Egypt's mobile operators invest $2.7bn in 5G rollout: Minister - Tech
Egypt's four mobile network operators have invested $2.7bn in 5G spectrum and licenses since 2019, reflecting growing investor confidence in the country's digital strategy, according to Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat.
Speaking at the 5G Technology Forum in Cairo on Monday, Talaat said the telecoms sector had significantly developed over the past decade and called 5G 'a qualitative leap' in how people work, live and connect.
The event was organized by public policy firm Moharram & Partners and attended by ambassadors and representatives from the US, European Union (EU), Japan and major tech firms.
Talaat noted Egypt's spectrum strategy was developed in line with international standards, citing the country's hosting of the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2019.
Massad Boulos, senior adviser for Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs to US President Donald Trump, said the forum showed growing cooperation with Egypt and called for increased investment across Africa.
"Such conferences and companies represent a fundamental pillar for expanding cooperation with our Egyptian partners, as well as our partners in the EU, Sweden, Japan, and Finland," he added.
US ambassador Herro Mustafa Garg stated that 5G was about 'reliable, secure networks' supporting everything from smart cities to advanced healthcare.
"This forum is not just about faster internet; it is about building reliable and secure networks that can support everything from smart cities to advanced healthcare. American companies are ready to work alongside Egypt to provide the innovative and secure infrastructure that this country deserves," Garg said.
Moharram & Partners CEO Sherif El-Badawy described the forum as a strategic step toward aligning public and private efforts in Egypt's digital transformation.
'The 5G Technology Forum is more than a technical event — it's a strategic platform bringing together decision-makers, industry leaders and government institutions to chart the future of Egypt's telecommunications sector,' stated Sherif El-Badawy, ambassador and CEO of Moharram & Partners. 'With participation from ambassadors representing the US, Japan, and several European countries, the forum fosters meaningful partnerships aimed at accelerating 5G deployment and positioning Egypt as a regional hub for digital innovation.'
The event drew participation from major tech firms, including Ericsson, Nokia, Intel, IBM, Cisco, and Rakuten Symphony.
Kevin Murphy, Ericsson's Vice President for North East Africa, said the company remained focused on 'building future-ready networks' and enhancing regional collaboration on 5G and cybersecurity.
Telecom Egypt CEO Mohamed Nasr said the company was the first to receive a 5G licence through its retail brand WE, and would continue expanding services to meet the evolving demands of customers.
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