5G and the “New Cairo” Hub: How Enhanced Connectivity is Spawning a New Wave of Egyptian AI Startups
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Khalid Al Mansoor
- . February 13, 2026
- . Update: February 14, 2026 12:26 pm
At the national level, Egypt has unofficially jumped into a new digital era with the introduction of 5G services nationwide in June 2025. This technological leap, centered around the smart infrastructure of the New Administrative Capital (NAC), is acting as a powerful catalyst for the local Tech Innovation Ecosystem.
The 5G Rollout and NAC Infrastructure
The New Administrative Capital was designed from the ground up as a smart city, but the recent activation of High-Speed Internet Infrastructure has turned it into a true operational hub. In February 2026, the National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (NTRA) signed a historic deal worth 3.5 billion spectrum in order to expand the capacity of 5G even further, such that the NAC “Green River” district and Knowledge City will be able to sustain gigantic data loads with essentially zero latency.
Fueling the Digital Transformation of Startups
It is a game changer to Egyptian entrepreneurs in connection. AI startups, which consume a lot of processing power and require real-time transfer of data, are booming. Companies like Cheiron (AI) and Nawy (PropTech) have leveraged this Digital Transformation to secure record funding rounds. The cloud support of complicated algorithms removes delays, and these startups provide the world-class solutions in healthcare, logistics, and finance directly out of Cairo.
Note: According to the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat, the transition to 5G will substantially stimulate the digital economy of Egypt and promote its success in the international ICT rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did Egypt officially launch 5G services?
Egypt commercially introduced nationwide commercial 5G services on June 2025, after awarding licenses to large operators such as WE, Vodafone, Orange and Etisalat.
2. How does the New Administrative Capital support AI startups?
The NAC offers the latest infrastructure, such as special innovation zones such as the Knowledge City that is set with high-speed fiber and 5G to accommodate the data-heavy AI processes.
3. Which sectors are benefiting most from this technology?
An even greater increase is heard in fintech, PropTech, and HealthTech because they largely depend on the processing of real-time data and high-speed and secure connection.
4. Who are the major telecom players involved in the 5G rollout?
The four largest players are Telecom Egypt (WE), Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt as well as e& Egypt (previously Etisalat).
