Egypt dominates in Global Startup Awards' NA edition

With the highest number of total winners, Egyptian startups and influential figures secured 11 wins at this year’s North African portion of the Global Startup Awards (GSA).

These startups will compete at the regional level with African finalists to be crowned in October at the GSA Africa Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – GSA Africa’s host nation for 2024.

A premier stage for startups, the GSA aims to showcase innovative solutions, helping starups attract investments and gain international visibility.

This year, the competition has witnessed a record-breaking number of entries and public engagement, highlighting the robust and dynamic entrepreneurial landscape across the continent. Of the 11,949 entries, Northern Africa accounted for 13 percent, with a 22 percent increase since 2023.

Egypt’s Jadeed Climate Tech was named as Startup of the Year and Best Mobility & Logistics, followed by Neqabty as Best Newcomer. NoorNation was named as GreenTech Startup of the Year.

Investor of the Year went to EdVentures, with founder of Arab Entrepreneur House (ARENHO), Nabil Shalaby, named as Ecosystem Hero of the Year.

“African entrepreneurs are paving the way for the continent's future, and this year's competition has highlighted this brilliantly. The diversity in business ambitions is impressive, and beyond AgriTech, education, and fintech solutions, sectors like pharmacy, eMobility, and aerospace are starting to play a stronger role. These startups are making significant impacts in their communities, countries, regions, and beyond,” noted Jury member Guido Schwartz, Foundation for Space Development Africa.

Accelerator/Incubator Program of the year was presented to Athar Accelerator, with Sector B5 as the Best Coworking Space in North Africa.

The GSA awarded PharmacyMarts as HealthTech Startup of the Year, AgriCash as Best AgriTech, and Ultrateb as Youth Startup of the Year.

"The health sector innovations were truly inspiring. The applicants showcased groundbreaking solutions with the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery in the region. It was encouraging to witness the convergence of technology and healthcare, paving the way for improved health outcomes and sustainable development," noted Jury member Farai Chirongoma, UNDP.