CAIRO, Aug 30 , 2018 - Ministry of Investment and International Co-operation and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, signed on Thursday an agreement to support young entrepreneurs and start-ups in Africa to drive innovation and economic growth. The ministry and the IFC will select up to 100 promising entrepreneurs from Africa and connect them with business leaders, international investors, financial institutions, and policymakers during the Africa Summit 2018, which will be held under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in Sharm el-Sheikh in December. "Like many African countries, Egypt is full of promising young entrepreneurs who need access to knowledge, the right mentors and a network of potential investors," said Sahar Nasr, Minister of Investment and International Co-operation. "This initiative will help position Egypt as a hub and create an ecosystem for entrepreneurs and innovative start-ups across Africa, helping them grow, raise capital and maximise their global outreach." Egypt is on track to becoming a leading regional hub for entrepreneurs, tapping the immense potential for innovation and growth the region has to offer. To boost the country's entrepreneurial ecosystem, the ministry launched "Fekretak Sherketak" in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in 2017, a comprehensive platform offering key tools; including funding, mentorship, and training to entrepreneurs. To further support the ecosystem, the ministry also established leading venture firms and accelerators such as Egypt Ventures, Falak Start-ups and EFG-EV Fintech, through joint investments with the private sector and international financial institutions. "Small businesses, including start-ups, are the backbone of most economies in Africa and MENA," said Mouayed Makhlouf, IFC Director for the Middle East and North Africa. "By providing these firms with access to capital and advice, governments across the continent can help create jobs and opportunity for their people." Start-ups often struggle to access the advice and financing they need to thrive. Over the last two years, IFC has provided close to $65 million in funding to technology companies and start-ups in the Middle East and North Africa, while working alongside leading accelerators and venture funds like Wamda, Flat6Labs, and Algebra Ventures. The initiative is part of an IFC effort to support entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa by helping start-ups access financing, receive advice, and break into new markets.
