ICT Minister: Egypt set to launch eSIMs in next 2 months

Cairo – July 15, 2024: Egypt is expected to launch electronic SIM cards, known as eSIMs, into the local market in the coming two months, explained Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Amr Talaat, at a press conference on Monday.

Compared to physical SIM cards, eSIMs allow users to switch between mobile operators directly through their phone’s settings without the need to physically remove the previous SIM card.

This is not the first time Egypt announced its intent to introduce eSIMs. In 2022, Telecom Egypt announced that it successfully completed initial tests for operating eSIMs on its networks, in collaboration with industry leaders to ensure technical readiness and optimal service delivery.

eSIMs offer several benefits for both individuals and companies, including no longer needing physical SIM swaps - particularly helpful for frequent travelers, and efficient company management of mobile fleets by remotely provisioning and managing eSIMs, reducing administrative burdens and logistics associated with traditional SIM cards.

Individuals can easily switch between mobile plans, fostering competition among operators and potentially lowering costs over time, eSIMs also contribute to reducing electronic waste since there are no physical SIM cards to dispose of or recycle.

In Egypt's competitive telecom market, the introduction of eSIMs is expected to intensify the rivalry between Egypt’s 4 main telecoms as operators will compete for customers by offering innovative services and competitive pricing.

Pending regulatory approval from the National Telecom Regulatory Authority, Telecom Egypt and other operators are preparing to launch eSIM services to consumers.

The MCIT minister also revealed that the ICT sector remains Egypt’s highest-growing sector over the past 6 years, recording a growth of more than 16 percent in the previous fiscal year.

The ICT sector contributed a substantial 5.8 percent to the country’s GDP in FY2023/2024, with Talaat noting that they aim to boost this number to around 8 percent in the near future.

Talaat also pointed out the ministry’s goal to expand the use of information technology in various sectors and services provided to citizens. He explained that one of the most important pillars of work in the ICT sector is establishing partnerships between the government and private sectors.