EGYPT
N/A
Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition |
Indicator Presence of shares owned by the government in telecom companies
Presence of shares owned by the government in the telecom sector
It is reported that the government holds a 70% ownership stake in the telecommunications company Telecom Egypt.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
EGYPT
N/A
Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition |
Indicator Functional/accounting separation for operators with significant market power
Lack of mandatory functional separation for dominant network operators
It is reported that Egypt does not mandate functional separation for operators with significant market power (SMP) in the telecom market. However, there is an obligation of accounting separation.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
EGYPT
Since October 2023, entry into force in July 2024
Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition |
Indicator Licensing restrictions to operate in the telecom market
Framework for Satellite Operators Providing Telecom Services to Earth Stations Terminals
الإطار التنظيمي لمشغلي الاقمار الصناعية المحطات الارضية
الإطار التنظيمي لمشغلي الاقمار الصناعية المحطات الارضية
Under Section 2 of the "Framework for Satellite Operators Providing Telecom Services to Earth Station Terminals", foreign satellite operators and their distributors are prohibited from operating without first obtaining authorisation from the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA). The framework stipulates that any entity intending to provide or lease satellite capacity within the jurisdiction must secure the requisite licences and permits. This obligation extends to both primary satellite operators and intermediaries engaged in facilitating satellite-based communication services. Pursuant to Section 3, operators are required to remit an annual fee of USD 1,000 and furnish a financial guarantee amounting to USD 2,000.
Coverage Satellite operators
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251202135832/https://www.tra.gov.eg/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Satellite-operators-providing-telecom-services-to-earth-stations-terminals-Framework.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251202135943/https://digitalpolicyalert.org/event/25527-implemented-ntra-regulatory-framework-for-foreign-satellite-operators-providing-telecom-services-to-earth-stations...
EGYPT
Reported in 2024
Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition |
Indicator Licensing restrictions to operate in the telecom market
Reported minimum capital requirement for telecom licence
It is reported that a minimum capital requirement exists for the acquisition of a telecommunications licence.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
EGYPT
Since June 2002
Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition |
Indicator Signature of the WTO Telecom Reference Paper
WTO Telecom Reference Paper
Egypt has appended the World Trade Organization (WTO) Telecom Reference Paper to its schedule of commitments.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
EGYPT
Reported in 2020, last reported in 2024
Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition |
Indicator Presence of an independent telecom authority
Presence of an independent telecom authority
It is reported that the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Egypt (NTRA), which serves as the executive body responsible for overseeing and administering services within the telecommunications sector, operates independently from the government in its decision-making processes.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
EGYPT
Since June 2002
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Indicator Copyright law with clear exceptions
Law No. 82 of 2002 on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights
القانون رقم 82 لسنة 2002 بشأن حمایة حقوق الملکیة الف کریة
القانون رقم 82 لسنة 2002 بشأن حمایة حقوق الملکیة الف کریة
Egypt has a copyright regime under the law Law No. 82 of 2002. However, the exceptions in the regime do not follow the fair use or fair dealing model, therefore limiting the lawful use of copyrighted work by others. Art. 171 lists the exceptions, which include making an analysis of the work, or excerpts or quotations therefrom, for the purpose of criticism, discussion or information; the reproduction, if necessary for teaching purposes in educational institutes, of an article, a short work or extracts therefrom; among others.
Coverage Horizontal
EGYPT
Reported in 2020, last reported in 2024
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Indicator Enforcement of copyright online
Lack of adequate copyright enforcement online
It is reported that book, music, and entertainment software piracy is prevalent in Egypt, and that a significant proportion of this piracy occurs online.
Coverage Horizontal
EGYPT
Since March 2024, entry into force in August 2024
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other limitations on foreign participation in public procurement
Cloud First Policy
سياسة الحوسبة السحابية أولاً
سياسة الحوسبة السحابية أولاً
Pursuant to Section 4 of the Cloud First Policy, providers of cloud services are required to secure a Tier-3 licence prior to furnishing services to governmental bodies, thereby guaranteeing compliance with prescribed technical, security, and operational standards.
Coverage Cloud service providers
EGYPT
Reported in 2022, last reported in 2024
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other limitations on foreign participation in public procurement
Reported lack of transparency in public procurement
Reports indicate that public procurement processes in Egypt are characterised by a lack of transparency.
Coverage Horizontal
EGYPT
N/A
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Signatory of the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) with coverage of the most relevant services sectors (CPC 752, 754, 84)
Lack of participation in the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA)
Egypt is not a party to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), nor does it have observer status.
Coverage Horizontal
EGYPT
Since August 2018
Pillar Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in sectors relevant to digital trade |
Indicator Maximum foreign equity share
Law No. 180 of 2018 Regulating the Press, Media, and the Supreme Council for Media Regulation
قانون 180 لسنة 2018 بشأن تنظيم الصحافة والإعلام والمجلس الأعلى لتنظيم الإعلام
قانون 180 لسنة 2018 بشأن تنظيم الصحافة والإعلام والمجلس الأعلى لتنظيم الإعلام
Law No. 180 of 2018 establishes ownership and operational conditions for foreign entities in the media sector. Art. 52 specifies that non-Egyptian shareholders, whether natural or legal persons, are prohibited from owning a majority of shares or being granted management rights in media outlets, including websites acting as electronic backers for media organisations. Art. 1 defines "media" broadly as “any terrestrial or satellite television channel, or wired, wireless, or electronic radio station.”
Art. 54 sets financial requirements for companies operating electronic or digital television stations or channels. The authorised capital must be at least EGP 2.5 million (approx. USD 50,000), with half of this amount deposited in a bank supervised by the Central Bank of Egypt before broadcasting begins. The deposit must remain in the bank for at least one year and be allocated for station operations and employee remuneration.
Additionally, under Art. 59, media providers may operate in Egypt subject to a licence issued by the Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCoM). Approval requires operation within a designated media area and adherence to content restrictions, including the prohibition of materials involving violence, suicide, self-injury, or nudity.
Art. 54 sets financial requirements for companies operating electronic or digital television stations or channels. The authorised capital must be at least EGP 2.5 million (approx. USD 50,000), with half of this amount deposited in a bank supervised by the Central Bank of Egypt before broadcasting begins. The deposit must remain in the bank for at least one year and be allocated for station operations and employee remuneration.
Additionally, under Art. 59, media providers may operate in Egypt subject to a licence issued by the Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCoM). Approval requires operation within a designated media area and adherence to content restrictions, including the prohibition of materials involving violence, suicide, self-injury, or nudity.
Coverage Media outlets or media websites
Sources
- https://elpai.idsc.gov.eg/Legislations/Item/281324
- https://wipolex.wipo.int/zh/text/578755
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231129025207/https://masaar.net/en/legislative-contexts-for-the-passage-of-internet-laws/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241003090933/https://www.shandpartners.com/egypts-new-press-and-media-regulation-era/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241203165637/https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=eb3ef46e-c072-4fab-bf72-e42933bfae7c
- Show more...
EGYPT
Since August 2018
Pillar Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in sectors relevant to digital trade |
Indicator Maximum foreign equity share
Law No. 180 of 2018 Regulating the Press, Media, and the Supreme Council for Media Regulation
قانون 180 لسنة 2018 بشأن تنظيم الصحافة والإعلام والمجلس الأعلى لتنظيم الإعلام
قانون 180 لسنة 2018 بشأن تنظيم الصحافة والإعلام والمجلس الأعلى لتنظيم الإعلام
Law No. 180 of 2018 imposes ownership restrictions on foreigners. According to Art. 36, non-Egyptian shareholders, whether natural or legal persons, are prohibited from holding a share percentage that grants them management rights in newspapers and websites serving as electronic backers for print newspapers.
Art. 35 establishes financial requirements for the establishment of newspapers by private legal entities. For electronic newspapers, a deposit of EGP 100,000 (approx. USD 3,200) is required, with half of this amount to be deposited prior to initiating the establishment procedures. The deposit must remain for one year to cover operational costs and employee rights in case the newspaper ceases publication. In such cases, priority is given to settling employee rights over other obligations.
For newspapers issued by natural persons, the same deposit requirements apply, with the full amount dependent on the publication's frequency. The entire deposit must be made before the newspaper is issued.
Additionally, newspapers must be printed in printing presses within the Arab Republic of Egypt, and a copy of the electronic servers hosting the newspaper's digital version must also be located in Egypt.
Art. 35 establishes financial requirements for the establishment of newspapers by private legal entities. For electronic newspapers, a deposit of EGP 100,000 (approx. USD 3,200) is required, with half of this amount to be deposited prior to initiating the establishment procedures. The deposit must remain for one year to cover operational costs and employee rights in case the newspaper ceases publication. In such cases, priority is given to settling employee rights over other obligations.
For newspapers issued by natural persons, the same deposit requirements apply, with the full amount dependent on the publication's frequency. The entire deposit must be made before the newspaper is issued.
Additionally, newspapers must be printed in printing presses within the Arab Republic of Egypt, and a copy of the electronic servers hosting the newspaper's digital version must also be located in Egypt.
Coverage Online newspapers
Sources
- https://elpai.idsc.gov.eg/Legislations/Item/281324
- https://wipolex.wipo.int/zh/text/578755
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231129025207/https://masaar.net/en/legislative-contexts-for-the-passage-of-internet-laws/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241003090933/https://www.shandpartners.com/egypts-new-press-and-media-regulation-era/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241203165637/https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=eb3ef46e-c072-4fab-bf72-e42933bfae7c
- Show more...
EGYPT
Since February 2003
Pillar Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in sectors relevant to digital trade |
Indicator Maximum foreign equity share
Law No. 82 of 2002 on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights
القانون رقم 82 لسنة 2002 بشأن حمایة حقوق الملکیة الف کریة
القانون رقم 82 لسنة 2002 بشأن حمایة حقوق الملکیة الف کریة
The Law No. 10 of 2003 sets restrictions on Telecom Egypt, which is the monopoly operator of the fixed internet services and infrastructure market. Art. 63 stipulates that the shares of Telecom Egypt can be offered for sale at a partial value of the Company capital upon a decree from the Cabinet with the condition that the greater part of the capital remains State-owned.
Coverage Telecom Egypt
EGYPT
Since January 1976, last amended in March 2020
Pillar Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in sectors relevant to digital trade |
Indicator Maximum foreign equity share
Law No. 34 of 1976: Concerning the Commercial Register
القانون رقم ٣٤ لسنة ١٩٧٦ بشأن السجل التجارى أولا
القانون رقم ٣٤ لسنة ١٩٧٦ بشأن السجل التجارى أولا
Law No. 34 of 1976 and its amendments of the years 1996 and 2020 stipulate that legal persons (Natural persons and various forms of Companies) wishing to engage in trade activities in Egypt must be entered into the commercial register (Art. 2). Those to be registered must be of Egyptian nationality and have obtained approval to practice trade from the competent Chamber of Commerce (Art. 3). As an exception to the rule in Article 2, foreigners can be registered in the Commercial Register in a number of cases, among these is when the foreigner is a partner in a company of persons, provided that at least one of the general partners is Egyptian and that the Egyptian partner(s) own 51% of the company's capital and has the right to manage and sign (Art. 4.2).
Coverage Trade activities
