| Economy – Information Technology |
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Many of the world’s largest technology and communications
companies have entered the Egyptian market to tap the opportunities presented
by the rapidly growing market.
Egypt is a host to 2233 CIT companies (2007)
The foreign issued capital in the CIT sector reached EGP 29.4 million (jan.
2007)
Three mobile operators with 3G systems are working in Egypt.
According to a recently published report by the Oxford Business Group, Egypt is
consolidating its place as a call center hub, due to the linguistic skills of
its citizens.
Around 150,000 engineers graduate from university every year.
Fast and sustained IT market growth with annual real growth at 13.8% in 2006/07
Existence of international companies working in IT and call centers such as;
IBM, Alcatel and Ericsson, and many other international companies.
Egyptian government launched a number of initiatives to promote and develop the
CIT sector, including; e-government, e-education, e-health, e-culture, PC for
every home and free internet for all Egyptians.
Egypt’s telecommunications infrastructure has increased dramatically over
the last decade. Fixed telephone lines have shown a steady increase from 7.5
million in 2000 to almost 11 million in 2007.
At the end of 2001, two private mobile operators were servicing 3.4 million
mobile users. By the first quarter of 2007, this figure had increased to over
16 million, and a third mobile operator was awarded a license in 2006. The
Information and Communications technology (ICT) sector has sustained
double-digit growth and continues to be one of the fastest growing sectors in
the economy.
Internet users increased from 300 000 in October 1999 to over 5 million users
in Jan. 2007.
The number of companies in the field of communication services reached 243
companies in Jan. 2007.
The number of Operating Companies in CIT sector increased from 312 companies
lines in October 1999 to 1349 companies.
Information and communication technology companies employ a total of 37 455
people.
The number of trainees in the CIT sector reached 130 389 trainees.
(Source: Ministry of Communication and Information technology.) |