- Egypt launches its first official, unified startup definition to streamline incentives and support.
- Certified startups gain access to government-backed benefits linked to growth and innovation metrics.
Two-track certification system introduced: fast-track (5 days) and standard (14 days).
Dr. Rania Al‑Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation and Chair of the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship, announced Egypt’s first unified definition of startups as part of the newly launched Startup Charter Egypt. The launch was attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, cabinet members, technical committees, and startup ecosystem representatives.
A Foundational Step for Entrepreneurship Policy
According to Al-Mashat, establishing a clear startup definition is a cornerstone for effective entrepreneurship policy. The framework enables national institutions to direct incentives and facilitations outlined in the charter to companies holding official classification certificates, while linking benefits to measurable growth and innovation indicators.
Official Definition of a Startup in Egypt
Under the Startup Charter, a startup is defined as:
A newly established company characterized by rapid growth potential, flexibility, and innovation, aiming to offer or develop an innovative product, service, or business model in the market.
To qualify, companies must:
Be legally structured in a form that allows investment
Be no older than 7 years
Demonstrate strong potential for accelerated growth
Rely on technology or intellectual property
Address a clearly defined market problem
How Startups Obtain the Classification Certificate
Dr. Al-Mashat explained that startups can access charter-related incentives by applying for the official classification certificate through Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA).
Two application tracks are available:
Fast Track (5 Working Days)
Designed for startups nominated by accredited supporting entities such as venture capital funds, incubators, or accelerators. Certification is issued automatically within five working days once documentation is complete.
Standard Track (14 Working Days)
Open to all eligible startups. Applications are reviewed by a committee comprising representatives from government bodies and the entrepreneurship community. The process includes document verification, evaluation against classification criteria, and a final decision.
Validity, Renewal, and Appeals
The initial certification remains valid for three years. Renewal occurs every two years following a company status review. Startups may file an appeal with an independent legal committee within MSMEDA, with fees refundable if the appeal is accepted.
The Startup Charter Egypt is the first framework of its kind in the country. It was prepared by the ministerial entrepreneurship group after a year of consultations involving 15 national entities and more than 250 entrepreneurs, founders, investors, support organizations, government bodies, academic experts, and parliament members.
The charter serves as a strategic roadmap to modernize Egypt’s entrepreneurship environment, making it more flexible and responsive to global changes. It is designed as an evolving implementation tool, not merely a symbolic document, supporting policy and legislative updates aligned with technological shifts and market needs.
Related Developments Supporting Startups
In parallel developments:
Egypt’s Financial Regulatory Authority has allowed brokerage firms to market services through digital platforms.
Egypt has launched an initiative to mobilize $1 billion over five years and introduced a crowdfunding financing mechanism to support startups.
Together, these measures reinforce Egypt’s push to build a dynamic, innovation-driven startup ecosystem.
