Smartphones have become Africa’s key to bridging the technological divide with the West. These devices now serve not only as communication tools but also as powerful instruments for empowerment, education, and economic growth.
According to a Canalys analysis, Egypt is now one of Africa’s top three smartphone markets, closely following South Africa and Nigeria. It accounts for 12% of the continent’s smartphone exports. This growth has been driven by Egypt’s youthful, tech-savvy population, the increasing availability of the internet, and a rising demand for affordable smartphones.
Egypt’s rise as a key player in Africa’s electronics industry is largely due to the Egypt Manufactures Electronics (EME) project. The government’s strategic focus on digital transformation, combined with the development of 4G and 5G networks, has been instrumental in shaping and expanding the country’s smartphone market.
A significant factor in this success has been Egypt’s ability to forge strong partnerships with global electronics manufacturers such as LG, Samsung, and Haier, traditionally known for their work in the television and household appliance sectors. These collaborations have laid the foundation for Egypt’s expansion into smartphone manufacturing.
In 2022 and 2023, Egypt saw substantial foreign investment from international smartphone brands, transforming the country into a key production hub. Several prominent smartphone companies have demonstrated their long-term commitment to the Egyptian market by establishing local manufacturing facilities. Samsung, one of Egypt’s largest electronics firms, has reinforced its presence by building factories in the country. Xiaomi, on the other hand, has taken a different approach, partnering with local distributors to meet its production needs.
These developments have created thousands of direct and indirect jobs in manufacturing, engineering, supply chain management, and retail. Such investments not only inject capital into the economy but also bring in cutting-edge technology and expertise, significantly enhancing Egypt’s manufacturing capacity.
If Egypt continues to strengthen its technology infrastructure and attract further investment, it has the potential to become a major global supplier of smartphones and other electronic products. The rapid expansion of its smartphone industry not only highlights Egypt’s economic growth but also cements its rising influence within Africa and beyond.
