A New Gateway for Korean Startups
The Korea-Africa Foundation (KAF) has officially launched a new initiative under the Global Acceleration Support Program. It’s aiming to open exciting doors for South Korean startups looking to expand into Egypt.
This initiative focuses on startups in aging-related sectors like healthcare, biotech, and beauty tech. With Egypt being a key market in Africa and the Middle East, the program aims to provide a soft landing and a powerful growth platform for innovative Korean businesses.
What Is the Global Acceleration Support Program?
Backed by the Korean Ministry of SMEs and Startups and operated by the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development, the Global Acceleration Support Program offers Korean startups access to:
- âś… Local and international acceleration programs
- âś… Strategic funding opportunities
- âś… Support for establishing local offices
- âś… Help with securing intellectual property rights
- âś… Access to global expansion resources
Eight startups will be selected to take part in this initiative. There will be a particular focus on companies working in aging-related technologies. This includes fields like elder care, wellness, med-tech, and anti-aging skincare. These are industries that are booming both in Korea and across emerging African markets.
Why Egypt?
By entering the Egyptian market through this structured program, startups can avoid many of the hurdles of international expansion—while gaining valuable on-ground insights and partnerships.
Who’s Behind the Program?
The Korea-Africa Foundation, which came about in June 2018 under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea, is spearheading this initiative. Its mission? To serve as a vital platform for promoting economic, cultural, and technological collaboration between Korea and Africa.
Through programs like this, KAF is empowering young Korean entrepreneurs and businesses to explore Africa’s massive potential and contribute to mutual growth.
Egypt represents a strategic gateway to Africa and the broader MENA region. With a fast-growing population, increasing digitalization, and rising demand for innovative healthcare and beauty solutions, it offers an ideal testbed for Korean startups seeking overseas growth.
What’s Next?
Applications are now open, and selected startups will participate in acceleration programs both in Korea and Egypt. These programs are designed to sharpen their business models. Additionally, it connect them with local partners, and prepare them for long-term success in the region.
If you’re a Korean startup innovating in healthcare, biotech, or beauty, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.