• Orange Egypt has invested USD 52.7 million to boost startups across Africa, focusing on youth-driven innovation.
• Around 40 startups have benefited, with a large share of the funds going to Egyptian companies.
• The initiative strengthens Egypt’s role as a key startup hub in Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Orange Egypt has committed USD 52.7million to accelerate startup growth across Africa, with a specific emphasis on fostering youth-led innovation.

CEO Yasser Shaker announced the initiative during a recent press conference, emphasizing that 40 startups have already benefited from investments, with Egyptian ventures capturing the largest share.

Egypt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is rapidly evolving, and Orange’s investments further solidify its position as a key hub for startups on the African continent.

Egypt’s Startup Ecosystem: A Thriving Hub

Egypt is increasingly becoming a vibrant hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. The country ranks among the top three in Africa for startup ecosystems, driven by a combination of factors like a growing young population, strong governmental support, and an influx of venture capital.

In 2022, Egypt witnessed a significant rise in startup funding, making it one of the top destinations for investments in the region.

Local and international investors have shown confidence in Egyptian entrepreneurs, creating a robust environment for new ventures across various sectors, particularly technology, fintech, and e-commerce.

Several accelerators and incubators like Flat6Labs and Falak Startups have played pivotal roles in nurturing early-stage startups, providing both funding and mentorship.

Government initiatives such as Egypt’s Digital Transformation Strategy also promote innovation, making it easier for entrepreneurs to scale their businesses.

Orange Egypt’s investments align with this strategy, seeking to leverage the country’s strategic position and growing tech talent.

Beyond Telecom: Supporting Innovation

At the Cairo ICT exhibition from November 17 to 20, Orange Egypt plans to showcase its services and solutions, extending its role beyond telecommunications.

The Orange Business sector, which employs over 3,000 engineers, and Orange Labs, housing 100 programmers, will contribute to these presentations.

These efforts underline the company’s dedication to fostering innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship in Egypt.

Empowering Youth Through Digital Skills

In addition to funding, Orange Egypt is committed to preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs through its Orange Digital Development Center in Cairo.

The center, which trains around 1,000 individuals annually, equips young people with essential digital skills, helping them navigate the rapidly evolving job market.

This aligns with the broader trend of entrepreneurship in Egypt, where youth-driven ventures are making a significant impact on the economy.

The recent opening of a new training center in Aswan demonstrates Orange Egypt’s commitment to extending these opportunities to underserved regions, fostering inclusivity in the tech landscape.

Egypt’s Path Forward

As Egypt also continues to focus on digital transformation and entrepreneurship, Orange Egypt’s investments will be pivotal in shaping the country’s future as a regional startup hub.

Additionally, by supporting youth innovation and contributing to skill development, the company not only bolsters the startup ecosystem but also contributes to Egypt’s long-term economic goals.

These initiatives also resonate with broader continental efforts to establish Africa as a significant player in the global tech industry.

The partnership between the public and private sectors, combined with an increasingly supportive investment climate. This positions Egypt as a powerhouse for entrepreneurship in the Middle East and Africa.