About GEN in Egypt

GEN began operating in Egypt in 2010 with the launch of the Global Entrepreneurship Program, a U.S. State Department funded initiative, which culminated in a Summit on Entrepreneurship that brought together Egyptian business leaders, global experts and investors, and mentors.

At this time, GEN launched Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) in Egypt at a large scale as a platform to bridge the gap between traditional industry and new technology founders. GEW is a celebration of Egyptian innovators who launch startups that bring ideas to life where partners across the country hold events and competitions that celebrate and support our entrepreneurs.

In addition to GEW, GEN launched Startup Huddle (a monthly program that educates, engages and connects entrepreneurs) and the Entrepreneurship World Cup (a global pitch competition with life-changing prizes that elevates entrepreneurs from all stages—idea, early and growth stages—by providing them with tools and resources to grow their venture). These provide local founders with a consistent pipeline to global capital and mentorship.

The success of these programs led GEN to establish a local affiliate, GEN Egypt, in 2017 in order to conduct year round activities. Led by Ahmed Osman, GEN Egypt moved beyond Cairo, focusing on "democratizing" entrepreneurship across the country. GEN became a key collaborator with the Rise Up Summit, helping to bring international speakers and VCs to Egypt.

In 2024, GEN Egypt was instrumental in supporting regional ecosystems, including mentorship for Sudanese entrepreneurs displaced by conflict. GEN Egypt is a lead advisor to the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship and directly influenced the drafting of Egypt's 2026 Startup Charter.

GEN supports Egyptian entrepreneurs at the idea, early and growth stages with training and mentorship programs, competitions, networking events of all sizes to ensure there are opportunities for everyone. It strengthens the ecosystem by:

• Activating new entrepreneurs and startups by spreading awareness through business competitions, awareness-raising workshops and celebration events.
• Supporting existing startups through collaborating with and convening entrepreneurial networks and platforms in Egypt and providing targeted entrepreneurship training on gaps and underserved focus areas.
• Advising on “lessons learnt” in its policy advocacy and continued dialogue with government.

GEN focuses on many challenges Egyptian entrepreneurs face: from decision making to access to experts and qualified mentors, to finding a flexible workplace where they can hit maximum productivity levels and conquer daily work challenges. With close to 100,000 followers on its social media media channels, GEN Egypt connects entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship support organizations and ecosystem leaders.

GEN's advisors in Egypt include: Mr. Mohamed Tarek Kamel, of CCC, a leading construction and building materials firm; Mr. Mounir Elgazayerli of Unilever; Ms. Ghada Darwish of SECI Energia; Mr. Amr Abouelazm of Tamweely, a microfinance firm; Mr. Wael Eldesouki of AASTM; Dr. Ghada Khalil; Ms. Shoroke Zedan of Nahdet Misr; and Mr. Ash Rofail - Openner, a venture capital firm.