Cairo, Egypt – Egypt has dramatically reduced its mobile phone import bill from $1.6 billion in 2021 to just $1.65 million in the first half of 2024, marking a 99.9% decrease. This impressive decline reflects Egypt’s commitment to expanding local production, according to Walid Ramadan, vice president of the Mobile Phone Division at the Cairo Chamber of Commerce.
Boost in Local Mobile Manufacturing
In an interview with MBC Masr, Ramadan highlighted the establishment of eight new factories dedicated to manufacturing mobile phones within Egypt, marking a significant step toward self-sufficiency. The shift is part of the government’s broader strategy to decrease dependency on imports and boost local industry.
Ramadan’s remarks came amid reports of potential government fees on imported phones. While he neither confirmed nor denied these reports, he mentioned that a meeting with the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) is set for Sunday to discuss any forthcoming measures.
Grace Period and Exemptions for Imported Devices
Ramadan emphasized the importance of a grace period for retailers to sell their existing stock if import fees are implemented. He also highlighted that individuals who purchased phones abroad but haven’t yet activated them could face activation issues, suggesting a grace period for these devices as well.
Additionally, he advocated for exemptions on fees for individuals bringing phones from abroad for personal use or as gifts. “It’s common for travelers to bring one or two phones as gifts; it shouldn’t be a concern,” he noted.
A Broader Industrial Vision for Egypt
The government aims to localize various industries, boost local component use, cut import expenses, and increase exports to over $146 billion by 2030. These initiatives align with Egypt’s broader economic goals to alleviate pressure on foreign currency reserves and enhance self-reliance in key industrial sectors.
