The African startup ecosystem is a vibrant and dynamic space that has been gaining global attention in recent years. This ecosystem is dominated by the likes of Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. However, for a long time, it was just Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa that held the reins. These three were the dominant ones before Egypt joined in. But why did Egypt become a member of Africa's big 4?

Egypt is a big economy with a better standard of living than many other African countries. It has a robust and diverse economy that is the third largest in Africa, after Nigeria and South Africa. The country's GDP is estimated to be around $394 billion, making it one of the largest economies in the Middle East and North Africa region. This economic strength provides a solid foundation for startups to thrive and grow.

Egyptian startups can attract funding from both Africa and the Middle East. The country's strategic location at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East gives it a unique advantage. It serves as a bridge between the two regions, providing access to a vast market of over 1.6 billion people. This makes Egypt an attractive destination for investors from both regions. In recent years, Egyptian startups have been successful in attracting significant amounts of funding. In 2019, Egyptian startups raised $166 million in funding, making it the fastest-growing startup ecosystem in the MENA region.

Political stability ushered in by Fatah al-Sisi's government has also played a crucial role in Egypt's rise as a startup hub. Since coming to power in 2014, President al-Sisi has implemented a series of economic reforms aimed at improving the business environment and attracting foreign investment. These reforms have included reducing bureaucracy, improving infrastructure, and introducing new laws to protect investors. This political stability and pro-business environment have given confidence to entrepreneurs and investors alike, leading to a surge in startup activity.

Another factor contributing to Egypt's emergence as a startup powerhouse is the steady pipeline of talent from the world-class Egyptian universities. Egypt has a strong education system, with a number of universities ranked among the best in Africa and the Middle East. These universities produce a steady stream of highly skilled graduates, many of whom are eager to start their own businesses. The government has also implemented programs to promote entrepreneurship among university students, further fueling the growth of the startup ecosystem.

Finally, Egypt's large population provides a vast market for startups. With a population of over 100 million people, Egypt is the third most populous country in Africa and the most populous in the Middle East. This large population provides a huge domestic market for startups, as well as a large pool of potential entrepreneurs. The country's young and tech-savvy population is particularly attractive for tech startups, who see in them a ready market for their products and services.

In conclusion, Egypt's emergence as a member of Africa's big 4 in the startup ecosystem can be attributed to a combination of factors. These include its large and diverse economy, its strategic location at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East, the political stability ushered in by President al-Sisi's government, the steady pipeline of talent from its world-class universities, and its large and tech-savvy population. These factors have combined to create a conducive environment for startups to thrive, attracting both local and international investors. As a result, Egypt has firmly established itself as a key player in the African startup ecosystem.