Egypt Plans to Manufacture Tablet Devices Locally

Egypt's government is seeking to localise the manufacturing of tablet computers to be used for educational purposes. The announcement came during Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly meeting on Sunday, with the Education Minister Tarek Shawky, Communications and Information Technology Minister Amr Talaat.

Madbouly stressed the importance of these tablets as well as localizing the industry in Egypt, particularly in light of repercussions emerging from the current spread of the coronavirus. Meanwhile, Minister Talaat explained that negotiations are currently underway with one of the major international companies specialised in this industry to establish tablet production lines in Egypt.

Earlier, Communications Ministry announced its intention to establish a new technology factory with huge investments that will create 500 job opportunities. In September, Dr. Shawky reported that the ministry has ambitious plans in the coming period to provide all students in Egypt with digital learning resources.

On May, an agreement has been reached with an international company to manufacture these educational tablets in its Egyptian factory with investments worth US$70 million, Shawki added. In addition, 40 % of the components of the devices produced will be locally made, with production dependent on Egyptian labor.

Noteworthy, the  system launched in the 2018/2019 school year with the aim of modernizing Egypt’s education. With these tablets, students can take exams via the internet and now, in light of the coronavirus crisis attend their classes online.