Egypt has climbed 16 positions in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index over the past five years, ranking 65th worldwide in 2025 with a score of 2.132 points, according to a new report released by the Cabinet’s Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC).
The country had ranked 81st globally in 2020 with 0.358 points.
The index evaluates entrepreneurship environments in 118 countries and 1,473 cities, using data from international platforms including Statista, Crunchbase, and StartupBlink.
Cairo Dominates National and Regional Landscape
The report highlights Egypt’s continued leadership in North Africa in 2025, a position it has maintained since 2021. Cairo remains the country’s primary startup hub, hosting 510 startups, or about 90% of Egypt’s total. The capital registered significant growth in e-commerce, retail, transport technologies, foodtech, software, and data, cementing its status as one of Africa’s strongest innovation centers.
Cairo advanced to 90th globally in 2025—up from 97th in 2024—marking its second consecutive year among the world’s top 100 cities for startups.
Alexandria Reclaims Its Position
Alexandria improved to 669th globally, strengthening its position as Egypt’s second startup hub after re-entering the global top 1,000 last year. The city now hosts 21 startups, including nine operating in software and data.
The IDSC report tracks sustained progress in Egypt’s startup environment:
In 2021: Egypt jumped 11 places to 70th worldwide, leading North Africa. Cairo rose 21 positions to 180th, while Alexandria climbed 22 spots to 974th.
In 2022: Egypt moved up to 65th place globally and remained the highest-ranked in North Africa. Cairo advanced to 160th worldwide, while Alexandria dropped out of the top 1,000.
In 2023: Cairo became the only Egyptian city ranked, taking second place in Africa and the Arab world after Dubai.
In 2024: Egypt rose from 81st to 66th globally over four years as Cairo entered the top 100 cities globally for the first time.
2025: Strongest Regional Ranking in Years
In 2025, Egypt not only maintained its 65th global position but also climbed to third place in Africa, its highest regional standing since 2021. The country ranked 45th globally in the e-commerce and retail sector. StartupBlink listed 563 notable startups in Egypt for 2025.
Policies and Market Potential Drive Growth:
Egypt’s startup ecosystem benefits from decades of early groundwork, beginning with its establishment of the Arab world’s first business incubators in 1995. Today, a combination of venture capital growth, government-backed funds—including Egypt Ventures and Nclude —and participation in global accelerators like Y Combinator has propelled sector expansion.
Recent reforms—including amendments to the Investment Law, the launch of Egypt’s first National Intellectual Property Strategy in 2022, and currency liberalization—have further strengthened investor confidence.
A Strategic Hub with a Young, Expanding Market
With 63% of its population under 30, Egypt provides a large pool of entrepreneurs and consumers. Its strategic location bridging Europe, Asia, and Africa positions it as a major logistics and trade hub. The country’s membership in the African Union, BRICS, and AfCFTA enhances its integration into regional and global markets.
The IDSC report concludes that Egypt is moving steadily toward building a more competitive, innovation-driven startup ecosystem, supported by a wide market, improving regulations, and increasing investor interest.
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