What Erdogan's gift to Sisi means 🚗

Hey friends,

Welcome back to another edition of the Egypt Weekly Roundup.

Can you believe that Ramadan is just ten days away? To get us all into the mood, our wonderful social media team created a neat little video that showcases the spirit, warmth, and nostalgia millions collectively feel during the holy month.

Now let’s jump right into this week’s top stories.

• Erdogan in Cairo 🇹🇷

• Egypt wants startups seen 💡

• Roblox banned 🚫

TÜRKIYE | DIPLOMACY | ERDOGAN
ERDOĞAN’S CAIRO VISIT FURTHER SOLIDIFIES REVIVED RELATIONS

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Cairo signaled a further consolidation of recently restored ties between Egypt and Türkiye, underscoring a shift from years of strained relations toward structured, strategic cooperation.

The reset deepens: During the visit, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Erdoğan co-chaired the second meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council and issued a joint declaration outlining expanded coordination across trade, defense, energy, and investment — setting a trade target of USD 15 billion.

Several agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed to institutionalize cooperation across economic and development sectors. Both sides also agreed to coordinate more closely on regional files, including Gaza and broader Middle East stability.

Türkiye’s leader also presented Al-Sisi with Turkish electric vehicle Togg — a symbolic gesture reflecting Ankara’s push for industrial and technological branding alongside diplomatic rapprochement.

Why it matters: After a decade of political tensions, the visit reinforces a recalibrated relationship built on pragmatic economic interests and regional coordination. With trade already nearing multi-billion-dollar levels, both Cairo and Ankara appear committed to turning diplomatic normalisation into sustained strategic partnership.

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ENTREPRENEURSHIP | STARTUPS | INVESTMENTS
GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES STARTUP CHARTER TARGETING $1BN IN INVESTMENT

Egypt has launched its first national Startup Charter, a strategic framework designed to mobilize USD 1 billion in investment over the next five years and support the growth of the country’s innovation ecosystem. 

What’s being rolled out: Unveiled by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and several other officials, the charter sets a unified definition for startups, creates certification pathways for incentives, and introduces programs to help businesses scale and attract larger financing. It aims to back up to 5,000 startups and foster both direct and indirect job creation. 

Why it matters: With Egyptian startups already drawing hundreds of millions in funding and rapid growth in venture activity, this charter signals a major push to institutionalize startup support, align policy with global standards, and position Egypt as a leading regional innovation hub.  

CHILD SAFETY | ONLINE SPACES
GOVERNMENT BANS ROBLOX BUT LEAVES DOOR OPEN IF SAFETY REGULATIONS ARE ADDED

Egyptian authorities signaled willingness to enter discussions with Roblox after temporarily banning the platform over concerns about children’s online safety and harmful content. The move aims to address gaps in user protection and ensure platforms meet national digital standards.

What’s happening: The ban — initially imposed as a precautionary measure — prompted both regulators and platform representatives to express openness to dialogue. Officials are pushing for clearer safety mechanisms and stronger enforcement where minors are concerned.

Why it matters: With a large youth population engaged in online gaming and social platforms, Egypt’s approach underscores growing scrutiny of digital spaces and children’s exposure to unsafe material. The outcome of talks could set a precedent for future oversight of interactive online services and platforms.