievements of the participating startups throughout the program, while creating real opportunities for emerging companies to strengthen their presence and explore new pathways for growth and investment.
Heiba noted that Egypt is currently witnessing an exceptional phase marked by unprecedented and promising opportunities for entrepreneurs and startups, both in scale and diversity.
He urged young innovators to seize these opportunities, emphasizing the importance of fostering a supportive business environment that enables them to launch their ideas and turn innovation into added economic value that drives growth and development.
He reiterated that GAFI continues to enhance the business climate by streamlining company formation procedures including the One-Person Company framework along with establishing a dedicated unit for serving startups and offering incentives and services free of charge to support this segment.
Heiba added that GAFI, the Financial Regulatory Authority, and the Egyptian Tax Authority are collectively working to provide necessary facilitation for startups and ensure they receive the institutional support required for sustainable growth.
He stressed that young entrepreneurs represent the business leaders of tomorrow and the primary engine of Egypt s economic future.
He also announced the launch of a Technology Hub within the Nasr City Free Zone, in partnership with a specialized developer.
The hub will serve as an integrated center to support startups in scaling, exporting to global markets, and strengthening their competitiveness regionally and internationally.
Heiba concluded by expressing his confidence in the potential of youth and their critical role in shaping the future of the economy, noting his ongoing interest in reviewing as many innovative ideas as possible.
The program comes as part of the state s efforts to empower young people and strengthen the role of entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic growth.
This year s edition saw strong interest, receiving more than 1,000 project ideas from various governorates.
After a rigorous evaluation process, only 10 startups were selected to receive the program s awards in recognition of their innovation and strong potential for expansion.
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