Egypt will host the third edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) from 6 to 8 November 2026 at the JW Marriott Hotel in New Cairo, bringing together business leaders, investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from more than 70 countries.
Held under the patronage of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, the festival will take place under the theme “The World We Help to Create,” with organisers targeting more than 10,000 participants, over 200 investors and investment fund representatives, 60 international speakers, and more than 100 exhibitors.
The event will feature 12 flagship activities, including investment forums, business exhibitions, conferences, networking sessions, and entrepreneurship programmes aimed at facilitating access to financing, supporting business expansion, and strengthening international economic cooperation.
Egypt secured the right to host the festival through an international competition, following previous editions in Nigeria in 2024 and Ghana in 2025. According to the organisers, Egypt will host only one edition as part of the festival’s rotation among African countries.
Egypt seeks to strengthen position as regional investment hub
Baher Mounir Ghabbour, Chairperson of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Egypt, said the country’s selection as host reflects international confidence in its economic potential and regional position.
“Egypt’s successful hosting bid reflects confidence in its economic and regional position and its ability to attract business leaders, investors and international institutions, reinforcing its role as a meeting point for cross-border partnerships,” Ghabbour said.
He added that the festival aims to translate international interest into tangible opportunities for Egyptian companies, particularly through access to investment, new markets, and strategic partnerships.
Ghabbour emphasised that the long-term value of the event would be measured by the commercial relationships and investment cooperation established beyond the three-day gathering, as well as its contribution to enterprise development, job creation, and business tourism.
Dr. Summy Smart Francis, President of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival, described Egypt as a strategic gateway connecting Africa with markets in the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.
“The Nigerian and Ghanaian editions established the festival’s foundations and expanded its international presence. The Egyptian edition takes that journey into a new phase of cooperation and investment,” Francis said.
He highlighted Egypt’s diversified economy, entrepreneurial talent, and regional and international relationships as important factors supporting its role as a destination for investment dialogue and cross-border partnerships.
Global business leaders and government officials to participate
The festival’s announced speaker line-up includes prominent international business figures, investors, scientists, and policymakers.
Among the international figures listed are Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Group; Sir Mohamed Mansour, Chairperson of Mansour Group; Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, founder of the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation; Sir Sam E. Jonah, founder of Jonah Capital; and Nigerian businesswoman Folorunso Alakija.
Regional participants announced by the organisers include Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairperson of Ajman Holding; Sheikh Awad Mohammed bin Sheikh Mujren, founder of Emirate Travelers; Sheikha Dr. Hind Al Qassimi, Chairperson of BPW Emirates; and Lujiana Mohsin Darwish, Chairperson of MHD ITICS.
The Egyptian line-up includes Hussein Eissa, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs; Sherif Farouk, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade; Mohamed Abou El Enein, Member of the House of Representatives and founder and Chairperson of Cleopatra Group; Amr Soliman, founder and Chairperson of Mountain View; Abdallah Sallam, President and CEO of Madinet Masr; and Mostafa Kandil, founder and CEO of Swvl Holdings Corp.
Discussions will address investment opportunities in Africa, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, green transition, youth and women’s economic empowerment, and access to enterprise financing.
MSMEDA and Shark Tank Egypt partnerships to support entrepreneurs
The festival has established institutional partnerships aimed at supporting entrepreneurship, strengthening investment readiness, and helping Egyptian businesses access international markets.
A memorandum of understanding was signed with the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA) during the festival’s official announcement press conference in June.
The cooperation focuses on business development, export readiness, investment attraction, and strengthening the ability of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to compete in local and international markets.
Organisers have also announced a partnership with Shark Tank Egypt, which will participate as an entrepreneurship ecosystem partner.
The collaboration aims to connect promising start-ups and growing businesses with investors, providing entrepreneurs with opportunities to present their business models, receive feedback, and explore potential funding arrangements.
The partnership will also support founders in preparing investment pitches and developing strategies for scaling their operations.
The Youth and Social Responsibility Forum (YSR Forum) will participate through its fifth edition as part of the Entrepreneurs Investment Program.
The forum will focus on connecting young entrepreneurs with business leaders, investors, and policymakers, particularly those developing projects that combine commercial potential with positive social impact.
Twelve flagship events to promote investment and business expansion
The festival’s programme will combine high-level policy discussions with practical investment and business development activities.
Major events will include the Opening Conference, Global Leadership Forum, International Congress of Women, Entrepreneurs Investment Program, Global Deal Room, and Business Exhibitions.
The programme will also feature an International Fashion Show, cultural and artistic activities, the Global Entrepreneurs Award Gala, and a Closing Concert.
Participants will be able to engage through keynote speeches, panel discussions, fireside chats, workshops, investor presentations, business meetings, and networking activities.
The Global Deal Room and investment-focused programmes are designed to facilitate direct engagement between entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate representatives, creating opportunities for financing, strategic partnerships, and market expansion.
Interactive 3D exhibition to expand international participation
For the first time, the Egyptian edition will introduce an interactive three-dimensional virtual exhibition designed to extend participation beyond the physical venue.
The platform is being developed through cooperation between the Egyptian General Authority for Exhibitions and Conferences, affiliated with the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, the festival organiser, and MetaExpo.
The virtual exhibition will allow participants to explore digital exhibition stands, discover products and services, communicate with exhibitors, and conduct remote commercial and investment meetings.
According to the organisers, the platform will remain accessible for several weeks after the festival concludes, allowing participating companies to continue showcasing their offerings and developing international business relationships.
The initiative is intended to expand access for international participants who cannot attend in person while extending the commercial value of the exhibition beyond the event dates.
Festival aims to create long-term business opportunities
Organisers said the festival is designed to move beyond traditional conferences by combining investment engagement, business development, knowledge exchange, and international networking.
The event will seek to connect Egyptian start-ups and SMEs with international investors, established companies, development institutions, and potential commercial partners.
It will also provide a platform for exploring opportunities in emerging industries, strengthening export capabilities, and supporting entrepreneurs seeking to expand into African and international markets.
GEF has announced the reopening of bookings across all ticket categories following strong demand that resulted in some categories selling out.
The Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2026 will take place from 6 to 8 November at the JW Marriott Hotel in New Cairo.
