Mr. Hossam Heiba, the CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, announced that free zones will now allow for the hosting of headquarters for startups operating in the service sector aimed at export for the first time.

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

These statements were made during Mr Hossam Heiba's participation in the opening session of the RiseUp Summit 2025, held under the title "Enhancing Startups: Supporting Government Policies," in the presence of Dr Rasha Abdel Aal, Head of the Egyptian Tax Authority, Dr Sherif El Kilan, Deputy Minister of Finance for Tax Policies, Dr Tamer Taha, Advisor to the Minister of Planning and Economic Development for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Ms. Dunya Ghoneim, Vice President of N Gage Consulting.

The CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones stated that the total area available for administrative and operational headquarters for startups is approximately 9,000 square metres. The authority aims to attract investments from companies working in the field of software export and artificial intelligence applications, ensuring the presence of supporting institutions for startups, such as consulting, marketing, and legal service firms, which will enhance the success rates of startups in growing and entering foreign markets.

Mr. Hossam Heiba reviewed the authority's efforts to improve the entrepreneurial environment since the establishment of the "Bidaya" Centre for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises Development 15 years ago, followed by the establishment of the "Egypt Ventures" investment company in startups in collaboration with the Ministry of International Cooperation, and the hosting of the permanent unit for entrepreneurship and startups, culminating in membership in the ministerial group for entrepreneurship. He noted that all these entities have contributed over the past years to coordinating efforts between all parties concerned with entrepreneurship and forming an umbrella for startups that provides them with all means of support and helps remove any obstacles facing this rapidly growing sector, as well as developing the incentives and benefits granted to entrepreneurs to keep pace with the continuous evolution of this sector.

The CEO of the General Authority for Investment added that the authority has allocated a fast track for entrepreneurs to establish and operate their companies, with the online establishment of a sole proprietorship taking only two hours. Entrepreneurs also receive VIP service at investor service centers without incurring any additional fees.

The CEO also highlighted the coordination and cooperation efforts with the European Union, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Kingdom of Morocco to facilitate the expansion of Egyptian companies in these markets without facing challenges of double taxation or any protectionist policies, and to provide administrative and promotional support to Egyptian companies in these markets, especially in the early stages following market entry, in addition to attracting new investments from these markets.

Regarding legislative support, Mr. Hossam Heiba revealed the issuance of a law for the establishment and regulation of financial and business zones during the current year, which aims to transform Egypt into a regional center for establishing investment funds, particularly venture capital funds to mobilize local and foreign financing for Egyptian startups.

Egyptian Cabinet