The General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) has announced that, for the first time, free zones will host the headquarters of export-oriented startups in the services sector, with a special focus on empowering women entrepreneurs. This initiative, which will provide these companies with full tax and customs exemptions, was highlighted during the RiseUp Summit 2025. Dania Ghoniem, Vice President of N Gage Consultancy, and Dr. Rasha Abdel Aal, Head of the Egyptian Tax Authority, were at the forefront of discussions on enhancing support for female entrepreneurs in Egypt.
Hossam Heiba, CEO of GAFI, announced the new initiative, emphasizing that approximately 9,000 square meters will be allocated to support startups, particularly those in the fields of software and AI applications. The new policy aims to facilitate the growth of export-driven businesses, with GAFI offering special incentives to foster innovation, particularly for women-led startups.
This announcement was made during Heiba’s participation in the opening session of the RiseUp Summit 2025, under the theme “Empowering Startups: Government Support Policies.” The session brought together Dr. Sherif El-Kilany, Deputy Minister of Finance for Tax Policy, and Dr. Tamer Taha, Advisor to the Minister of Planning for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Heiba explained that the total area allocated for administrative and operational spaces for these startups will reach around 9,000 square meters. The authority is specifically targeting investment in companies that export software and AI applications, alongside ensuring the presence of institutions that support startups, such as advisory, marketing, and legal firms, to increase the success rates of these companies as they expand into foreign markets.
He highlighted the efforts made by GAFI to enhance the entrepreneurship environment, citing the establishment of the “Bidaya” Entrepreneurship Center for Small and Medium Enterprises 15 years ago, as well as the founding of Egypt Ventures to invest in startups, in collaboration with the Ministry of International Cooperation. He also mentioned the creation of the permanent Entrepreneurship and Startup Unit, culminating in Egypt’s membership in the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship. Heiba emphasized that these initiatives have helped coordinate efforts among various stakeholders, forming a comprehensive support system for startups and removing obstacles for this fast-growing sector.
Furthermore, Heiba revealed that GAFI has established a fast-track process for entrepreneurs to set up and operate their businesses, allowing single-member company registration online in just two hours. Entrepreneurs will also receive VIP service at Investor Service Centers, without incurring any additional fees.
In his statement, Heiba also mentioned GAFI’s coordination with the European Union, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco to facilitate the expansion of Egyptian companies in these markets, ensuring they do not face challenges such as double taxation or protectionist policies. This collaboration also includes administrative and promotional support for Egyptian companies as they enter these markets.
On the legislative front, Heiba announced that the issuance of a law to establish and regulate financial and business zones will be this year. This law aims to position Egypt as a regional hub for establishing investment funds, especially venture capital funds, to attract both local and foreign financing for Egyptian startups.
