Egypt will allow export-oriented service start-ups to set up headquarters in the country's free zones for the first time, offering them streamlined procedures and full customs and tax exemptions, the CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) Hossam Heiba announced at the 2025 RiseUp Summit. Speaking at the summit's opening session titled "Boosting Start-ups: Policy, Progress, and GovernmenSupport", Heiba said the authority has allocated around 9,000 square metres of office space to support start-ups, particularly those in software exports and artificial intelligence applications. Supporting entities such as legal, marketing and consultancy firms will also be present to help start-ups grow and enter global markets. Heiba outlined GAFI's longstanding efforts to improve Egypt's entrepreneurship ecosystem—from establishing the Bedaya Centre 15 years ago to launching Egypt Ventures with the Ministry of International Cooperation, and hosting the permanent unit for entrepreneurship and start-ups. He also noted GAFI's role in the ministerial committee for entrepreneurship, all of which have worked to unify support and dismantle obstacles for fast-growing start-ups. To further streamline processes, GAFI has introduced a fast-track route for entrepreneurs to set up companies electronically within two hours. Start-ups also receive VIP services at investor service centres at no extra cost. Heiba added that GAFI is coordinating with the EU, Saudi Arabia and Morocco to facilitate Egyptian start-up expansion into these markets while avoiding double taxation and protectionist barriers. These efforts include administrative and promotional support during early-stage market entry, as well as attracting fresh investment from those regions. On the legislative front, Heiba revealed that Egypt will issue a new law this year to establish and regulate financial and business zones, aiming to position the country as a regional hub for investment funds, especially venture capital, to mobilise local and foreign funding for Egyptian start-ups. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
