Entlaq Launches as Advisory Partner in Preparing the Unified Government Guide for Startups

Entlaq announced the launch of the Unified Government Guide for Startups, one of the key pillars of Egypt’s Startup Charter. The guide was developed under the umbrella of the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship, supervised by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, and supported by UN Women. This reflects a joint institutional commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship, clearer regulatory frameworks, and strengthening Egypt’s position as an attractive and enabling environment for business and investment.

Data Collection

The data underpinning the guide was compiled through a two-year effort led by Entlaq, based on a structured and iterative methodology combining comprehensive desk research with intensive field verification.

This included a systematic review of relevant laws, regulations, and ministerial decrees, in addition to official government sources. Field validation was conducted through visits to nearly 15 government entities, meetings with key stakeholders, and direct engagement with licensing authorities.

Information Accuracy

The process was further reinforced through multiple rounds of legal review and verification in cooperation with specialized law firms and relevant authorities, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and practical applicability.

Together, these efforts ensure that the guide reflects both the formal regulatory framework and its real-world implementation, strengthening its value as a trusted and reliable reference for startups and the broader entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Official Launch

The guide was officially launched in the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation and Chair of the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship, along with ministers who are members of the group.

The event was also attended by members of the technical secretariat and specialized working groups, as well as representatives of startups, venture capital funds, and ecosystem support organizations.

Government Guide

The Unified Government Guide for Startups serves as a comprehensive and structured regulatory reference designed to support startups, early-stage ventures, and entities seeking to enter the Egyptian market. It provides a clear and integrated framework for licensing requirements and regulatory procedures, contributing to the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the ease of doing business.

General Procedures

The guide includes more than 170 licenses and permits across 14 sectors, in addition to general procedures required for company establishment, reflecting the mandates of more than 30 government entities. These requirements have been organized into a unified and rigorous structure comprising a total of 3,257 data points.

The guide is issued as an interactive digital publication in both Arabic and English, designed to enable structured and flexible access based on users’ regulatory needs. It offers multiple navigation mechanisms, including sector-specific pathways and procedural pathways linked to the different stages of the business lifecycle, supporting informed decision-making and more efficient planning during licensing and operational phases.

Standardized Methodology

At the beginning of each license entry, the guide presents a standardized overview covering 16 core regulatory data elements, including the issuing authority, indicative fees and costs, expected processing timelines, validity periods, and governing legal framework. All regulatory requirements are presented through a unified standard template to ensure clarity and logical procedural flow.

Supporting Startups

The Unified Government Guide for Startups is designed to serve as an official reference tool that supports structured engagement with Egypt’s regulatory framework. It aims to better serve startups and contribute to ongoing national efforts to enhance the business climate and strengthen the competitiveness of the national economy.

Source: Press Release