Egypt plans to convert 250–300 outlets to Carry On in 2026

Egypt’s Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade plans to upgrade around 250–300 Gameaty outlets and subsidised-goods retailers, converting them to the Carry On brand during 2026 across several governorates. This sets an annual implementation target within a broader project to modernise the goods distribution network, combining upgrades to existing businesses with support for young people to open new franchised outlets.

Annual target differs from the full project’s scope

According to a report published by Franchisingeg.com on 9 November 2026, the conversion plan forms part of a project aiming to upgrade 40,000 outlets in cooperation with private-sector partners, improving the goods distribution network and outlet operating efficiency. That figure remains a target for the broader project, not a count of Carry On branches already opened or converted.

The announced target for the current year is 250–300 Gameaty outlets and subsidised-goods retailers. Business owners and franchise investors should distinguish this annual target from the much larger network earmarked for development over the longer term.

In September, the ministry opened 20 new Carry On branches, bringing the total announced at that point to 24. The announcement of a conversion plan therefore does not mean it has been completed: the number of opened branches reflects the September announcement, while the November figures describe an upgrade plan for 2026.

Upgrading existing outlets goes beyond a name change

The Carry On project focuses on developing existing outlet owners’ businesses through standardised fit-outs and regular supplies of goods, alongside training in operating methods and customer service in cooperation with the Holding Company for Food Industries. These elements show that the intended transformation covers how an outlet is run, rather than simply replacing its sign.

Egypt’s goods distribution network includes around 30,000 subsidised-goods retailers, 8,000 outlets under the Gameaty scheme and 1,060 state-run consumer stores. These figures place the planned conversion of 250–300 outlets in the context of a large and varied network, making actual progress more informative than the overall target alone.

For an existing outlet owner, fit-out requirements, supply arrangements and training are practical areas to examine when considering joining. Modernisation involves maintaining and improving business operations as well as accessing the announced support. Converting an operating outlet should not be confused with setting up a new business: each route has its own requirements, which should be clarified before making a decision.

Memorandum brings together financing, training and licensing support

The Holding Company for Food Industries and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA) have signed a memorandum of understanding to upgrade Gameaty outlets and subsidised-goods retailers, and to support young people in establishing new franchised outlets. Support includes financing and training services, as well as help with licensing procedures, linking business set-up and refurbishment with the ability to operate and complete the necessary formalities.

Joining Carry On offers a route to upgrading an existing business and accessing financing available through MSMEDA, subject to the agency’s conditions. This is a key consideration when assessing the opportunity: an available financing route does not mean every applicant will receive funding automatically. Checking the agency’s conditions remains essential before drawing up a spending plan or committing to upgrade costs.

The report noted that the Gameaty scheme had created around 24,000 jobs. This figure relates to that scheme, not to new jobs generated by the planned conversion of outlets to Carry On. The figures serve different purposes: one describes the impact of an existing scheme, while the other defines the scope of upgrades targeted during the year.

Supporting digital services and developments to monitor

The ministry is also exploring cooperation with technology companies on inventory management and digital marketing solutions. This sits alongside efforts to establish electronic links with the Internal Trade Development Authority, allowing business owners to make enquiries and access commercial registration services through MSMEDA offices, with the aim of simplifying procedures.

These initiatives support the outlet upgrade plan, but discussions about technology partnerships do not mean the solutions have been deployed across all branches. Practical progress will depend on the equipment, services and training delivered to individual outlets, and on completion of the procedures needed for them to operate as announced.

Practical takeaway: Outlet owners considering conversion to Carry On should review fit-out requirements, supply arrangements and training, and check financing and licensing conditions with the relevant bodies, while distinguishing announced targets from work already completed.