Are young people in Egypt uninterested in electronics?

Egypt, with a population of approximately 113 million as of 2024, has a rich history of scientific and technological achievements, from the engineering feats of the pyramids to modern developments in satellite communications and IT services. However, interest in electronics among young Egyptians—whether as hobbyists, students, or professionals—appears to be relatively low. Despite the country producing over 50,000 engineering graduates annually, fewer than 10% specialize in electronics or embedded systems. The administrator of Zonetronik.com has noted that visitors from Egypt represent less than 0.2% of total website traffic, across all language versions, including Arabic. This is striking considering Egypt has over 75 million internet users, with a growing number engaged in STEM fields. Given these numbers, a critical question arises: Is there truly a lack of interest in electronics among Egyptian youth, or are structural barriers limiting their participation in this domain?

The state of electronics education in Egypt

Education plays a crucial role in shaping the interest and skills of young people in any technical field. In Egypt, electronics education is available at various levels:

Secondary education: Electronics and electrical engineering are included in some technical high schools, but their curriculum is often outdated and lacks hands-on training.

Higher education: Universities such as Cairo University, Ain Shams University, and Alexandria University offer degrees in electrical and electronic engineering. However, these programs tend to focus more on theory than practical skills.

Vocational training: Institutions like the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport provide more practical training, but these remain limited in number and accessibility.

Despite the presence of these educational institutions, many students face difficulties in acquiring hands-on experience due to the lack of modern laboratories and resources.

Electronics clubs and communities in Egypt

Electronics clubs and communities play an essential role in nurturing innovation and creativity. In Egypt, such initiatives exist but are relatively scarce compared to other countries.

University Clubs: Some universities have robotics and electronics clubs, such as those at the German University in Cairo (GUC) and the American University in Cairo (AUC). However, their reach is limited to their student bodies.

Maker Spaces and Fab Labs: A few maker spaces, such as Fab Lab Egypt and IceCairo, provide opportunities for hands-on work in electronics. While these spaces are valuable, they are not widespread and remain unknown to many young enthusiasts.

Online Communities: Some Egyptian groups exist on platforms like Facebook and Telegram, discussing electronics and DIY projects. However, these groups lack the structured mentorship and organized activities found in other countries.

Professional electronics development in Egypt

From a professional standpoint, Egypt has several companies operating in electronics and embedded systems. However, the industry remains underdeveloped compared to global standards.

Local manufacturing: Most electronic components are imported, as Egypt lacks a strong domestic manufacturing base.

Startups and innovation: Some startups, such as Si-Ware Systems and Brightskies, work on microelectronics and embedded systems. However, these companies are relatively few in number.

Government initiatives: Programs like the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) aim to support technology and electronics sectors, but their impact on young innovators is still limited.

Challenges facing electronics enthusiasts in Egypt

Despite the presence of educational programs, clubs, and a small industry, young Egyptians interested in electronics face several challenges:

Lack of awareness: Many students are unaware of career opportunities in electronics beyond traditional electrical engineering jobs.

Limited resources: Access to modern electronic components, tools, and laboratories is often expensive or unavailable.

Weak industry connections: Unlike countries with strong ties between academia and industry, Egypt lacks sufficient collaboration between universities and companies.

Brain drain: Talented engineers often seek opportunities abroad due to limited job prospects locally.

Encouraging electronics interest in Egypt

To address these issues and promote interest in electronics among Egyptian youth, several steps can be taken:

Enhancing education: Schools and universities should incorporate more practical, hands-on training in electronics and embedded systems.

Expanding clubs and communities: More universities and independent organizations should establish electronics clubs and maker spaces.

Supporting startups and innovation: The government and private sector should invest more in electronics startups and research.

Raising awareness: Platforms like Zonetronik.com can play a role in educating young Egyptians about electronics by providing online courses, tutorials, and success stories.

Increasing local manufacturing: Encouraging domestic production of electronic components and circuit boards can create more opportunities for local talent.

Conclusion

Cet article vise à encourager les jeunes Égyptiens à approfondir leur intérêt pour l’électronique. Malgré les défis, les opportunités d’apprentissage et d’innovation se multiplient. Pour les accompagner dans leur parcours, Zonetronik.com propose des ressources précieuses en anglais et en arabe. En visitant zonetronik.com/en ou zonetronik.com/ar, les jeunes passionnés peuvent accéder à une mine de documentation, de tutoriels et d’articles techniques pour approfondir leurs connaissances. L’Égypte a un immense potentiel pour s’imposer comme un acteur majeur de l’électronique, mais cela nécessite un engagement accru de sa jeunesse. En prenant l’initiative d’explorer et d’expérimenter, les jeunes Égyptiens peuvent façonner l’avenir de l’industrie électronique du pays et contribuer aux avancées technologiques mondiales.