Egypt is undergoing a sweeping digital transformation, with e-commerce emerging as a cornerstone of its evolving economy. A young, tech-savvy population, expanding digital infrastructure, and supportive government policies are powering the sector’s rapid growth, positioning Egypt as a regional hub for online commerce.
Demographics and Digital Fluency Drive Growth
Nearly a quarter of Egyptians are between 20 and 34 years old, according to CAPMAS, fueling digital adoption. With 96 million internet users and 50 million active social media accounts, internet penetration now stands at 81.9%. This digitally fluent population is increasingly comfortable with online payments and social commerce, laying the foundation for sustained e-commerce growth.
Market Size and Projections
Egypt’s e-commerce market was valued at $10.2 billion in 2025 and is forecast to nearly double to $19.3 billion by 2030, growing at a 13.5% CAGR. Mobile transactions dominate the landscape, accounting for 72% of sales in 2024. The National Instant Payment Network processed 1.5 billion transactions worth EGP 3 trillion ($59B) that year, reflecting a rapid shift toward cashless commerce.
Platforms Transforming Consumer Behavior
Startups like Rabbit Mart and Talabat Mart exemplify the sector’s maturity. Moving beyond simple grocery delivery, these platforms are evolving into lifestyle ecosystems, covering everything from morning coffee to evening meals. According to Rabbit’s Group Product Manager Lobna Hatem, hyper-local operations, multiple payment options, and Rabbit Kitchens enable efficiency, support local partners, and create jobs.
Competitive Edge and Expansion
Local expertise and hyper-local delivery give Egyptian platforms a competitive advantage over global players, ensuring reliability and community integration. Rabbit has already expanded to Riyadh and plans further regional rollouts, showcasing the scalability of Egypt’s e-commerce model.
Opportunities and Challenges
While inflation, currency volatility, logistics bottlenecks, and rural connectivity gaps remain challenges, Egyptian startups are innovating to overcome them. Economist Nourhan Nour Eldin notes that GDP growth, rising consumer spending, and global sustainability trends are reinforcing demand for digital, eco-friendly services.
A Pivotal Moment
E-commerce in Egypt has reached a tipping point—transitioning from a niche to a transformative economic force. It is formalizing informal sectors, creating jobs, and reshaping consumer expectations while strengthening Egypt’s role in the regional digital economy.
