The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology announced the launch of the second phase of the national 5G network expansion project in Egypt, targeting coverage expansion to encompass 18 of the country’s 27 governorates by the end of 2026. This phase follows the success of the first phase, which covered the New Administrative Capital, Cairo, Alexandria, and major coastal cities during 2025. The investments for the second phase are estimated at approximately 12 billion Egyptian pounds, distributed among the three major telecommunications companies.
The minister explained that the expansion focuses on governorates with high population density and significant economic activity, covering Al-Gharbia, Qalyubia, Al-Sharqia, Menofia, Greater Alexandria, Suez, Ismailia, Port Said, Damietta, Minya, Asyut, Sohag, Qena, Luxor, Aswan, Matrouh, and the New Valley. The plan also includes providing 5G coverage in major industrial complexes and special economic zones to support industrial digital transformation.
Initial operational figures from the first phase indicate that user adoption rates surpassed expectations, with the number of fifth-generation users reaching over 12 million subscribers by the end of 2025, a figure that encourages telecommunications companies to invest with confidence in network expansion. The network has also encouraged a number of international companies to invest in Egypt, following the availability of high-speed digital infrastructure.
Digital experts raise substantive issues related to the governance of fifth-generation networks, particularly concerning data security, privacy protection, and the security of sensitive government communications. Some call for a clear strategy regarding the sources of hardware and equipment that takes into account national security considerations, avoiding excessive dependence on a single country’s suppliers for critical infrastructure. Reports also indicate the need to invest in upgrading citizens’ skills to maximise the benefits of fifth-generation technology.
The rollout of fifth-generation networks represents a fundamental pillar for anticipated transformations across several sectors, most notably remote healthcare, digital education, smart cities, smart factories, and electronic commerce. The Egyptian government is keen to ensure that the deployment of this network is accompanied by tax and regulatory policies that facilitate the innovation of local applications, transforming 5G from an infrastructure into tangible economic and developmental value for Egyptian society.