Hossam Heiba:
- Entrepreneurs receive VIP services at Investor Service Centers free of charge
- Ongoing efforts to enhance the entrepreneurship ecosystem since the establishment of the “Bedaya” Center
- A fast-track system has been allocated to help entrepreneurs establish and operate their companies efficiently.
Hossam Heiba, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), announced that—for the first time—public free zones will be open to hosting the headquarters of startups operating in the service sector for export purposes.
These startups will enjoy the benefits of operating within the free zones, including simplified procedures and full customs and tax exemptions.
These statements came during his participation in the opening session of the RiseUp Summit 2025, held under the title: “Empowering Startups: Government-Supported Policies,” and attended by Rasha Abdel Aal, Head of the Egyptian Tax Authority; Sherif El-Kilany, Deputy Minister of Finance for Tax Policy; Dr. Tamer Taha, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Advisor to the Minister of Planning and Economic Development and International Cooperation; and Donia Ghoneim, Vice President of N Gage Consulting.
The CEO of GAFI stated that the total available space for administrative and operational headquarters for startups is approximately 9,000 square meters.
The authority aims to attract investment from companies focused on software export and AI applications, while ensuring the presence of supporting institutions such as consulting, marketing, and legal service providers—thus increasing the success rates of startups in growing and entering international markets.
Egypt Ventures Company
Heiba reviewed the authority’s efforts to improve the entrepreneurship environment, starting with the establishment of the “Bedaya” Center for Entrepreneurship and SME Development 15 years ago, followed by the launch of “Egypt Ventures” in collaboration with the Ministry of International Cooperation, and then the hosting of the Permanent Unit for Entrepreneurship and Startups.
GAFI also holds membership in the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship.
He pointed out that these entities have contributed over the years to coordinating efforts among all stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and creating a unified platform for startups that offers comprehensive support and helps remove any barriers facing this fast-growing sector.
These efforts also aim to develop incentives and benefits offered to entrepreneurs in line with the sector’s rapid evolution.
VIP Service for Entrepreneurs
The CEO added that GAFI has dedicated a fast track for entrepreneurs to establish and operate their companies.
The electronic registration of a one-person company now takes only two hours.
Entrepreneurs also receive VIP services at Investor Service Centers free of additional charges.
Heiba highlighted ongoing coordination efforts with the European Union, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Kingdom of Morocco to help Egyptian startups expand into these markets without facing double taxation or protectionist policies.
Support includes administrative and promotional assistance, especially during the early post-entry phases.
These partnerships also aim to attract new investments from those markets.
On legislative support, Heiba revealed that the Law on the Establishment and Regulation of Financial and Business Zones will be issued this year.
The law aims to transform Egypt into a regional hub for launching investment funds, especially venture capital funds, to mobilize local and foreign funding for Egyptian startups.
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