Egypt has solidified its position as a leading regional and international hub for innovation and startups, as recent global indicators reveal a significant jump in the country's ranking on the global entrepreneurship map over the past two years. The GEM report for 2025/2026 shows that Egypt advanced 5 places to rank 35th among 53 economies evaluated, up from 40th in the 2024/2025 cycle. This improvement is attributed to a steady rise in the National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI), which increased to 4.3 points from 4.2 points the previous year.
The GEM assessment is based on 13 sub-indices that measure the efficiency of the financial environment, infrastructure, government support and economic policies, as well as the cultural and social climate encouraging individual initiatives. Egypt's progress reflects a sustained upward trend, with the country climbing 16 places in the global startup ecosystem index over the past six years, ranking 65th globally among 118 countries as of 2026. This underscores a structural evolution in Egypt's ability to attract venture capital and provide the necessary business incubators for new projects to grow and expand.
Cairo is at the forefront of Egypt's thriving entrepreneurship scene, serving as the main driver of the country's startup ecosystem. The city hosts around 90% of Egypt's 632 operating startups, with a startup density of approximately 4 companies per 100,000 people. Cairo's ecosystem recorded an annual growth rate of 0.7% in 2025, reinforcing its status as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
On a regional level, Egypt has maintained its top position in North Africa in entrepreneurship since 2021, solidifying its role as a primary gateway for expansion and innovation in the area. While these indicators measure specific aspects and do not capture the full operational details on the ground, they provide a clear positive signal to local and international investors about the direction of Egypt's business environment towards further growth and development.
The Egyptian government has been working to enhance the business environment through various initiatives and policies aimed at supporting startups and entrepreneurs. These efforts have contributed to the country's improved rankings and reflect a growing recognition of Egypt's potential as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
Egypt's progress in global entrepreneurship rankings is a testament to the country's efforts to create a supportive ecosystem for startups and entrepreneurs. The government's continued focus on improving the business environment and providing resources for entrepreneurs is expected to drive further growth and innovation in the sector.
As Egypt continues to advance in global entrepreneurship rankings, the country is well-positioned to attract more investment and talent, driving economic growth and development. With its strong startup ecosystem and supportive business environment, Egypt is poised to remain a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
Key points
- Egypt ranks 35th globally in entrepreneurship, up 5 places from the previous year.
- Cairo hosts around 90% of Egypt's operating startups and has a startup density of approximately 4 companies per 100,000 people.
- Egypt has maintained its top position in North Africa in entrepreneurship since 2021.
