Egypt improved its position in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Entrepreneurship Index 2025/2026, climbing five places to rank 35th out of 53 economies. The country retained its top spot in North Africa for the fifth year in a row, according to a report by the Information and Decision Support Center.
The report, titled Egypt in International Indicators: From Challenges to Achievements, credited gains in financing, infrastructure and cultural support for entrepreneurs. It also noted government efforts to bolster small and medium-sized enterprises.
Egypt advanced from 40th place in the prior edition. The index assesses 53 economies across 13 indicators of entrepreneurial support. In the related Global Startup Ecosystem Index, Egypt rose 16 spots over six years to 65th among 118 countries.
Cairo accounts for nearly 90 percent of Egypt’s startups, with 632 active firms. The capital hosts the country’s sole unicorn and saw 0.7 percent ecosystem growth in 2025. Nearly 47 percent of non-entrepreneurs plan to launch a business within three years.
Policy measures include the SME Development Law No. 152 of 2020, a requirement for banks to direct at least 25 percent of credit to small firms and a 40 percent reservation of public contracts for micro, small and medium enterprises. The government has invested nearly EGP 300bn over five years in programs supporting women.