The Aswan Bootcamp Series, a new initiative aimed at empowering Upper Egypt’s entrepreneurs, has been launched by Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) in collaboration with key partners including the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), USAID, and Plug and Play Egypt. The initiative aims to equip startups with vital skills and resources to support the region’s tech-driven growth.
H.E. Dr. Amr Talaat, Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, inaugurated the bootcamp at the Creativa Innovation Hub in Aswan. The launch also included a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ITIDA and Plug and Play Egypt, marking a significant collaboration with USAID to build a thriving startup ecosystem in Upper Egypt.
The Aswan Bootcamp Series, which is supported by ITIDA and USAID, aims to drive economic development in the region by preparing startups with key skills in market development, financial management, product-market fit, and scalability. The program will address gaps in resources and networks, positioning Aswan as a potential regional tech hub.
Dr. Talaat emphasized the importance of the Digital Egypt Innovation Hubs initiative, which focuses on building digital innovation centers in each governorate, especially Upper Egypt. He noted that six centers have been established so far, with four in Upper Egypt, including the Creativa Aswan center. This initiative fosters entrepreneurship, enhances digital skills, and prepares youth for freelance careers.
The partnership between MCIT and Plug and Play will expand to Aswan, offering training to 60 tech startups. These startups will receive specialized support in areas such as target market identification, competitive analysis, customer outreach, and product pricing. Dr. Talaat reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to continued collaboration with global experts to support entrepreneurs and freelancers across Egypt.
ITIDA CEO, Eng. Ahmed El-Zaher, highlighted the agency’s success in supporting Aswan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem since the launch of Creativa in 2020. El-Zaher announced that ITIDA will be launching the Aswan Bootcamp Series as part of a new phase of success, with the aim of enhancing the local startup ecosystem and creating new job opportunities.
Ritu Tariyal, Deputy Mission Director to USAID Egypt, expressed excitement about the partnership with ITIDA and the expansion of the Plug and Play program to Aswan, bringing world-class mentorship, coaching, and networking opportunities to the region.
The Aswan Bootcamp Series consists of five eight-day in-person bootcamps, focusing on sectors such as agri-tech, health-tech, e-commerce, gov-tech, and tourism. These bootcamps will feature workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions with experienced mentors and founders. More than 60 startups are expected to gain valuable skills and knowledge to ensure their long-term growth.
The bootcamp will also provide continued mentorship, networking opportunities with investors, and exposure to Cairo’s established entrepreneurial ecosystem. This will help startups build connections and access resources that could lead to future collaborations.
The initiative aims to position Aswan as a rising tech hub in Upper Egypt, using the city’s cultural and historical backdrop to create a platform for global engagement. A flagship event will showcase innovative solutions to regional challenges and demonstrate Aswan’s potential as a key player in the global tech ecosystem. Additionally, a hackathon will engage young people between the ages of 18 and 35, offering them an opportunity to learn, network, and explore entrepreneurship in a supportive environment.
The program will also include knowledge transfer to local enablers, helping sustain similar initiatives in the future. Local stakeholders will gain valuable insights into the program’s methodology and structure to ensure the continuity of such efforts in the region.
