ITIDA Concludes “Aswan Camps Series” to Support Upper Egypt Startups, Enables 61 Firms to Attract EGP 200 Million in Investments
The Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) has concluded the “Aswan Camps Series” program at the Creativa Innovation Hub in Aswan, marking a significant milestone in supporting technology startups across Upper Egypt. The closing ceremony was attended by senior government officials, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovation ecosystem partners.
The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s strategy to foster entrepreneurship, empower youth across governorates, and expand innovation ecosystems beyond the capital.
Program Launch and Strategic Partnerships
Launched in November 2024 in partnership with Plug and Play and in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the program aimed to support around 60 tech startups through a series of specialized training camps.
Despite changes in international development funding during the program’s implementation, which led to a temporary halt in external financing, the initiative witnessed strong demand, attracting more than 150 startups from Upper Egypt. Following the successful completion of three phases, ITIDA decided to fully fund and continue the program, reflecting its strong confidence in the region’s entrepreneurial potential.
Tangible Outcomes and Investment Growth
Throughout the program, 61 startups from Aswan and other Upper Egypt governorates received intensive training and mentorship delivered by a network of industry experts. The program yielded tangible results, with several participating startups successfully securing investments totaling approximately EGP 200 million, underscoring growing investor confidence in Egyptian startups and their business models.
Officials Highlight Strategic Importance
Ahmed El Zaher, CEO of ITIDA, described the Aswan Camps Series as a practical model of the ministry’s efforts to empower young entrepreneurs, particularly in Upper Egypt, which he noted holds significant potential for building scalable, export-oriented startups capable of competing regionally and globally.
He emphasized that supporting technology-driven startups is a core pillar of ITIDA’s strategy to develop Egypt’s ICT industry, describing such companies as key drivers of sustainable innovation and competitiveness.
El Zaher also highlighted the importance of effective partnerships with global accelerators, particularly Plug and Play, in transferring expertise and connecting startups with international markets and investors.
Karima El Hakim, Partner at Plug and Play Africa, praised the collaboration with ITIDA, describing the program as a successful model of public-private partnership. She noted that the noticeable progress among participating startups reflects the strong potential of Egyptian entrepreneurs and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to connecting them with global investment networks.
Knowledge Exchange and Startup Showcases
The program’s closing events featured specialized panel discussions, including a session on “Building Inclusive Financial Systems through Technology and Regulatory Frameworks,” which explored how digital solutions and supportive policies can drive financial inclusion and startup growth.
Participating startups also presented their success stories, challenges, and key takeaways from the program, highlighting improvements in their business models and readiness for scaling.
The event concluded with a panel titled “Startup Founders in Cairo,” where entrepreneurs shared insights on company building, market challenges, expansion strategies, and fundraising.
Integrated Ecosystem for Startup Growth
ITIDA continues to advance Egypt’s position as a regional hub for technology and innovation through a comprehensive support ecosystem. This includes promoting entrepreneurship culture through initiatives such as InnovEgypt, offering incubation and acceleration programs, and facilitating access to investors and markets.
The agency operates across 19 innovation centers nationwide within the broader Creativa network, which comprises 24 hubs serving as direct touchpoints for entrepreneurs, enabling youth empowerment and market integration.
Additionally, ITIDA has launched the upgraded EgyptInnovate platform, a digital gateway connecting startups with investors and support entities while providing access to funding opportunities, knowledge resources, and markets.
Expansion Plans Ahead
ITIDA reaffirmed its commitment to expanding similar initiatives, with plans underway to launch new programs supporting startups in the Nile Delta governorates. This effort is part of its broader vision to strengthen Egypt’s standing as a leading destination for technology and entrepreneurship.
