Egyptian entrepreneur Mohamed Abou El-Naga Negaty said that capital of EGP 50,000 to EGP 100,000 is no longer sufficient to launch a business in Egypt, noting that such amounts may only support limited e-commerce activities rather than the establishment of a full-fledged company.

Speaking on ON TV's Kalema Akhera program, Negaty said starting a new venture now typically requires investments ranging between EGP 1.5 million and EGP 2 million. He encouraged entrepreneurs to pursue partnerships instead of solo ventures, arguing that shared expertise and complementary skills improve a project's chances of success.

Negaty also highlighted the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, describing it as a transformative force that is reshaping industries and is expected to have a significant impact on labor markets and economies in the coming years.

He said Egypt has a strong opportunity to expand its role in the AI sector by launching initiatives that equip young people with the skills needed to use and develop AI technologies, stressing that keeping pace with global technological change is no longer optional.

While acknowledging that matching the global influence of the United States and China in AI will take time, he emphasized the importance of positioning Egypt as a producer of AI-driven technologies.

Negaty further warned that traditional roles, particularly call center jobs, could face growing disruption over the next decade as businesses increasingly adopt AI-powered systems. He urged young people to embrace emerging technologies early, arguing that adaptability will be essential for remaining competitive in the future job market.