The Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat delivered the opening speech, today, at the 5G Egypt Forum, an event dedicated to exploring the future of telecommunication, infrastructure development, and the nationwide rollout of 5G networks.
The Forum was attended by Senior Advisor to the US President on Arab, Middle Eastern, and African Affairs Massad Boulos, along with ambassadors from the United States (US), the European Union (EU) delegation, Finland, and Sweden, as well as a representative from Japan. The event brought together 120 decision-makers, including government officials, representatives from global and local telecom providers, and experts from international organizations.
In his speech, the ICT Minister emphasized that Egypt has, over the past decade, adopted an ambitious and forward-looking vision for achieving digital transformation. This vision has played a pivotal role in transforming the ICT sector from a service-oriented provider to a key enabler in boosting productive value within the national economy. He noted that the vision involves building a smart, competitive, and inclusive economy where technology empowers citizens, stimulates growth, and drives efforts to create job opportunities.
Furthermore, Talaat referred to the remarkable growth that Egypt’s ICT sector has experienced during the past ten years, driven by substantial investments in digital infrastructure and the expansion of telecom services to reach millions of citizens. He underlined 5G technology as a breakthrough that reshapes lifestyles, workspaces, and communication patterns.
The importance of 5G extends beyond improved Internet speeds, Talaat noted, unlocking advanced applications across key sectors like healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and industry. He pointed out that, in early 2024, Egypt granted its first 5G license, and by the end of the year, all mobile network operators (MNOs) had secured the necessary licenses.
Moreover, the ICT Minister revealed that MNOs in Egypt invested approximately USD 2.7 billion since 2019 to acquire frequencies and licenses, reflecting local and international investor trust in the Digital Egypt vision. He highlighted ongoing efforts to explore Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology for its potential to enhance competitiveness, reduce costs, and drive innovation.
Since the outset of 5G standardization, Egypt has collaborated with global partners to ensure alignment between its national spectrum strategy and global benchmarks, the ICT Minister mentioned. This was evident when the country hosted the World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19). He added that a phased 5G rollout plan has been developed in cooperation with MNOs, prioritizing major cities, main roads, and specific economic zones to harness the full potential of 5G in fostering development and boosting national competitiveness.
Talaat also highlighted that over 12.7 million households across Egypt, including in rural areas, have now access to fixed Internet, and that the average fixed broadband speed increased 13-fold, positioning Egypt at the forefront of African countries in this regard. Egypt also ranks second among African countries for most affordable broadband, Talaat remarked. He further stated that the goal for the next five years is to connect 50% of fixed broadband subscribers with fiber-optic networks through private sector-led initiatives.
Additionally, the ICT Minister explained that mobile phone subscriptions hit 120 million in 2024, with mobile Internet usage growing by more than 10% within a single year. He underlined that Egypt introduced many key services, most notably eSIM and Wi-Fi Calling, which ensures uninterrupted connectivity even in remote areas without any additional cost to users. These efforts are part of the Digital Egypt strategy, which demonstrates the country’s commitment to achieving comprehensive digital development, good governance, and equitable access to services.
Talaat further emphasized that measuring the success of the ICT sector goes beyond statistics; it is ultimately reflected in its tangible, day-to-day impact on citizens’ lives. This includes empowering young people to innovate, launch entrepreneurial projects, and access global freelancing opportunities. It is also evident in the number of citizens in remote areas who benefit from digital government services, and the number of mothers who improve their livelihoods through digital skills.
Egypt welcomes all partners and investors who share its vision of building an open, secure, and future-ready digital ecosystem, reaffirmed the ICT Minister. He emphasized the country’s commitment to fostering an investment-friendly environment that champions innovation and values strategic partnerships, while ensuring equal opportunities for both local and international companies to thrive and contribute to Egypt’s digital transformation. Talaat valued the strong and growing cooperation with the European Union, Finland, Japan, Sweden, and the United States—countries long recognized as global leaders in information and communications technology.
The ICT Minister underscored Egypt’s steadfast commitment to advancing digital development, with the aim of building Digital Egypt and promoting a society where technology drives sustainable progress. Talaat also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the forum, which brings together experts, policymakers, and innovators to explore the potential of 5G technology in Egypt and to examine current opportunities and initiatives that support the country’s digital development.
For his part, Boulos noted that President Trump had consistently emphasized the importance of mutually beneficial trade and investment, especially in critical and emerging technologies such as 5G. He stated that 5G would serve as a foundation for the global economy in the coming decade, driving economic growth and prosperity for businesses and communities worldwide.
The United States remains committed to supporting trusted companies and suppliers in collaborative efforts to implement 5G in Egypt, with mutual security and prosperity at the core of this cooperation, Boulos added.
Head of the European Union Delegation to Egypt Angelina Eichhorst highlighted that Egypt’s transition to 5G is more than a technological upgrade: it is a strategic move toward becoming a regional digital hub. She affirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Egypt as a trusted partner in digital transformation, particularly in efforts to establish a secure, inclusive, and resilient infrastructure that aligns with international standards.
Ambassador of Finland to Egypt Riikka Eela noted that Finland was among the first countries to deploy commercial 5G networks. Drawing on Finland’s experience, she emphasized the importance of close cooperation among authorities, secure network providers, and telecom operators to ensure safe and efficient connectivity for end users.
In this context, Ambassador of Sweden to Egypt Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt stressed that achieving cybersecurity is not possible without secure digital infrastructure, a fundamental element in the shared pursuit of reliable connectivity.
Director General for International Affairs at the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Nomura Eigo affirmed that promoting reliable 5G networks and cooperating with like-minded countries is a key pillar of Japan’s partnerships. He expressed confidence that the forum offers a valuable opportunity to advance this shared objective.
CEO of Moharram and Partners (M&P) Sherif El-Bedaiwy described the 5G Egypt Forum as a unique strategic platform that convenes decision-makers, experts, and industry leaders to chart a clear roadmap for the future of telecommunications in Egypt. He added that the forum represents a genuine starting point for deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors, along with international partners, to accelerate the rollout of 5G technologies in the country.
El-Bedaiwy also noted his anticipation for the strategic partnerships and productive discussions expected to emerge from the forum—contributions that will directly support Egypt’s digital ambitions and strengthen its position as a regional center for technological innovation.
The 5G Egypt Forum stands as a significant regional and international platform for focused dialogue on investment prospects, regulatory frameworks, and cross-border cooperation to enhance the communications landscape. The forum’s agenda includes five core themes: regulatory frameworks to enable secure networks in a competitive environment; 5G applications across key sectors; cybersecurity considerations for 5G networks; Open RAN (O-RAN) technology; enhancement of Egypt’s digital infrastructure through submarine cables and data centers; and financing mechanisms for 5G deployment along with investment opportunities.
The event was attended by Executive President of the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) Mohamed Shamroukh, and Managing Director and CEO of Telecom Egypt Mohamed Nasr.
