Egypt's Planning and Economic Development Minister Ahmed Rostom recently held a series of meetings with senior executives from leading US venture capital funds and investment institutions in Washington, DC. The meetings took place at the conclusion of his participation in the B20 Summit 2026. The goal of these meetings was to explore ways to attract foreign private sector investment into Egypt's entrepreneurship and start-up sector. Rostom met with key figures, including Bobby Franklin, President and CEO of the US National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), and Brad Fierstein, Partner and Co-Head of Corporate Solutions for the Americas and Head of Deal Origination at Apollo Infrastructure Group.
During the meetings, Rostom outlined a comprehensive financing initiative that the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development plans to launch. This initiative includes the establishment of a dedicated fund to support start-ups and entrepreneurs. The fund aims to broaden access to financing for promising Egyptian companies, allowing them to scale up their operations and attract more capital into the innovation ecosystem. This aligns with presidential directives and the recommendations of Egypt Forum 2026. The minister emphasized the ministry's strategic vision of using financing as a tool to stimulate investment and match companies' financing needs with their respective stages of growth.
Rostom highlighted the proposed fund's role in addressing funding gaps faced by start-ups as they progress from product development and business model testing to commercial expansion and entry into regional and international markets. He also discussed the link between the proposed financing initiative and the Qimam programme, which supports high-growth start-ups with significant economic potential. The minister stressed that financing alone is insufficient and must be complemented by investment-readiness support, management capacity development, and the adoption of corporate governance standards.
Rostom invited representatives of US funds and investment institutions to participate in investment funds targeting Egyptian start-ups. He emphasized that the Egyptian market offers promising investment opportunities and innovative talent capable of generating added value. The minister underscored the importance of building sustainable international partnerships that translate innovation into tangible opportunities for inclusive economic growth. This approach aims to create a supportive ecosystem for start-ups and entrepreneurs in Egypt.
As part of efforts to strengthen engagement with the international business community, Rostom attended an official dinner hosted by the Advisory Council of the American Chamber of Commerce. The gathering brought together representatives of major US companies and Egyptian entrepreneurs living abroad. Discussions focused on ways to deepen economic, trade, and investment relations between Egypt and the United States, as well as measures to accelerate trade flows.
During the dinner, Rostom outlined the main features of Egypt's National Economic Transformation Programme and highlighted positive developments in the Egyptian economy. He encouraged investors to explore opportunities to expand their operations in Egypt amid the reforms being implemented by the government. The minister's interactions with US business leaders and investors reflect Egypt's efforts to enhance its appeal as an investment destination.
The meetings and discussions held by Rostom with US venture capital funds and investment institutions demonstrate Egypt's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for start-ups and entrepreneurs. By exploring financing options and building international partnerships, Egypt aims to stimulate investment and drive inclusive economic growth. The proposed financing initiative and dedicated fund are expected to play a crucial role in addressing funding gaps and supporting the growth of promising Egyptian companies.
Key points
- Egypt's Planning Minister Ahmed Rostom discusses start-up financing with leading US venture capital funds to attract foreign private sector investment.
- The proposed financing initiative includes a dedicated fund to support start-ups and entrepreneurs, aiming to broaden access to financing and stimulate investment.
- Rostom emphasizes the importance of building sustainable international partnerships to translate innovation into tangible opportunities for inclusive economic growth.
