Egypt is expanding its technology ambitions beyond Cairo, with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency ITIDA highlighting the rise of regional innovation centres and the country's increasing attractiveness as a hub for digital services, engineering, and offshoring. Tier-2 cities are emerging as viable alternatives for global companies seeking distributed, multilingual talent, marking a notable shift in the geography of Egypt's tech economy.
Mansoura's Creativa Innovation Hub stands out as one of the most active local centres supporting tech upskilling, freelance employment, and startup creation. Since its inception, the hub has trained over 11,600 young people in digital and technical skills, supported more than 2,000 entrepreneurs, helped develop 1,500 digital prototypes, and enabled 2,030 freelancers to access new income streams. It has hosted 19 hackathons and innovation challenges and fostered a growing pipeline of healthtech and AI-driven startups.
In 2025 alone, ITIDA supported more than 32 startups, trained 2,400 new participants, and provided services to over 900 freelancers, who reported an average annual income of 18,200. Creativa is part of a nationwide network of 26 centers aimed at supporting startups, freelancers, and tech talent across Egypt, reflecting the country's effort to decentralize tech growth and expand economic inclusion beyond the capital.
