Grace Ashiru
A new Bootcamp Series is set to give a major uplift to Egypt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southern Egypt.
This initiative marks the launch of the Aswan Bootcamp Series by Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), designed to support tech startups and encourage innovation in Southern Egypt.
Inaugurated by Minister H.E. Dr. Amr Talaat, the program aims to provide entrepreneurs in the region with the necessary skills and resources to succeed in competitive markets.
Held at the Creativa Innovation Hub in Aswan, the program is a collaborative initiative involving the
Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the global innovation platform
A key highlight of the launch was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ITIDA and Plug and Play Egypt. Backed by USAID, this partnership seeks to enhance Upper Egypt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by offering entrepreneurs the tools, networks, and expertise necessary to grow their businesses.
The Aswan Bootcamp Series aims to bridge gaps in resources, expertise, and network access for startups in the region. Focused on skills such as market development, financial management, and scalability, the program targets over 60 tech-driven startups in sectors like agri-tech, health-tech, e-commerce, gov-tech, and tourism. Through Plug and Play’s global network, these startups will gain mentorship and guidance to drive sustainable growth and commercial success.
The program features five intensive eight-day bootcamps, offering participating startups workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and access to potential investors. Entrepreneurs will also receive guidance on critical business areas such as financial management, market development, scalability, and product-market fit. Additionally, the program provides mentorship opportunities and exposure to Cairo’s established startup ecosystem, enabling founders to expand their networks and attract potential investments.
Minister Talaat emphasized MCIT’s dedication to fostering innovation throughout Egypt, with a particular focus on underserved areas like Upper Egypt. He commended the Creativa Innovation Hub for its success in engaging thousands of young people through training programs that enhance entrepreneurial and digital skills. Talaat highlighted that these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to create hubs nationwide, especially within universities, to ensure accessibility for emerging talent.
ITIDA CEO Eng. Ahmed El-Zaher expressed pride in the Creativa Innovation Hub’s accomplishments in Aswan since its inception in 2020. The hub has supported over 9,000 young people and helped 52 startups secure investments totaling around EGP 75 million (~USD 1.5 million). El-Zaher highlighted that the new partnership with Plug and Play is a major milestone, empowering startups to compete both regionally and globally.
USAID Mission Director Sean Jones praised the program, highlighting its role in making entrepreneurship more inclusive and accessible to youth in Upper Egypt. Karima El Hakim, Country Director for Plug and Play Egypt, also acknowledged the region’s significant potential, committing to support startups through mentorship, funding opportunities, and connections to Plug and Play’s global network.
The program goes beyond startup training by incorporating knowledge transfer to local enablers, who will observe the bootcamps and learn methods to sustain similar initiatives in the future. Additionally, a hackathon aimed at young innovators aged 18 to 35 will provide university students and recent graduates with the chance to develop ideas and network with mentors.
The Aswan Bootcamp Series aims to establish Aswan as an emerging tech hub, harnessing the region’s cultural and historical significance while creating a platform for global innovation. This collaborative initiative reflects the collective vision of MCIT, ITIDA, USAID, and Plug and Play to unlock Upper Egypt’s entrepreneurial potential, fostering sustainable growth and enhancing global engagement.
