Egypt plans new venture capital and industrial funds to support startups, boost manufacturing expansion, and strengthen export growth.
Mohamed Farid Saleh, Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, has announced plans to launch a venture capital fund alongside new industrial investment funds aimed at supporting startups and strengthening the country’s production and export capacity.
Also Read: 2PointZero Invests in Whoop, Expanding Abu Dhabi’s Health-Tech Reach
Speaking during an interview held on the sidelines of the annual iftar hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt in Cairo, the minister said the government is working to expand financing options for high-growth companies and key industrial sectors.
The discussion was moderated by Omar Elsahy, General Manager of Amazon Egypt, and Sally Elguindi, General Manager of Mars Egypt.
The proposed venture capital fund will operate as a co-investor alongside existing investment funds, providing long-term financing to startups. According to the minister, the initiative aims to help companies scale while attracting additional capital, particularly at expansion stages such as Series A, B, and C funding rounds, where Egyptian startups often face significant capital gaps.
By supporting these later-stage investments, the government aims to reduce its reliance on foreign limited partners and encourage greater domestic capital participation in its startup ecosystem. The minister noted that entrepreneurship remains a core pillar of the country’s economic strategy, adding that the planned VC fund is expected to be developed in partnership with the Sovereign Fund of Egypt.
Alongside the venture capital initiative, the government is also working with the Ministry of Finance of Egypt to establish new industrial investment funds. These funds will focus on supporting the manufacturing sector by financing factory expansion, increasing production capacity, and boosting export competitiveness.
Farid described the current phase of its economy as a “pivotal moment,” highlighting the importance of stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to attract investment and sustain economic growth.
He added that enhanced dialogue between government institutions and businesses will be key to improving the investment climate, strengthening competitiveness, and expanding export opportunities.
Why Egypt VC Matters to MENA
Egypt’s plan highlights a growing shift among regional governments toward state-backed venture capital and industrial financing to strengthen local innovation ecosystems. By targeting expansion-stage funding, the initiative addresses one of the most persistent gaps in African and MENA startup markets.
The strategy also reflects a broader push to align entrepreneurship with industrial growth and export competitiveness, ensuring startups contribute directly to economic development rather than remaining isolated in the tech sector.
If implemented successfully, the funds could attract more institutional investors to Egypt’s venture ecosystem and position the country as a stronger startup hub within North Africa and the wider MENA region.
