Egypt’s information technology (IT) sector is experiencing rapid expansion, with more than 175 companies establishing over 195 outsourcing centres across the country, creating jobs for over 145,000 specialists. These centres are driving the export of digital services worth more than $3.7 billion annually, according to Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).
Talaat highlighted that the sector, once a basic service provider, has evolved into a major economic engine, contributing significantly to national development. This includes attracting foreign investment, generating foreign currency, and providing thousands of employment opportunities for young people.
In recent years, the IT sector has become Egypt’s fastest-growing industry, with an annual growth rate exceeding 16%. Its contribution to the nation’s GDP has increased from 3.2% in 2014 to 5.8% in 2020, with plans to surpass 8% in the coming years.
The Minister credited this progress to strategic investments in digital infrastructure. Since 2022, Egypt has ranked first in Africa for fixed internet speeds, averaging 76.4 Mbps, up from just 5.6 Mbps six years ago. The country has also seen the number of mobile towers double to 37,000, supported by over $2 billion in investments for new frequency spectrums by mobile operators.
Additionally, more than 90% of Egypt’s 4,600 post offices have been modernized, enhancing access to digital and financial services across the country.
Talaat stressed that Egypt’s IT sector has become a key driver of development, playing a central role in advancing government projects and preparing for future technological revolutions, such as generative artificial intelligence. As a result, the sector has become a cornerstone of Egypt’s national economy, supporting growth across all industries.
