• RiseUp 2025 kicked off for its 12th edition at the Grand Egyptian Museum aiming to empower entrepreneurs, investors, and foster innovation. 
• At RiseUp 2025, GAFI CEO Mr. Hossam Heiba announced free zones will host service-exporting startups with full tax exemptions.
• The program targets startups in software and AI exports, with 9,000 sqm of office space and support from service firms.

RiseUp 2025

What happened? RiseUp 2025 kicked off at the Grand Egyptian Museum with participation from entrepreneurs and investors. 

This was under the auspices of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, the Ministerial Committee for Entrepreneurship, and the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation.

In its 12th edition, the summit is a platform for empowering creatives and innovators from across the globe. Furthermore, It continues to play a role as a regional and global platform aiming to empower entrepreneurs and foster innovation.

“The RiseUp Summit 2025 stands as a pivotal platform that unites innovation and entrepreneurship in Egypt. Our aim is to empower startups by facilitating meaningful interactions with industry leaders and investors.”

Abdelhameed Sharara, Founder and CEO of RiseUp

For the third time, RiseUp is being held at the Grand Egyptian Museum. This is in collaboration with Legacy Development and Management (Legacy), a subsidiary of Hassan Allam Holding and operator of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).

Partners RiseUp Summit 2025 attracted global and regional companies as sponsors of its events. The Grand Egyptian Museum serves as the summit’s main partner, while Madinet Masr takes on the role of growth partner. In addition, TikTok LIVE joins as the official digital partner, aiming to support startups in enhancing their marketing efforts. 

Furthermore, Orange Business participates as a key innovation partner, offering integrated technological solutions to accelerate startup growth.Meanwhile, Mastercard, joins as a strategic content partner, to support digital innovation and empowering startups worldwide.

The Agora Naguib Sawiris School of Business (ASB), Parkville, N GAGE Consulting, Entlaq, Cairo Airport Travel, Juhayna, Deloitte, MO4, and Paymob actively support the summit.

Startups at Free Zones

What happened? Mr. Hossam Heiba, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) announced that free zones in Egypt will host headquarters for startups operating in the service export sector.  The announcement was made in the opening session of RiseUp Summit 2025, under the title “Empowering Startups: Government Supportive Policies.”

These companies benefit from the advantages of operating within free zones, including streamlined procedures and full customs and tax exemptions.

What is the goal? The GAFI CEO stated that the total available space for administrative and operational headquarters of startups is around 9,000 square meters. It aims to attract investment from companies in software exports and AI applications. In addition, it seeks to ensure the presence of institutions for startups, such as consulting, marketing, and legal service firms.  

During the summit, Mr. Heiba also reveals that the government will issue a new law this year to regulate financial and business zones. It aims to transform Egypt into a hub for the establishment of investment funds, particularly venture capital funds. This is to mobilize both local and international financing for Egyptian startups.