Egypt Unveils Free Zones for Service-Exporting Startups at RiseUp Summit 2025

During the opening of the RiseUp Summit 2025, Egypt unveiled a significant plan to boost its startup environment. This includes creating special free zones specifically for service-exporting startups, offering them complete exemptions from taxes and customs duties. Additionally, the government announced intentions to introduce new laws aimed at establishing Egypt as a central hub for venture capital in the region.

Hossam Heiba, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), announced these initiatives during a session focused on government support for startups. This move indicates a strong commitment by Egypt to stimulate growth in areas like AI and software exports, while also making it easier for impactful startups to access funding and operate efficiently.

Heiba stated that 9,000 square meters of free zone space will be allocated to startups involved in digital exports. These zones are intended to accelerate the growth of companies in AI, software, and tech-enabled services by also attracting the necessary support services such as consulting, legal aid, and marketing.

RiseUp Summit, now in its 12th year and held at the Grand Egyptian Museum, has become a key event for the startup community in the Middle East and North Africa. This year's summit brought together over 20,000 participants, including entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers, under the patronage of the Prime Minister and several important government ministries.

Abdelhameed Sharara, Founder and CEO of RiseUp, emphasized that the summit is not just about startups but also about creating the policies and partnerships needed to fully realize their potential.

Key partners for the event included Legacy Development, Madinet Masr, TikTok LIVE, Orange Business, and Mastercard, with support from other companies like Deloitte, MO4, and Paymob.

Furthermore, Heiba announced that a new law regulating financial and business zones will be introduced in 2025. This law is designed to turn Egypt into an attractive location for investment funds and venture capital firms, aiming to draw both local and international capital to support Egypt's rapidly growing startup ecosystem.

Given the significant growth in tech entrepreneurship and the increasing adoption of AI in the Middle East, Egypt is strategically positioning itself as a key player in the region's digital economy.