Telecoms & IT
From The Report: Egypt 2018
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Having long been one of the most dynamic sectors of the economy, continuing to grow even during periods of turbulence, the Egyptian telecoms industry experienced a landmark year in 2017. Steady subscription growth and increasing demand for data should bolster the position of all operators, with 4G providing a new field of competition in what is incrementally becoming a less voice-dominated, price-sensitive industry. The IT sector’s contribution to GDP was $4.2bn in FY 2016/17, with the IT export industry valued at more than $3.25bn in 2017 and expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13.4% through to 2020.

This chapter contains an interview with Eng. Yasser El Kady, Minister of Communications and Information Technology; and a roundtable with Hazem Metwally, CEO, Etisalat Misr; Jean-Marc Harion, CEO, Orange Egypt; and Ahmed El Beheiry, CEO, Telecom Egypt

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

A landmark year: The market welcomes a fourth mobile operator and next- generation services
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Having long been one of the most dynamic sectors of the economy, continuing to grow even during periods of turbulence, the Egyptian telecoms industry experienced a landmark year in 2017. September saw the launch not only of long-awaited 4G services, but the entrance of a new mobile operator. The advent of 4G has led to substantial new investments by local and international players, and paves the way for Egypt’s telecoms business to move to the next level in terms of service provision, innovation…

Interview

Tech transformation: Eng. Yasser El Kady, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, on government strategies to foster innovation
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Interview:Eng. Yasser El Kady How is Egypt supporting ICT sector development? ENG. YASSER EL KADY: The ICT sector has witnessed double-digit growth over the last two years. It is now the number-one Egyptian sector in terms of year-on-year growth, which has increased by 12.5%, making it more attractive to investors. Its contribution to GDP is currently 3.5%, and it is the leading sector when it comes to attracting foreign direct investment. Egypt’s ICT sector spearheads the government’s…

Overview

Facing the future: Hazem Metwally, CEO, Etisalat Misr; Jean-Marc Harion, CEO, Orange Egypt; and Ahmed El Beheiry, CEO, Telecom Egypt, on opportunities for revenue growth and infrastructure expansion
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Interview:Hazem Metwally; Jean-Marc Harion; Ahmed El Beheiry How can average revenue per user be further increased in the mobile segment? HAZEM METWALLY: The Egyptian market in itself is a market with a great deal of potential. The potential lies mainly in the growth of mobile usage. Although the penetration rate of mobile lines is already above 100%, due to the relatively young average age of the country’s population, we expect the demand for data and its subsequent usage to increase. Having…

Analysis

Going fourth: Mobile companies begin offering 4G mobile data
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The launch of 4G mobile networks in September 2017 represented a turning point for the Egyptian telecoms sector, ushering in a new period of investment, international partnerships and technological innovation. New Deals The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) started issuing long-awaited 4G licences in 2016, with Telecom Egypt (TE) the first to acquire one for LE7.08bn ($466.4m) in August. Following initial hesitation over spectrum offers and foreign-exchange conditions,…

Overview

Top of the ranks: A highly skilled workforce, low costs and government support offer an attractive environment for investment
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Capitalising on a strong and growing talent pool, low costs, a large domestic market and robust government support, the Egyptian IT sector has continued to expand even during the country’s turbulent past, and is now enjoying a new surge of investment and innovation. Major Contributor The IT industry is the single biggest growth driver in Egypt’s economy, becoming a particularly important contributor in recent years when tourism has slowed and energy prices have been low, dampening income…

Analysis

Brain gain: Multiple initiatives launched to develop ICT capabilities and entrepreneurial skills of young Egyptians
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Human capital is Egypt’s single biggest competitive advantage in the knowledge-intensive ICT industry. Authorities and sector players are keen to move the market to the next level with a range of programmes designed to develop skills and nurture entrepreneurship. While playing an important role in developing the ICT sector at a grassroots level, these initiatives have also catalysed public-private partnerships with major international technology and education companies. Tech Leaders In…