Country guide · EGP (E£)
20 business ideas in Egypt
TL;DR
Egypt’s small business opportunities draw on a very large, young population, busy street commerce, tourism along the Nile and the Red Sea, and growing online selling through Facebook, Instagram and apps like Jumia and Noon. Many ideas start from E£10,000 to E£200,000, and payments run through InstaPay, Vodafone Cash, Fawry and cash on delivery.
The market in Egypt
Egypt is the most populous Arabic-speaking country, with Cairo, Giza and Alexandria forming a vast consumer market. Street commerce is a way of life, from baladi bread and ful and ta’ameya stands to clothing, electronics and spare-parts markets, and neighbourhood shops are the first stop for many purchases. Fawry kiosks accept bill payments and top-ups, Vodafone Cash and InstaPay allow instant transfers and QR payments, and cash on delivery is still common for online orders.
Online selling takes place on Facebook Marketplace, Instagram and WhatsApp groups, as well as on Jumia, Noon and Amazon.eg. Delivery by couriers such as Bosta, Aramex, and local motorbike riders is available in most cities. Currency volatility has made imported goods more expensive in recent years, so many sellers favour local manufacturing and sourcing, and price lists change quickly.
Tourism and the Suez Canal are key sources of foreign currency. Visitors to Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab buy tours, crafts, diving trips, meals and transport. Egyptian cotton, leather, alabaster, spices, dates and handmade glass reflect long traditions, and artisans in Khan El Khalili and Fustat sell to tourists and online buyers. Agriculture along the Nile and the Delta, including cotton, wheat, citrus, tomatoes, dates and potatoes, supports trade and processing.
Remittances from Egyptians working in the Gulf, Europe and North America are significant, funding housing, weddings and small business capital. The weather is hot and dry for most of the year, so cooling, water and shade businesses matter, and the summer demand for air-conditioning repair and cold drinks is high.
Best businesses to start in Egypt
01Ful, ta’ameya and street food stand
E£15,000–E£120,000Ful, ta’ameya, koshary and shawarma are daily food for millions. A stand or small shop near transport hubs and offices needs a simple recipe, fast service and a reliable gas supply.
Full launch plan →02Home-cooked meals and mahshi delivery
E£10,000–E£80,000Families and workers order homemade mahshi, molokhia and roasted chicken through Facebook groups and delivery apps. Pre-orders keep waste low, and a clear brand builds regular customers.
Full launch plan →03Online clothing and abaya store
E£20,000–E£200,000Egyptian shoppers buy fashion and modest wear through Facebook and Instagram pages. Source from the garment districts of Cairo and Alexandria, ship by Bosta or Aramex and accept cash on delivery.
Full launch plan →04Mobile phone repair and accessories
E£30,000–E£200,000Phones are essential, and repair shops handle screens, batteries and unlocking. Shops in busy markets also earn from covers, chargers and top-up cards.
Full launch plan →05Fawry point and mobile wallet agent
E£20,000–E£150,000Agents collect bill payments, top-ups and cash-in and cash-out for Vodafone Cash and similar wallets. A reliable location with good foot traffic matters more than shop size.
06Tourism tours, felucca rides and diving trips
E£20,000–E£250,000Visitors to Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada and Dahab book Nile boat rides, desert safaris and snorkelling. A licensed guide who partners with drivers and boat owners can sell through booking platforms and social media.
07Handmade crafts, papyrus and spices for tourists and export
E£20,000–E£150,000Alabaster pieces, brass lanterns, cotton textiles and spice blends are popular souvenirs. Sell in tourist areas, through marketplaces such as Etsy and to buyers abroad.
Full launch plan →08Air-conditioner and appliance repair
E£10,000–E£80,000Long hot summers mean AC units fail often, and refrigerators and washing machines need regular repair. A trained technician with a bike and a toolkit can build a steady book of repeat customers.
09Private lessons and thanaweya amma tutoring
E£5,000–E£50,000Egyptian parents spend heavily on private lessons for school exams, especially the final secondary school year. Small groups and online sessions give tutors an alternative to crowded centres.
Full launch plan →10Wedding photography and zaffa services
E£40,000–E£250,000Egyptian weddings are festive and involve photographers, videographers and music. A photographer or videographer with good editing can book events months ahead.
Full launch plan →11Beauty salon and bridal makeup
E£30,000–E£250,000Women book hairdressers and makeup artists for weddings and Eid, and regular salon visits keep income steady. A home studio can serve a neighbourhood before you move to a shop.
Full launch plan →12Packaged dates, spices and honey
E£15,000–E£120,000Siwa dates, hibiscus, black seed oil and local honey are loved in Egypt and abroad. Clear labels, good packaging and sample packs help you sell through Instagram and specialist shops.
Full launch plan →13Motorbike delivery service
E£50,000–E£300,000Restaurants, pharmacies and online sellers need quick deliveries in busy cities. A small fleet and an order group on WhatsApp can serve local clients.
Full launch plan →14Laundry and ironing service
E£40,000–E£250,000Apartment dwellers and students outsource washing, ironing and carpet cleaning. A neighbourhood laundry with delivery can grow through monthly bundles.
Full launch plan →15Freelance design, translation and Arabic content
E£5,000–E£40,000Egyptian freelancers write Arabic content, design and translate for regional brands and overseas clients. Payment through PayPal, Payoneer or bank transfer adds foreign currency to your income.
Full launch plan →16Coffee and tea kiosk
E£40,000–E£300,000Egyptians love tea, coffee and snacks, and a kiosk near universities or offices can fill in the afternoons. Quality drinks and a social media presence help you stand out.
Full launch plan →17Print-on-demand shirts and mugs
E£20,000–E£150,000Football clubs, school events and gifts keep demand for custom printing high. A heat press, a cutter and a designer can serve local orders and sell on Facebook.
Full launch plan →18Short-let apartments for tourists and returnees
E£10,000–E£100,000Visitors and returning Egyptians rent furnished flats in Cairo, Alexandria and the north coast. Managing listings, cleaning and check-ins for owners earns a commission.
Full launch plan →19Social media management for local shops
E£3,000–E£30,000Cafes, clinics and clothing stores want more Instagram and Facebook orders. Offer posts, reels and ad management in Arabic and English for a monthly fee.
Full launch plan →20Solar water heaters and rooftop solar
E£50,000–E£400,000High electricity costs and abundant sunshine make solar water heating and small rooftop systems attractive. Installers who offer maintenance and honest advice can build repeat business.
How to start a business in Egypt
- 1
Choose your business form
Many small traders start as individual or sole proprietor businesses, while companies and partnerships suit larger ventures. A lawyer or accountant can explain which form suits your size and goals.
- 2
Register through the General Authority for Investment
Companies are generally established through the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), which runs one-stop-shop services. Confirm current steps, documents and fees on the GAFI website or at an office.
- 3
Obtain a commercial register and tax card
Traders typically need a commercial register and a tax card from the Egyptian Tax Authority. Ask the authority or an accountant about the current rules, including the simplified regime for small and micro enterprises.
- 4
Get local permits
Shops and workshops need a licence from the local governorate or city council, and food, health and tourism businesses may need approval from the relevant ministry. Check with your local authority before you open.
- 5
Consider the micro-enterprise support schemes
Egypt has programmes for small and micro enterprises through the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA). Confirm eligibility and current terms directly with the agency.
- 6
Open a business account and wallet
Open a bank account in your business name and set up InstaPay or Vodafone Cash for customer payments. Keep records of every transaction for tax purposes.
- 7
Plan for pricing and currency changes
If you buy imported goods, build a margin that covers exchange rate swings, and update price lists regularly. Agree supplier terms in writing wherever possible.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Fees, forms and requirements change — confirm with the official agencies named above before you file. Updated 2026-10-20.
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Frequently asked questions
What business can I start in Egypt with E£10,000?
With E£10,000 you can start a home food business, freelance design or translation, tutoring, social media services or a small online page selling accessories. Pre-orders and cash on delivery help you grow with little risk.
What are the best small business ideas in Egypt?
Street food, online clothing, tourism services, appliance repair, mobile services and beauty are common because demand is constant. Your best option depends on your city and skills.
How do I register a small business in Egypt?
Register through the General Authority for Investment (GAFI) or the relevant office, then obtain a commercial register and tax card, and apply for a local licence. Check requirements and fees with each authority.
How do I accept payments for an online business in Egypt?
Combine cash on delivery with InstaPay, Vodafone Cash or card payments through a gateway such as Paymob or Fawry Pay. Confirm orders by phone to reduce failed deliveries.
Is tourism a good small business sector in Egypt?
It can be, particularly for guides, crafts and accommodation, but income varies with seasons and global travel trends. Build local repeat customers and online reviews to reduce the swings.
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