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RiseUp Summit returned on the 8th of May 2025 to the 10th of May with yet another year of successful panels and talks that highlighted how various startups are transforming Egypt’s future. Under the auspices of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and in partnership with the Ministerial Committee for Entrepreneurship and the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation. The summit proved its status as the Middle East and North Africa’s leading hub for entrepreneurial innovation.
The 2025 theme, “Tell Your Story,” continues RiseUp’s mission that helps in spotlighting the voices of startups and creators who drive transformation across the region. The summit gathers a dynamic mix of global and regional entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and policymakers to share ideas. Additionally, build networks and foster the growth of next-generation businesses.
A Strategic Gathering Ground for Global Innovation
Returning to the Grand Egyptian Museum for the third year in a row, the event was made possible through the continued collaboration with Legacy Development and Management, a subsidiary of Hassan Allam Holding and operator of the GEM. Attendees were, as always, mesmerized by the venue itself. The Grand Egyptian Museum, with all its glory, is a venue that acted like a modern-day stage for future-shaping ideas.
“This partnership is one that blends Egypt’s historical legacy with cutting-edge innovation,” said Abdelhameed Sharara, the founder and CEO of RiseUp. The main aim of RiseUp is to elevate startups and empower them with the key to access valuable knowledge, funding opportunities, and global networks. All while showcasing Egypt as a modernized base for innovation.
Industry Leaders Fueling the Ecosystem
The RiseUp Summit is one that gathered many partners that empowered and added to the summit in 2025. With Madinet Masr taking the lead as this year’s Growth Partner, they were able to emphasize their commitment to smart community development and sustainable solutions. Madinet Masr, which is a real estate powerhouse, is playing a strategic role in becoming a main nurturer for innovation-led ecosystems. Ones that drive positive societal transformation.
Another partner worth mentioning, as they too added great value, is Orange Business. This was the summit’s official innovation partner. One that brings to the table AI- and cloud-powered tools. Additionally, they offered startups access to transformative technologies through their Orange Digital Center. This center doesn’t only support emerging businesses but also showcases Orange’s broader mission to digitize Egypt’s economy and infrastructure. Furthermore, TikTok LIVE was also present as the Official Digital Partner. TikTok empowered startups to leverage digital storytelling for a greater reach. Additionally, to provide brands with the level of presence that they needed for better exposure. On the other hand, Mastercard, which is a longstanding global fintech leader, is a company that served as the Strategic Content Partner. They aimed to share critical insights on digital innovation and financial empowerment.
RiseUp is a grand summit that also featured the participation and support of other notable companies, such as Deloitte, Juahyna, MO4 Network, Paymob, and N GAGE Consulting. Also, one notable participant was the Agora Naguib Sawiris School of Business. These participants and supporters played a great role in reinforcing a collective vision that helps in advancing the region’s ecosystem of entrepreneurship.
Empowering Startups Through Knowledge and Connection
From valued information workshops and product showcases to expert panels, talks, and pitch competitions, RiseUp 2025 offers an unmatched blend of knowledge-sharing and real-world engagement. Orange Business, in particular, is curating immersive experiences under the “RiseUp X Orange Business” banner. It allows attendees to explore next-gen solutions in cybersecurity, cloud computing, AI, 5G, and IoT. They simply made sure that attendees are transformed to the future of Egypt, all while being surrounded with the historical and most magnificent artifacts that the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) offers. 
A Bright Future Rooted in Collaboration
Merette Elsayed, CEO of Legacy, has highlighted why GEM was one of this year’s contributing factors in causing the RiseUp success. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is simply a symbol that shows timeless creativity. Additionally, when it partnered with RiseUp, it helped in connecting the past and the future through innovation and collaboration.
RiseUp stands out as a meeting point for stakeholders and stands out as a driving force that shapes Egypt and the wider MENA region into a global destination for innovation, entrepreneurial success, and investment. Simply put, this is a place where strategic partnerships and powerful storytelling tend to celebrate legacy and advancements. RiseUp is a movement that shapes the future of business in the region and not just another event that you simply attend.
