Initiative Targets Five Egyptian Unicorns Within Five Years

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development is preparing an initiative to help create at least five Egyptian unicorn startups over the next five years, with full programme details expected by mid-December.

The initiative is being developed under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi following recommendations from Egypt Forum 2026 and a presidential directive to launch the programme. The ministry said consultations and preparations are already under way, with the initiative set to be announced alongside the National Economic Transformation Program.

The announcement came during a Senate plenary session that also reviewed the restructuring of the National Investment Bank and new financing mechanisms for infrastructure. The ministry said the bank and its affiliated entities will be directed to support Egypt’s entrepreneurship and startup sectors through their future work plans.

The government is also working to reposition the National Investment Bank as a development finance institution with updated governance and legislative frameworks. As of February 2026, the bank had completed EGP 401.9 billion in settlements, representing more than 95% of its distressed assets.

The bank is expected to develop additional financing tools for infrastructure in partnership with the World Bank and other international institutions, including a proposed guarantee mechanism intended to reduce pressure on the state budget while supporting investment.