Entrepreneurship Ecosystems and Innovation Hubs in East Africa: A Survey Study

Recent studies have highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship ecosystems and innovation hubs in fostering economic growth and job creation in various regions worldwide. However, there is a paucity of research specifically focusing on these elements within East Africa's context, particularly Egypt. The methodology employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews. A total of 150 entrepreneurs from different sectors were surveyed using an online questionnaire designed to capture data on their experiences within these systems. Findings indicate that while Egypt has seen significant growth in venture capital funding and startup activity, there remains a disparity in access to resources such as mentorship programmes and networking opportunities across various regions. The survey also revealed that the majority of entrepreneurs (85%) believe collaboration with established firms is crucial for their success. The results suggest that while Egypt's innovation hubs have made progress, they still face challenges related to resource distribution and collaborative networks. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions aimed at improving accessibility and inclusivity within these ecosystems. Recommendations include increased investment in regional collaboration initiatives and development of mentorship programmes tailored to support entrepreneurs from underprivileged regions. Entrepreneurship, Innovation Hubs, Egypt, East Africa