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IFC and Startupbootcamp have launched a program to support the development of Egypt’s fintech space that will help startups extend crucial financial services through mentorship, business development and technical training, to help them attract funding from investors. The two-year program will help two private sector fintech-focused accelerators improve their offering to startups in areas like It will be jointly implemented with Pride Capital/Startup Bootcamp, Egypt’s first international venture capital fund focused on financial technology, and the AUC Venture Lab, which is housed at the American University in Cairo and is Egypt’s first university-based incubator. Both accelerators possess extensive experience in the financial technology, or fintech, space. “Through this newly established partnership with IFC, the Startupbootcamp Pride FinTech Cairo program is creating a top-notch pipeline of startups. It is giving entrepreneurs access to unparalleled expertise and a network of industry professionals. Our work has helped drive innovation in areas like microfinance, payments, person-to-person lending, consumer banking, and identity authentication, demonstrating the impact that can be achieved by supporting Egyptian entrepreneurs,” said Rami El Dokany, Chief Executive Officer of Pride Capital. Fintech has the potential to reshape the banking industry and is growing rapidly in light of the Government’s commitment to financial inclusion. There are around 45 active fintech startups in Egypt and the number is expected to increase. This is considered important in a country where only 32 percent of those aged 21-plus have a bank account. Innovative solutions like mobile payments and online banking can provide easy and affordable access to financial services. By supporting innovative fintech startups, the program aspires to support IFC’s efforts in expanding financial inclusion across the country. “With the right support, entrepreneurs can create much-needed jobs and develop technology that makes life better for people across the country,” said Walid Labadi, IFC Country Manager for Egypt, Libya and Yemen. “This program will help unlock the potential of young entrepreneurs and lay the foundation for an ecosystem that supports innovation in the financial services industry.” The program will also complement World Bank Group’s ongoing efforts to enhance and improve the enabling environment for digital finance to support the growth of the fintech startups in Egypt. It is supported by IFC’s development partners; Germany’s Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW); Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and the Netherlands’ Ministry for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. “Over the past three years, AUC Venture Lab has accelerated 23 early-stage startups working in the area of financial technologies through its FinTech Accelerator Program,” said Dr. Sherif Kamel. Dean of AUC School of Business “This new partnership between the School of Business and IFC will help us extend our support to more innovative startups in this rapidly evolving industry, and to maximize our impact on the Egyptian economy towards broader financial inclusion.” |
