Egypt expands export support program to boost electronics and semiconductor industries

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Raafat Hendy, and Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Mohamed Farid, have witnessed the signing of a cooperation protocol aimed at integrating electronics and advanced technology companies into the country’s Export Support Program.

The agreement was signed between the Information Technology Industry Development Agency and the Export Development Fund as part of broader efforts to strengthen Egypt’s technology exports and improve the global competitiveness of local industries.

Under the agreement, electronics design, semiconductor, embedded systems and mobile phone industries will be included in the Export Support Program for a seven-year period beginning from the 2025/2026 fiscal year.

The ministers also reviewed progress on several joint digital transformation projects, including the development of a unified digital platform designed to connect government entities, standardize procedures and improve service delivery for investors.

Officials said the initiative seeks to streamline licensing procedures, enhance the investor experience and improve Egypt’s ranking in global ease of doing business indicators through integrated digital services.

The programme aligns with Egypt’s broader strategy to accelerate digital transformation and improve coordination among government institutions while creating a more efficient and investor-friendly business environment.

Companies participating in the programme will be eligible for export incentives linked to export growth and workforce retention, measures intended to support expansion in high value-added technology sectors and attract further investment.

ITIDA is expected to oversee local and international promotion of the programme while providing technical support to participating companies. A joint committee between ITIDA and the Export Development Fund will also be established within one month to monitor implementation.

Hendy described the inclusion of electronics design, semiconductor and embedded systems firms in the Export Support Program as a major step toward strengthening Egypt’s advanced technology industries and enhancing national competitiveness.

He also highlighted Egypt’s growing status as a hub for electronics design and automotive software development, supported by a skilled talent base and initiatives such as the Egypt Makes Electronics programme aimed at boosting local manufacturing and attracting international technology investments.

Farid said the expansion of the programme reflects the government’s commitment to supporting high-potential technology sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence and cloud computing, while improving regulatory flexibility and investment conditions.

He added that incentives under the programme will be tied to measurable year-on-year export growth to ensure long-term economic impact and sustainability.

ITIDA Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Elzaher noted that Egypt’s electronics and design industry is experiencing rapid growth, with more than 86 companies currently engaged in high value-added design and development services.

Meanwhile, Export Development Fund Chief Executive Officer Amani El Wasal said the fund is expanding digital services and incorporating new high-value export sectors to support the continued growth of Egyptian exports and improve the efficiency of export support disbursement systems.