Under the Patronage of  Mostafa Madbouly, Egypt’s Prime Minister Egypt Hosts the Global Entrepreneurship Festival, the World’s Biggest Entrepreneurship Event, Bringing Business and Investment Leaders from 70+ Countries to Cairo on 6–8 November

The Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) has unveiled key program highlights and partnerships for its 3rd edition, which Egypt will host for the first time from 6 to 8 November 2026 at JW Marriott Hotel, New Cairo. Held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, and the theme “The World We Help to Create,” the Egyptian edition targets 10,000+ participants from 70+ countries. Its program of 12 flagship events aims to open new opportunities for investment, enterprise growth and cooperation across markets

Egypt secured the hosting opportunity through an international competition, following the festival’s editions in Nigeria in 2024 and Ghana in 2025. As the only edition to be held in Egypt within the festival’s journey across African host countries, it offers the Egyptian business community an opportunity to engage with an international network of investors, institutions and experts, and explore new markets and partnerships

The world’s biggest entrepreneurship event, GEF’s Egyptian edition targets 200+ investors and investment-fund representatives, 60+ international speakers and 100+ exhibitors. Its multi-track program combines conferences, forums, exhibitions, investment meetings and creative activities, alongside parallel sessions, workshops and business engagements

Baher Mounir Ghabbour, Chairman of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Egypt, said: “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. We are working to translate this international interest into opportunities for Egyptian companies through partnerships and access to investment and new markets. The value we seek lies in relationships that continue beyond the festival and develop into cooperation that supports enterprise growth and employment, while strengthening the connection between business and conference tourism

 Summy Smart Francis, President of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival, said: “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. Egypt is a strategic gateway to Africa, connecting the continent’s opportunities with markets in the Middle East, Europe and worldwide. Its diverse economy, talent and extensive regional and international relationships provide a strong setting for meaningful dialogue among entrepreneurs, investors and decision-makers. From Cairo, we aim to strengthen connections between markets and channel knowledge, capital and partnerships toward enterprises capable of growing and addressing economic and social challenges

The festival aims to expand connections among entrepreneurs, investors, companies and supporting institutions, creating opportunities for commercial and investment cooperation that extend beyond the event. Through meetings, exhibitions and business pitches, participants can explore financing, expansion and market-entry opportunities, and develop relationships connecting startups and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises with larger companies and development partners

The speaker line-up reflects the festival’s international scope and high-level participation, bringing together government leaders and prominent figures from business, investment, science and international institutions on international, regional, and local levels. The international list of speakers include Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Group and Africa’s richest man; Sir Mohamed Mansour, Chairman of Mansour Group; Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, internationally renowned cardiac surgeon and Founder of the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation; Sir Sam E. Jonah, Founder of Jonah Capital; and Folorunso Alakija, Africa’s richest woman and Grand Matron of Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs (A.Y.E)

On the regional level, the event is honored with the attendance of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Holding; Sheikh Awad Mohammed bin Sheikh Mujren, Founder of Emirate Travelers; H.E. Sheikha Dr. Hind Al Qassimi, Chairwoman, BPW Emirates, H.E. Lujiana Mohsin Darwish, Chairperson MHD ITICS. Among the prominent Egyptian participants are Dr. Hussein Eissa, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs; Dr. Sherif Farouk, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade; Mr. Mohamed M. Abou El Enein, Member of the House of Representatives, Founder and Chairman of Cleopatra Group; Amr Soliman, Founder and Chairman of Mountain View; Abdallah Sallam, President and CEO of Madinet Masr; and Mostafa Kandil, Founder and CEO of Swvl Holdings Corp. Programme topics include investment in Africa, the digital economy and artificial intelligence, the green transition, youth and women’s empowerment, and enterprise financing and expansion

These efforts are underpinned by a network of institutional and implementation partnerships, including a memorandum of understanding signed with the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA) during the official announcement press conference last June to support business development, prepare enterprises for export, and attract investment..As part of its efforts to expand this network, the festival has announced a partnership with Shark Tank Egypt as an entrepreneurship ecosystem partner. The collaboration aims to strengthen ties between promising ventures and the investment community, giving entrepreneurs opportunities to engage with the program and its participating investors throughout the festival.The partnership also adds a practical dimension to the festival’s business development programs by helping founders prepare to pitch their ventures, discuss them with potential investors, and explore opportunities to secure funding, develop their businesses, and scale their operations

The Youth and Social Responsibility Forum (YSR Forum) will participate through its fifth edition within the Entrepreneurs Investment Program (EIP). Its participation aims to connect promising ideas with funding opportunities and encourage cooperation among young people, business leaders, investors and decision-makers, with a focus on initiatives combining economic growth and positive social impact. This aligns with “The World We Help to Create” by supporting young people’s ability to develop their ideas into enterprises and initiatives with growth potential

The program includes the Opening Conference, Global Leadership Forum, International Congress of Women, Entrepreneurs Investment Program, Global Deal Room and Business Exhibitions, alongside the International Fashion Show, art and cultural activities, Global Entrepreneurs Award Gala and Closing Concert. Participation formats range from keynotes, panel discussions and fireside chats to workshops, specialized sessions, investor pitches, business meetings and networking

For the first time, the Egyptian edition will introduce an interactive 3D virtual exhibition, developed through cooperation between the Egyptian General Authority for Exhibitions and Conferences, affiliated with the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, the festival organizer and MetaExpo. The platform aims to broaden international participation by enabling visitors to explore exhibition stands digitally, discover products and services, communicate with exhibitors and hold remote commercial and investment meetings

The platform is intended to remain available for several weeks after the festival, giving companies an extended opportunity to showcase their businesses and pursue cooperation with partners across markets. The initiative also supports the use of technology to develop exhibition experiences and international business engagement

GEF has also announced the reopening of booking across all ticket categories following strong demand that led to some categories selling out. The reopening gives more interested participants an opportunity to attend. Participation details and ticket bookings are available at www.globalentrepreneurshipfestival.com