In a strategic move that underlines its ambition to strengthen ties with Africa and the Middle East, Bpifrance, the largest venture capital firm in France, is setting up operations in Egypt. This expansion is marked by a newly formed partnership with Sawari Ventures, an Egyptian venture capital firm. The partnership aims to support growth-stage companies and entrepreneurs, facilitating cross-continental collaboration between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
This initiative comes at a time when African entrepreneurship is gaining increasing global attention. With a growing number of startups emerging across the continent, the partnership seeks to tap into this entrepreneurial momentum by providing critical access to funding, resources, and networks for innovative companies. Flat6Labs, another key player in the Egyptian startup ecosystem, will also be involved in the collaboration.
Bpifrance’s entry into Egypt signals a broader vision to create a seamless flow of innovation, talent, and capital between France, Africa, and the Middle East. The partnership aims to improve access to finance for French companies seeking to expand into African markets and for African companies looking to establish research and development (R&D) activities in France.
Commenting on the partnership, Hany El Sonbaty, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Sawari Ventures, emphasized the importance of cross-regional collaboration. “Our partnership with Bpifrance reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the connections between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Today, we see more entrepreneurs from these regions launching companies with pan-African and trans-regional ambitions. However, they often lack the tools and networks to scale effectively. This platform will help identify and support them in their expansion,” he said.
One of the key goals of the partnership is to accelerate co-investment opportunities between European and African venture capital firms. By encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange, both Bpifrance and Sawari Ventures hope to stimulate commercial and technological partnerships that benefit startups on both continents.
Expanding French Influence in North Africa
The move into Egypt also complements broader French efforts to strengthen economic ties with North Africa. In June this year, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the creation of the “Fonds Maghreb,” a €100 million fund aimed at supporting French businesses looking to invest in Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. Managed by Bpifrance, this fund provides financial and operational assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and very small enterprises (VSEs) seeking to expand in the region.
The Fonds Maghreb offers equity investments, growth loans, and export credits, among other financial products, to help French companies establish a foothold in the Maghreb. The goal is to create mutually beneficial partnerships that generate economic value and job creation on both sides of the Mediterranean.
Bpifrance’s decision to enter the Egyptian market is a natural extension of this strategy, positioning the firm to play a pivotal role in facilitating French investment across North Africa while opening up new opportunities for African companies.
The partnership with Sawari Ventures is set to focus on growth-stage companies, providing them with the resources needed to scale their operations across borders. Bpifrance’s expertise in venture capital, combined with Sawari Ventures’ deep understanding of the African startup landscape, creates a powerful platform for entrepreneurs to access new markets and unlock growth potential.
Nicolas Dufourcq, CEO of Bpifrance, and Isabelle Bébéar, Director of International and European Affairs at Bpifrance, have both expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership. They believe the collaboration will foster innovation and lead to the development of transformative technologies that address the unique challenges faced by African markets.
With its new base in Egypt, Bpifrance is not only strengthening its presence in North Africa but also positioning itself as a key player in the emerging African venture capital landscape. This move aligns with France’s broader strategy of deepening its economic ties with the continent, providing a blueprint for future cross-continental partnerships that benefit both regions.
Bpifrance ’s expansion into Egypt through its partnership with Sawari Ventures is a significant milestone in the firm’s strategy to promote cross-continental collaboration. By connecting innovative companies across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, this initiative offers a platform for entrepreneurs to scale their businesses while fostering new avenues for investment and growth.
As the partnership unfolds, it will likely serve as a model for future collaborations, demonstrating the potential of African entrepreneurship and its role in shaping the global economy.