The General Authority for Investment Free Zones (GAFI), in collaboration with the African Development Bank, has successfully concluded a program aimed at strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This initiative has significantly strengthened the capacity of entrepreneurs and start-ups in all regions of the country. The closing ceremony was attended by key figures including GAFI CEO Hossam Heiba. Dalia El-Hawary, Deputy CEO of GAFI. Mr. Jehan El Sukari, Senior Socioeconomic Specialist at the African Development Bank in Egypt, evaluated the results of the program.
Through its “Your Idea, Your Company” center, funded by the African Development Bank, GAFI held workshops and awareness sessions for nearly 600 entrepreneurs and young people in 17 governorates over the course of a year. These sessions introduced participants to government policies that support entrepreneurship and fostered connections between stakeholders involved in startup efforts. In addition, leading consulting firms provided financial, tax, management, and technology consulting services to his 130 startups and entrepreneurs.
Mr. Heiba emphasized that GAFI plays a vital role in fostering entrepreneurship among young people and continuously improving the business environment. He highlighted the government’s recent efforts to support startups in Egypt, including the establishment of a permanent department within the Cabinet dedicated to startup support and the launch of electronic registration services. These initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting start-ups and promoting development.
Mr. Jehan El Sukari praised the program for being in line with the African Development Bank’s strategy, which focuses on youth employment and strengthening the business environment. His GAFI cooperation with the African Development Bank has contributed to supporting Egypt’s investment climate.
Dalia El-Hawary reaffirmed GAFI’s commitment to implementing supportive policies for entrepreneurship, streamlining procedures and eliminating bureaucracy.
Executive Director Ahmed Zuhair, who is in charge of the program, reflected on the program’s successful tour in different provinces. He emphasized that in order to achieve sustainable and inclusive development of society as a whole, it is important to build a strong support network for entrepreneurial activities.
Hossam Abdel Kader, Head of the Central Bureau for Entrepreneurship “Your Idea, Your Company”, gave an overview of the services provided by the Bureau. As a government specialized center supporting Egyptian entrepreneurs, it serves as a space to develop innovative ideas and turn them into start-up projects. The administration’s technology and consulting services are in line with the country’s strategy to position Egypt as a regional hub for entrepreneurial activity in the Middle East.
Finally, it is worth noting that the team from the Central Entrepreneurship Authority won the Innovation and Creativity Award at the 2020 Egyptian Government Excellence Awards Competition.
At the end of the program, Dalia El-Hawary and Jehan El-Sukari presented certificates of appreciation to the program’s staff, praising their dedication and success in achieving the program’s goals.
