Grab the passport and business credit card and head for Egypt. For a lot is happening out there – and no, we’re not talking about the politics. Let’s leave that to the Egyptian people who’ll take care of it all in their own good time. Instead, let’s concentrate on the business opportunities, because there are plenty of them, certainly more than enough for anyone prepared to do just a little bit of digging.
The Internet represents huge business opportunities for both the small and large investor prepared to put some cash into the ring. Everything, it seems, is about the Internet these days. It’s the same in Egypt where there are something in the region of 36 million users, according to official data published last year, out of a population of around 85 million people. That’s an estimated growth rate of around 15% in comparison to 2012 and a penetration rate of about 43%.
The use of land line services may be falling but mobile subscriptions are on the up. With a penetration rate of 116%, a 3% increase when compared to 2012, the latest figure translates into almost 97 million subscriptions, a year-on-year rise of almost 5%.
From the figures it’s clear the Internet in all its various guises represents real opportunity, for the companies providing online access down to the shops and market traders selling everything from iPads to mobile phones and accessories. The Internet has also spawned a range of activities aimed squarely at businesses both large and small, from the design of websites all the way through to search engine optimisation (SEO) services.
The top Egyptian SEO companies generate millions of dollars in revenue between them, according to data released by egypt.topseos.com, an established independent research firm in Egypt which focuses on the investigation and listings of internet marketing services all around the world. The March 2014 top-10 listings, for example, features Cairo-based companies in the main, such as SEO Egypt, Egypt Web Solutions, El Motaheda Web, NetEdges, e-Nile, New Egypt Consulting and Soul digital solutions.
But the Internet provides much more than just business opportunities, as the launch this month of the ArabianDate.com website confirms. The new website aims to bring together single gentlemen from across the world and highly eligible ladies from the Arab region.
The site features a large and verified membership of “intriguing ladies from Arab countries” including Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Saudi Arabia. ArabianDate expects to see tremendous growth in the coming months, driven by the demand for Arab matchmaking and effective online communication.
“Arab society traditionally follows a careful matching process when it comes to couples preparing to marry,” says Lawrence Cervantes, Chief Communications Officer for ArabianDate. “Meanwhile, the region is fast adapting to the benefits of social networking and online communication. This merging of the old ways with new technology means it’s an ideal time to launch ArabianDate. We look forward to playing an important role worldwide in helping new couples find each other.”
According to ArabianDate, all in-depth personal profiles and high-quality photos of Arab women can be previewed free-of-charge. Advanced matching criteria includes age, interests and religious preferences, such as Muslim, Christian and Jewish. Once a man has generated a list of matches, he can connect with any Arab lady by sending Introduction Letters that seek to establish a diverse and fulfilling discussion. Potential partners can also use advanced features LiveTalk and video technology to find out more about each other.