The move came as part of Egypt's national efforts to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development and create a knowledge-based economy.

This diploma aligns with the country's commitment to fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs and driving innovation, with a clear focus on sustainable economic growth.

The programme will equip participants with vital entrepreneurial skills through theoretical learning and practical experience.

In September 2024, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly issued a decree to establish a ministerial cluster for entrepreneurship.

The cluster aims to support startups, create job opportunities, and drive economic progress by cultivating a robust entrepreneurial environment.

It will also develop and manage joint programmes to support these startups by utilizing the resources and expertise of multiple ministries.

Egypt is among the top three countries for startup entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat said in November 2024.

Meanwhile, Bassel Rahmy, CEO of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA), said MSMEDA is collaborating with the World Bank (WB) to enhance the Egyptian entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The diploma, accredited by the University of Missouri, consists of three core components.

• Structured Entrepreneurship Curriculum: Developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), this curriculum provides essential scientific knowledge to help participants launch and manage their businesses according to international best practices.
• Hands-On Training with Startups: Participants will gain practical experience working with established and successful startups, acquiring real-world skills crucial to their entrepreneurial journey.
• Support and Mentorship: A distinguished team of certified mentors will provide personalized guidance to participants and assist them in developing business plans using the MIT methodology.

IBDL Learning Group CEO Khaled Khallaf described the launch as a milestone in Egypt’s push to strengthen its entrepreneurship ecosystem.

"We are proud to be part of this exceptional collaboration between the public and private sectors, which plays a key role in elevating Egypt’s entrepreneurship landscape in line with global standards," Khallaf said.

The diploma is a nine-month programme led by 25 certified trainers and over 30 specialized mentors, explained Adel Sadek, chief business officer at IBDL.

"Our goal is to empower Egyptian entrepreneurs with the confidence and knowledge to launch their projects based on a solid scientific and practical foundation," he added.

IBDL Learning Group, founded in 2006, has expanded its offerings to include diverse educational solutions for professionals.

The EEIC, established in June 2023, focuses on empowering Egyptian youth to transform innovative ideas into global startups, which will contribute to Egypt’s economic development.

The NIGSD plays a key role in supporting Egypt’s Vision 2030, promoting governance, and enhancing national competitiveness.

This initiative is poised to be a critical driver in Egypt’s efforts to build a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and accelerate sustainable growth.