Cairo will host the official launch conference to kick off Egypt’s hosting the 3rd edition of The Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) 2026 which is the biggest Global Entrepreneurship Festivals in Africa and Worldwide. It will bring together leading entrepreneurs, investors, economic policy makers and innovators From Africa, the Middle East and globally.
The festival is under the auspices of H.E. Dr. Moustafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, and will be held in partnership with the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA).
Regional Entrepreneurial Hub
Egypt’s selection as the host for The Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2026 further establishes the country as a Regional Entrepreneurial Innovation and Investment Hub, also affirming Egypt’s strategic geographical location, economic importance and its role as the economic gateway connecting African economies with local and foreign economies
At this year’s conference the third Global Entrepreneurship Festival will be held in Egypt as well as previous festivals that were held in Ghana and Nigeria, which had many people from different countries and across all sectors (entrepreneurs, investors, and powerbrokers) in attendance.
Egyptian Edition
Dr. Summy Smart Francis is the President of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival, and Mr. Baher Mounir Ghabbour is the chairman of the Egyptian Edition of the festival that will be held from 6–8 November 2026 and Ambassador Nabila Makram is the Secretary-General for this Edition.
By hosting this edition, in Cairo, its local organizing committee will attract approximately 10,000 in-person attendees from 70+ countries; in addition to a minimum of 100 exhibitors and over 60 international speakers representing government, private sector, investment and development.
supporting Economic Transformation
The official launch conference will bring together ministers, senior government officials, ambassadors, diplomatic missions and representatives from international development organizations as well as major investors, business leaders, entrepreneurs and local/international media.
This edition reflects Egypt’s central role in the support of economic transformation, private sector empowerment and creating a new and growing ecosystem for startups/SMEs.
The Global Entrepreneurship Festival has had two successful prior editions since its launch in 2024, providing an international forum for entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and development organizations to develop partnerships across borders and create opportunities for trade, investment and financing.
International Partnerships
By hosting the festival, Cairo will further establish itself as Africa’s leading hub for economic dialogue and as a gateway for international partnerships and investment, leveraging its robust infrastructure, diverse industrial base and large domestic market.
The conference will also announce the festival’s strategic vision, key objectives and opportunities for participation by entrepreneurs, businesses and investors as well as announce several initiatives related to innovation, investment and startup development.
Economic Impacts
in addition to being a host for this significant international event, the festival will create substantial economic impacts by creating jobs and opportunities in the tourism, hospitality, transportation, and service sectors; providing stimulus for economic growth; creating new freelance opportunities for entrepreneurs and start-ups; and creating new business and investment relationships.