Africa’s second-largest economy prepares to welcome Dangote, Mohamed Mansour and global business tycoons from the US, UK, South Africa and Nigeria

Egypt, recognized as Africa’s second-largest economy, is getting ready to host an extraordinary gathering of international investors, billionaires, and industry leaders. The third edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival will take place from November 6 to 8, 2026, at the JW Marriott Cairo under the patronage of Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

• Egypt will host the third Global Entrepreneurship Festival from November 6 to 8, 2026, attracting over 10,000 attendees from more than 70 countries at the JW Marriott Cairo.
• The event centers on connecting local startups with international investors, offering pitch coaching and potentially direct investment from Shark Tank.
• High-profile figures such as Aliko Dangote, Sir Mohamed Mansour, and global business leaders from the U.S., UK, India, South Africa, and Nigeria are expected.
• The festival’s main goal is to generate over $250 million in deals, significantly increasing from the $55 million achieved in the previous edition.

The high-profile event expects over 10,000 attendees from more than 70 nations, drawing premier executives to discuss deal-making, innovation, and cross-border expansion.

Egypt prepares to host top investors from Nigeria, South Africa, India, the U.S., and the UK

The festival brings together prominent figures from major global markets, including Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, British-Egyptian business titan Sir Mohamed Mansour, and Nigerian tycoon Folorunsho Alakija.

Prominent delegates from the United States, such as former 7-Eleven chief executive Jim Keyes, will join South African entrepreneur Vusi Thembekwayo, Indian leader Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai, and world-renowned surgeon Prof. Sir Magdi Yacoub.

Having previously taken place in Nigeria in 2024 and Ghana in 2025, Egypt secured the hosting rights for this year’s edition after winning a competitive selection against four other candidate nations.

Connecting local startups with international capital remains the central focus of the conference.

According to the event organizers at EgyptInnovate, Ambassador Nabila Makram, Secretary-General of the festival, explained that “the festival will give young entrepreneurs opportunities to connect with influential business leaders and investors“.

She added that specialized pitch coaching will prepare startup founders to present their projects to prospective funders in concise five-minute presentations.

Global leaders gather in Egypt to target $250 million

The primary goal for this year’s event is driving substantial capital deployment through a dedicated Deal Room.

Dr. Smart Francis, President of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Africa, stated that “the festival aims to generate more than $250 million in investment deals and partnerships through its Deal Room, compared with approximately $55 million achieved in the previous edition“.

To maximize opportunities for participating founders, organizers have partnered with Shark Tank to evaluate early-stage ventures and plan to directly invest in chosen startups as their founding institutional backer.

Beyond direct venture funding, the gathering serves to bolster conference tourism and foster long-term economic ties across Africa and global markets.

Baheir Mounir Ghabour, President of the Egypt edition of the festival, highlighted that the event aims to “connect Egyptian and international companies, strengthen business partnerships, and support conference tourism in Egypt“.

Featuring 12 core activity tracks, ranging from a global leadership forum and digital trade exhibitions to an international women’s conference, the event is structured to build a sustainable network that supports emerging enterprises well into the future.

Other business leaders expected from the UAE, Japan, Ghana, South Africa, Qatar, and across Africa

According to the official website of Global Entrepreneurship Festival, other global business leaders that are expected are Mohamed M. Abou El Enein (Egypt), H.E. Lujiana Mohsin Darwish (Oman), Sir Sam E. Jonah (Ghana), H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma (South Africa), Dr. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun (Namibia), and H.E. Sheikh Awad Mohammed Bin Sheikh Mujren (United Arab Emirates).

The following business leaders are equally expected: H.E. Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi (United Arab Emirates), H.E. Sheikha Dr. Hind Al Qassimi (United Arab Emirates), H.E. Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Thani (Qatar), Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola (Nigeria), Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich (Nigeria), Susumu Tsubaki (Japan), Catherine Sofianou (Greece), and Nathan Kwabena Adisi / Bola Ray (Ghana).

Egypt is also looking forward to welcoming Mostafa Kandil, Dr. Chanita Foster (United States), Dina H. Sherif (Egypt / United States), Mohamed El Azizi (Morocco), Samira Maatouk (United Arab Emirates / Lebanon), Rawya Mansour (Egypt / Monaco), Amar Deep Singh Hari (Ghana / India), and H.E. Edmond Moukala (Republic of the Congo).

According to Egypt Innovate the Global Entrepreneurship Feastival is targeting “over 10,000 participants from more than 70 countries.”