Papyrus to Pyramids, Politics and Pythagoras … to modern innovators like Elmenus and Halan, Jumai and Vezeeta … Egypt is a land of innovation
September 1, 2024
Walking around the great pyramids I marvelled at the ingenuity of their builders. Just to move these huge blocks of rock must have taken real innovation, let alone the ability to build thousands of blocks on top of each other.
But then I thought some more. Egypt gave us so many innovations. The sails on boats, originally to power those ancient Nile cruises. Or the bandage, used to treat wounds, and then of course to wrap mummies. The earliest form of birth control, acacia leaves with honey. Politics, postal service, Papyrus paper and Pythagoras. And so much more
Today, Egypt has become an increasingly vibrant hub for innovation, with a growing number of startups and established companies pushing the boundaries in technology, fintech, e-commerce, healthtech, and other industries.
Here are some of the most innovative companies in Egypt that I have come across both locally and internationally:
1. Fawry
Sector: Fintech
Fawry is one of Egypt’s largest and most innovative fintech companies, offering electronic payment solutions to businesses and consumers. The company operates a vast network of payment points across the country, providing services like bill payments, mobile top-ups, and e-commerce transactions. Fawry’s digital wallet and payment solutions have revolutionized how Egyptians conduct financial transactions, particularly in underbanked and rural areas.
2. Swvl
Sector: Transportation / Mobility
Swvl is an innovative tech-driven transportation company that offers bus-sharing services, providing an affordable and reliable alternative to traditional public transportation. Founded in Egypt, Swvl has grown rapidly and expanded internationally, using technology to optimize routes, reduce commute times, and create a more efficient urban mobility system. Swvl went public in 2021 through a SPAC merger, raising its profile as a major player in global mobility.
3. Vezeeta
Sector: Healthtech
Vezeeta is a leading healthtech platform in the MENA region that connects patients with healthcare providers, offering features like appointment scheduling, telemedicine, and doctor reviews. Vezeeta has introduced innovative solutions to make healthcare more accessible and efficient in Egypt, and it has expanded its operations to several other countries in the region. It has also incorporated AI to optimize doctor-patient matching and health service delivery.
4. Instabug
Sector: Software Development / Tech
Instabug is a mobile app bug reporting and in-app feedback solution that helps developers improve app quality. It provides tools for developers to track bugs, crashes, and performance issues in real-time. Instabug is widely used in mobile app development across various sectors, including tech, healthcare, and e-commerce. The company has garnered international attention for its innovative approach to enhancing app performance and user experience.
5. Jumia Egypt
Sector: E-commerce
Jumia, often referred to as the “Amazon of Africa,” operates extensively in Egypt, providing a wide range of e-commerce services, from consumer goods to groceries and electronics. Jumia’s innovative solutions in logistics, payment gateways, and customer service have made online shopping more accessible in Egypt and the broader African market. Jumia is at the forefront of developing online retail experiences tailored to the needs of consumers in emerging markets.
6. Elmenus
Sector: Foodtech / Online Food Delivery
Elmenus is an innovative food discovery and online ordering platform in Egypt, helping users discover new restaurants and cuisines based on their preferences. The platform has a unique feature that allows users to explore restaurant menus, view photos of dishes, and read reviews. Elmenus also uses data analytics to offer personalized recommendations, driving growth in the Egyptian food delivery market.
7. MaxAB
Sector: E-commerce / Supply Chain
MaxAB is an innovative B2B e-commerce platform focused on the supply chain in Egypt. The company connects food and grocery retailers to suppliers through a digital platform, helping businesses streamline their procurement processes. MaxAB has revolutionized how retailers source products and manage inventory, leveraging technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs in the supply chain.
8. Cairo Angels
Sector: Investment / Startup Ecosystem
Cairo Angels is an innovative network of angel investors that supports early-stage startups in Egypt and the MENA region. They have backed numerous high-growth startups in sectors such as fintech, healthtech, e-commerce, and SaaS, playing a crucial role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Egypt’s startup ecosystem.
9. Shaghalni
Sector: HR Tech
Shaghalni is an HR tech startup that focuses on the recruitment and job placement industry. It uses AI-driven technology to match job seekers with suitable employers, reducing time and costs for both job seekers and employers. The platform is transforming the way hiring works in Egypt, with a focus on improving the efficiency and accuracy of recruitment processes.
10. Buseet
Sector: Transportation / Ride-Hailing
Buseet is an innovative bus-sharing platform in Egypt, providing a sustainable and cost-effective transportation solution for commuters. It allows users to book bus rides through an app, making daily commutes easier, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly. The platform is gaining popularity, particularly in Cairo, where traffic congestion is a major issue.
11. Tarek Nour Communications (TNC)
Sector: Advertising / Marketing Tech
Tarek Nour Communications (TNC) is a leading marketing and advertising company that has embraced digital transformation and innovation in advertising strategies. With cutting-edge digital campaigns and data-driven marketing solutions, TNC is shaping the advertising landscape in Egypt. The company has also delved into content creation, digital media strategies, and advanced analytics.
12. Eventtus
Sector: Event Tech
Eventtus is an event management platform that provides digital solutions for creating, managing, and promoting events. Whether for conferences, festivals, or corporate events, Eventtus offers innovative tools for virtual and hybrid event experiences, including event apps, ticketing, networking, and live streaming features. The company has grown in popularity across the MENA region as more events go digital.
13. Kahwetna
Sector: Hospitality / Foodtech
Kahwetna is an innovative startup focused on creating a coffeehouse experience that blends technology with hospitality. It allows customers to order and pay for drinks and food directly from their smartphones, enhancing the customer experience through a seamless, contactless process. The company is also focused on sourcing quality coffee beans and offering a premium coffee experience in Egypt.
14. Snoonu
Sector: Delivery / Logistics
Snoonu is an on-demand delivery and logistics platform in Egypt, offering fast delivery services for a wide range of products, from food to groceries and retail items. The company uses advanced algorithms and GPS tracking to provide efficient delivery times, aiming to be the go-to solution for consumers in need of fast and reliable delivery services.
15. Halan
Sector: Mobility / Fintech
Halan is an innovative Egyptian startup focused on providing ride-hailing services for motorcycles, tuk-tuks, and minibuses, offering a more affordable alternative to traditional taxi services. Halan has diversified into providing small businesses with financing solutions and payment services, leveraging technology to offer last-mile connectivity and financial inclusion for the unbanked.
These companies reflect the diverse and dynamic landscape of innovation in Egypt, with a focus on solving local problems through technology. From fintech and mobility to healthtech and e-commerce, Egyptian startups and established companies are driving significant change and contributing to the growth of the regional and global innovation ecosystem.
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