Egypt and Japan Partner with UNDP to Back 100 Youth-Led Green Startups
Egypt has launched a joint initiative with Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to strengthen youth participation in green entrepreneurship, targeting 1,200 young people and providing support to 100 Egyptian green startups.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Minister of Youth and Sports Gohar Nabil, as part of a programme designed to turn environmentally focused business ideas into sustainable commercial ventures through training, incubation, mentorship, and technical support.
Green Startup Incubation and Youth Training
Under the initiative, 1,200 young Egyptians will benefit from awareness campaigns and activities designed to generate entrepreneurial ideas. Meanwhile, 100 youth-led green companies will receive support through an integrated incubation programme.
The programme will help entrepreneurs strengthen their business skills, develop practical business models, and build solutions addressing environmental and economic challenges.
Government Support for Youth-Led Innovation
Gohar Nabil said the initiative supports the ministry’s efforts to connect youth empowerment programmes with investment opportunities and labour market requirements.
He also highlighted the role of youth centres and sports facilities across Egyptian governorates in identifying entrepreneurial talent and providing platforms for innovative environmental and economic initiatives.
Japanese Cooperation and International Expertise
Egyptian and Japanese officials highlighted the importance of international cooperation in strengthening entrepreneurship and supporting sustainable development.
The partnership will facilitate the exchange of expertise and knowledge while providing young entrepreneurs with access to training and mentorship opportunities.
UNDP Focuses on Business Growth and Market Access
UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt Chitose Noguchi said the initiative aims to generate measurable economic outcomes by helping entrepreneurs secure customers, introduce products to the market, and expand their businesses.
She emphasized that creating new jobs and enabling startups to grow will be important indicators of the project's practical impact.
Supporting Climate Resilience and Sustainable Employment
Beyond startup development, the project aims to promote environmentally friendly innovation, create sustainable livelihood opportunities, and strengthen communities’ ability to address climate change impacts.
The initiative also builds on the ongoing partnership between Egypt’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Government of Japan, and UNDP to expand youth participation in building a more sustainable economy.