Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt is seeking to transform itself into a regional hub for mobile phone manufacturing, with the government targeting the production of 15 million devices this year and the launch of export operations, according to Communications and Information Technology Minister Amr Talaat.
Speaking in a televised interview on the sidelines of the “Digital Pioneers” initiative, Talaat said domestic production of mobile phones has expanded rapidly, reaching 10 million units in 2025, up from just 3 million the previous year. The sharp increase reflects the state’s broader push to localize technology manufacturing, reduce reliance on imports, and attract foreign investment into high-value industrial sectors.
The minister noted that most major global smartphone manufacturers are now producing devices inside Egypt. Brands such as Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, Huawei, and its sub-brand Honor have established local manufacturing operations, covering a wide range of models and price segments. Talaat said Egypt now manufactures nearly all categories of mobile phones sold in the domestic market, from low-cost devices priced at around 2,000 to 3,000 Egyptian pounds to high-end models that can reach prices of up to 100,000 pounds. Apple remains the only major global brand not yet manufacturing locally.
Government officials view the expansion of local production as a strategic success on multiple fronts. In addition to easing pressure on foreign currency reserves by cutting down on imports, the initiative has become a significant source of job creation. Talaat highlighted the opening of a large mobile phone factory inaugurated by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly last October, which alone employs around 4,000 young men and women across its production lines.
The growth of Egypt’s mobile phone manufacturing sector comes amid wider efforts to strengthen the country’s electronics and technology industries. Over recent years, the government has introduced incentives for manufacturers, invested in industrial zones, and worked to develop a skilled digital workforce. Officials argue that the combination of competitive labor costs, a large domestic market, and proximity to African and Middle Eastern markets gives Egypt a strong advantage as a manufacturing base.
With plans to begin exporting locally produced smartphones, Egypt is aiming not only to meet domestic demand but also to position itself as a supplier to regional markets. If achieved, the 15 million-unit production target would mark another step in the country’s ambition to move up the global electronics value chain and deepen its role in international manufacturing networks.
