The spread of computer and internet culture across all segments of society, regardless of income, has become strikingly noticeable. What stands out even more is the variety of age groups now directly or indirectly engaging with this relatively new cultural shift.
It is truly remarkable how often one overhears casual conversations in local cafés between two people discussing a new software programme or the latest film. One of them pulls a flash drive from their pocket, while the other opens their laptop, and within moments, files are exchanged. The scene no longer attracts curiosity from others—it has become a routine occurrence.
Regardless of the sociological theories surrounding the rapid spread of information technology in Egypt—some of which frame it as a societal illness—this phenomenon can be viewed positively from two perspectives.
The first is the clear ambition of Egyptian society to progress, despite economic, social, and even political obstacles. The speed at which people have adapted to the information technology revolution has been extraordinary, and perhaps even unexpected, over the past decade.
Before this, anyone carrying one of those now-obsolete 5.25-inch floppy disks would make sure to take it out of their bag, holding it up for all to see, relishing the sense of superiority it gave them.
The second perspective relates to the government’s role in this technological leap, which has reached even the simplest members of society. In an environment where criticism of the government is relentless, it is only fair to acknowledge its success in embedding this technological inclination within Egyptian youth. Over the past decade, the government has implemented effective strategies that are now yielding economic benefits.
Customs duties on imported technology and IT equipment have been significantly reduced, sometimes even to zero. This has made Egypt one of the cheapest markets for imported computers worldwide, encouraging many to buy them—whether out of necessity or simply for social prestige.
Furthermore, numerous free training programmes have been, and continue to be, available to young people, equipping them with knowledge of the latest global software used across various commercial and industrial sectors. As a result, Egypt has recently entered this service sector and begun exporting IT expertise abroad.
According to the Information Centre at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the country aims to increase IT and communications sector exports by approximately $1.1 billion in 2010, with a target of $2 billion by 2013. Notably, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises make up around 93% of the companies operating in this sector.
This positive market shift is a manifestation of what is known as ‘technology spillover’, where deliberate exposure to new technology gradually leads to economic returns benefiting both individuals and society. What makes this particularly significant is that the primary beneficiaries of this productive sector are mostly young people.
Until the government applies the same approach to other economic sectors—addressing both current crises and future ambitions—and until those who oppose technology finally realise that it is not inherently responsible for existing social problems, my flash drive will remain in my pocket. That is, until someone invents an even more advanced medium.
This article is originally published by AlBorsa in Arabic and later AI-translated by South Push.