Egypt prepares to host Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2026

Egypt has begun formal preparations to host the third edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival from 6 to 8 November 2026, with officials projecting more than 10,000 participants from over 70 countries, in excess of 100 exhibitors and over 60 international speakers. A high-level review meeting chaired by Hussein Eissa, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, brought together festival organisers, including Baher Mounir Ghabbour, President of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival – Egypt, and Hassan Kamal, the festival’s Regional Director, to assess logistics, programming and national coordination.

“Egypt’s hosting of the international event reflects its growing position as a leading regional hub for entrepreneurship and innovation and a destination for investment,” Eissa said at the start of the meeting, framing the festival as part of a broader state strategy to bolster the country’s startup ecosystem.

National coordination and strategic aims

Eissa emphasised the government’s role in nurturing startups as economic engines, stating that “startups have become key drivers of economic growth, job creation, productivity gains and economic competitiveness.” He said the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship is intensifying efforts to provide the necessary support for the sector, and that the festival aligns with the state’s commitment “to establishing an integrated ecosystem that contributes to achieving economic development objectives, improving the business and investment environment and strengthening Egypt’s startup ecosystem based on a strategic vision.”

Baher Mounir Ghabbour reviewed the progress made since Egypt’s hosting was officially announced in late June, outlining coordination among participating entities to ensure the festival “is delivered in a manner befitting Egypt’s standing, while showcasing its promising young talent and attractive investment and development opportunities.” The meeting detailed participation pathways for entrepreneurs, startups and investors of multiple nationalities and discussed a portfolio of initiatives aimed at supporting innovation, strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem and stimulating investment.

Programme focus and expected participation

Organisers say the three-day festival will tackle a broad agenda spanning the future of investment in Africa, the digital economy and artificial intelligence, the green transition, youth and women’s empowerment, social entrepreneurship, startups and technological innovation, financing mechanisms for small and medium-sized enterprises, and strengthening economic integration between African countries and global markets. With over 60 international speakers and more than 100 exhibitors expected, planners are positioning the event as a major convening for government, economic and investment leadership.

• Dates: 6–8 November 2026
• Projected attendance: more than 10,000 participants
• Countries represented: over 70
• Exhibitors: more than 100
• Speakers: over 60 international figures

Looking ahead, the meeting signalled intensified inter-ministerial coordination and private-sector engagement to deliver on the festival’s ambitions. By leveraging the event, Egyptian officials aim to spotlight domestic startups, attract foreign investment and deepen regional economic ties across Africa and beyond, reinforcing the country’s stated strategic priority of building an integrated, competitive entrepreneurship ecosystem.