Riyadia Incubator Opens Applications for Women Entrepreneurs

Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company have opened registration for the first cohort of the Riyadia Digital Incubator for Women’s Empowerment.

The programme combines digital skills training, entrepreneurship development and innovation support, with participants working to turn business ideas and existing ventures into scalable startups. Riyadia pairs women entrepreneurs with women who have technical skills, allowing teams to identify problems, design and test solutions, and develop business models together.

The first cohort will focus on the digital circular economy, using technology to improve resource use, reduce waste and support reuse and recycling. Target sectors include agriculture, the environment, handicrafts, local production and related services.

The programme will run through several stages, beginning with outreach and participant selection, followed by training, hackathons and hands-on activities. Selected projects will then enter incubation, receiving technical support and specialised mentoring, with connections to partners and investors to support expansion and market access.

Representatives from 18 organisations took part in a coordination meeting for the programme on October 27th, including the United Nations Development Programme, International Labour Organization, National Council for Women, Upper Egypt Development Authority, Banque du Caire and several universities and research bodies.

Women entrepreneurs and technology professionals in Greater Cairo, Upper Egypt and the Red Sea governorate can apply through the Riyadia website.