10 startups to watch in Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, a city famous for its treasure trove of antiques, Egyptian artefacts and bustling markets is also becoming a hub for startups.

In fact, according to the latest Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2024 by Startup Genome, Cairo is one of the top 3 startups hubs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The report also estimated that over 200 startups had been created in Cairo in the past 14 years.

Here, we take a look at 10 startups in Cairo that we think are worth keeping an eye on. Let’s jump in

1. Rology – AI-Powered Radiology

Rology is helping to overcome the shortage in radiologists by using an AI to connect radiologists with hospitals.

Once an image is uploaded, the AI matches the case with the most qualified, available radiologist. From there, the radiologist is able to analyse the image and send a report to the hospital.

By connecting available specialists with live cases, Rology is helping more people in Egypt get quick and accurate radiology results.

2. Suplyd – Simplifying Restaurant Supply Chain

Suplyd is helping restaurants simplify their supply chain with its easy to use ordering platform.

By allowing suppliers to order everything in one place, the company is helping restaurants increase efficiency and reduce waste. Not only that, but using analytics, Suplyd helps companies make faster and more accurate orders.

3. Fawry – Nationwide Payment Platform

Fawry is a digital payments platform, offering a range of financial options, including bill payments, mobile top-ups, and online shopping.

By giving people more ways to pay online, Fawry has become one of Egypt’s most influential fintech companies.

4. Yodawy – Digital Healthcare

Yodawy is on a mission to make medicine more accessible and affordable to people in Egypt.

Through their on-demand prescription app, the company allows users to upload, order and refill existing prescriptions. Not only that, but it partners with a number of insurance companies, making it easy to claim coverage.

By making medication more accessible, Yodawy ensures every person gets the tablets they need, right on time.

5. Mycelium – Sustainable Biomaterials Innovator

Mycelium is a startup that uses mushroom cells to convert agriculture waste into a durable, usable packaging material.

This material can replace foam plastic and can then be used to grow organic mushrooms. This not only provides a more sustainable option, but helps ensure that agricultural waste is re-used in a productive way.

6. NowPay – Employee Financial Wellbeing

Financial stress can be a real strain on employees, nowpay helps combat this by giving the team the power to be paid more easily, pay their bills and access their salary at any time.

Through its platform, it also allows employees to send money abroad, pay bills and even shop. As financial wellness continues to be important, Nowpay’s mission is more important than ever.

7. Bosta – Logistics and Delivery Services

Bosta is helping companies manage their logistics in Egypt with its platform that offers reliable and quick delivery for businesses.

The company not only allows businesses to quickly deliver and track goods, it also allows them to manage payments and ship internationally all in one place.

By simplifying delivery, Bosta is helping e-commerce businesses in Egypt grow globally.

8. Bekia – Waste Collection and Recycling Platform

Bekia is giving people in Egypt an incentive to recycle at home: by paying them!

After home owners collect and sort their waste, Bekia collects it from them and sells it to recycling companies – sharing the costs with the consumers. By rewarding people with money for recycling, Bekia is helping to build a more eco-friendly Egypt.

9. Swvl – On-Demand Bus Rides

Swvl has changed the public transport sector in Egypt by giving riders the option to book seats on fixed-route bus trips with no surge pricing.

This is particularly useful for commuters, who need affordable but fast ways to navigate the city. Operating in many countries in the Middle East, Swvl is helping more people get from A to B.

10. Vezeeta – Healthcare Booking Online

Vezeeta is a healthcare booking platform in the Middle East, connecting patients with available doctors.

Their vast network of healthcare professionals make them a go-to platform for appointments and leaders in the country’s healthcare system.

The platform also provides teleconsultation services for those in more remote areas, making healthcare more accessible to everyone.