Egypt’s IT annual exports hit $3.7b

FeaturedEgypt NewsIndustry & Trade
By Aya Anwar
Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, speaking at the opening session of the Cairo ICT 2024 Conference on Sunday - Cabinet
Egypt’s information technology (IT) sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with over 175 companies establishing more than 195 outsourcing centres across the country. These centres employ over 145,000 specialists, exporting digital services worth more than $3.7 billion annually, according to Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).
The Minister explained that the sector has transitioned from a basic service provider to a productive economic engine, significantly contributing to national development by attracting investments, generating foreign currency, and creating thousands of jobs for youth.

Moreover, it has been Egypt’s fastest-growing sector over the past six years, with annual growth exceeding 16 per cent. Its GDP contribution rose from 3.2 per cent in 2014 to 5.8 per cent, with plans to surpass 8 per cent.

Talaat attributed this progress to strategic initiatives and investments in digital infrastructure. Since 2022, Egypt has ranked first in Africa for fixed internet speeds, with an average of 76.4 Mbps, compared to just 5.6 Mbps six years ago.

The number of mobile towers has doubled to 37,000, supported by over $2 billion in investments for new frequency spectrums by mobile operators. Additionally, more than 90 per cent of Egypt’s 4,600 post offices have been modernised to enhance accessibility to digital and financial services.

These achievements have positioned Egypt’s IT sector as a key driver of development, integral to advancing state projects and preparing for technological revolutions such as generative artificial intelligence. The Minister also emphasised that the sector now acts as a Common Denominator across all industries striving for growth, making it a cornerstone of the national economy.

Attribution: Egyptian Cabinet

Subediting: M. S. Salama

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