For years, blockchain technology in Egypt faced significant barriers—not only technical but also economic and legal. The widespread requirement for cryptocurrency payments on most Web3 platforms limited accessibility in a country where digital asset use remains tightly regulated. That era is now evolving with the launch of ICP Hub Egypt, powered by the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP).
ICP stands apart as the world’s only blockchain where developers can pay directly in Egyptian pounds (EGP) for decentralized storage and compute power, eliminating the need for cryptocurrency wallets. This breakthrough is a major step toward building a sovereign internet and expanding digital innovation within Egypt.
World Computer Hacker League 2025: Egypt Joins the Global Stage
To celebrate the launch, ICP Hub Egypt invites Egypt’s brightest developers to participate in the World Computer Hacker League 2025 (WCHL25), a four-month global hackathon hosted by the DFINITY Foundation and the ICP Hubs Network. Unlike typical short hackathons, WCHL25 offers developers extended time and robust support to build production-ready apps on ICP’s decentralized infrastructure.
The competition unfolds over four stages:
- Qualification Round: Idea submission
- National Round (Egypt): Local competition
- Regional Round (Africa): Continental face-off
- Global Finals: Pitch to international investors and compete for major prizes
With over $300,000 in prizes and investment opportunities, Egyptian developers have a rare chance to create globally competitive products from home.
Why ICP Is Unique
ICP is not just another blockchain; it is the only distributed system enabling AI to run fully on-chain with privacy guarantees. It empowers nations to build sovereign internet infrastructure without dependence on foreign cloud providers or centralized servers. Developers on ICP can:
- Deploy full-stack applications directly on blockchain
- Pay in local currency (EGP) with no crypto wallet required
- Run tamper-proof smart contracts and AI models
- Enjoy end-to-end privacy and robust cybersecurity by design
At a time of increasing concerns about surveillance and data misuse, ICP offers a secure, privacy-respecting alternative that champions both individual and national digital rights.
Mercatura Forum: Egypt’s Web3 Venture Studio Leading the Way
ICP Hub Egypt is operated by Mercatura Forum, Egypt’s premier Web3 venture studio. Mercatura supports developers, researchers, and startups through incubation, funding, mentorship, and national initiatives to grow Egypt’s blockchain ecosystem. Their efforts span hackathons, university outreach, startup acceleration, and policy advocacy—making ICP Hub Egypt a launchpad for Egypt’s digital sovereignty and innovation.
Reimagining the Internet from Cairo
The Internet Computer represents a paradigm shift, emphasizing ownership, privacy, and national digital independence. For the first time, Egyptian builders can access world-class infrastructure using their local currency, build with full privacy protections, and help shape a sovereign internet.
With ICP Hub Egypt’s launch, Egypt opens the door to a future where a new generation of developers can drive digital innovation and sovereignty.
