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Cairo, October 23, 2025:
Mounir Nakhla, Founder and CEO of «MNT-Halan», participated in the first EU-Egypt Summit held in Brussels, attended by H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, and H.E. Eng. Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, along with senior leaders and officials from both the Egyptian and European sides.
Strengthening Partnerships
This participation comes within the framework of the strategic partnership between Egypt and the European Union, which aims to strengthen sustainable investments, develop industrial value chains, and promote innovation as a key driver of joint economic growth.
Major Announcements
The summit concluded with the announcement of several landmark agreements that reflect the depth of cooperation between both sides. Most notably, the signing of a €5 billion European aid package to Egypt dedicated to supporting small and micro enterprises, along with Egypt’s accession to the “Horizon Europe” program, which enables Egyptian entities to coordinate projects, advance national research system reforms, and strengthen institutional capacities.
These steps underscore both sides’ commitment to advancing innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable growth.
High-Level Panel
During the summit, Mounir Nakhla participated in a high-level panel discussion titled “Innovate to Elevate: Placing Research and Innovation at the Heart of Competitiveness”, which highlighted the vital role of research and technology in enhancing industrial competitiveness and driving investments between Egypt and the European Union.
The session featured distinguished speakers, including H.E. Eng. Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade; H.E. Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation; Ms. Nurela Constantinescu, Acting Director of the Innovation and Technology Center at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); and Mr. Frank Waters, Director of the EU-funded EU MED-GEM Network. The panel was moderated by Ms. Belvie Tursti, Director of the European Training Foundation.
Government Endorsement
In his remarks, H.E. Eng. Hassan El-Khatib commended «MNT-Halan»’s role in supporting the digital economy and empowering individuals and SMEs, stating:
“MNT-Halan’s success story is a true inspiration of how innovation and technology can empower individuals and enhance their economic potential. This success reflects the impact of government policies that have focused on building a strong digital infrastructure, facilitating startup growth, and creating an enabling investment and regulatory environment. MNT-Halan stands as a living example of how the private sector can attract foreign investments, drive financial inclusion, and build a sustainable digital economy, enhancing Egypt’s position as a strategic partner in fintech and digital transformation.”
Nakhla’s Remarks
In his address, Mounir Nakhla presented «MNT-Halan»’s journey as a pioneering Egyptian model of digital innovation and financial inclusion, explaining how the company’s integrated digital ecosystem enables individuals and small businesses to access financial services seamlessly.
Nakhla emphasized that the EU-Egypt Summit represents an important step toward strengthening partnerships between Egypt and Europe, reaffirming «MNT-Halan»’s commitment to driving innovation and reinforcing Egypt’s position as a regional hub for fintech and digital transformation.
Policy Support
He also highlighted that the enabling policy environment provided by the government through the Central Bank of Egypt and the Financial Regulatory Authority has been instrumental in empowering companies to innovate and grow. “The policies supporting economic stability and encouraging the private sector have enabled us to attract investments and expand beyond Egypt’s borders into new markets such as Turkey, the UAE, and Pakistan,” he added.
Egypt’s First Unicorn
As Egypt’s first unicorn, «MNT-Halan» has successfully attracted international investments from leading global financial institutions, demonstrating the strength of Egypt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the country’s growing role as a regional hub for innovation, fintech, and digital transformation.
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