2014
The Uber platform launches in Cairo, the first city in North Africa on the app.
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The Impact of Uber in Egypt
Economic Impact Report
Key Facts
From the Valley of the Kings to the Knowledge City, Egypt is embarking on a remarkable journey of transformation. Historically renowned for its ancient civilisation, Egypt is emerging as a beacon of technological adoption at the juncture between Arab and African cultures. The digital transformation is empowering people to take advantage of technology and thrive in the digital age.
Uber is helping to drive the country’s digital ambitions. Speaking literally, Uber ensures residents and tourists can easily navigate daily life. Metaphorically, Uber’s innovations are supporting the country’s digital economy in pursuit of tech-enabled growth – contributing to the economy in the midst of a challenging financial context.
For this report, Uber commissioned Public First to help gain an in-depth insight into the company’s impact for consumers, drivers, and local communities. Having recently celebrated its 10th anniversary in Egypt, this is an important moment to reflect on Uber’s own journey and the benefits it brings to the country.
Uber’s Economic Impact
Uber’s innovations unlock significant value for the Egyptian economy, generating income, connecting Egyptians with local businesses, and making travel easier for both locals and tourists.
Drivers
Uber creates new opportunities for Egyptians to get ahead while letting them see their home cities from a new perspective. Drivers have the opportunity to earn when they need it, and to be their own boss.
EGP
0
bn
In total, in 2023, we estimate that drivers earn an additional EGP 1.8 billion a year in higher income through their use of the Uber app.
Local Businesses
Uber’s technology boosts local communities, empowering its riders to support businesses in their local area. It is also an essential partner to the tourism sector, helping visitors to see all that Egypt has to offer.
EGP
0
m
The Uber app supported an estimated EGP 710 million in additional value for the leisure economy in Egypt in 2023.
0
%
of riders said the Uber app has made it easier to get to bars and restaurants.
Consumers
Uber makes Egyptians’ lives easier. The Uber app helps them to travel quickly and comfortably, with a range of product options to suit their different needs.
compared to their next best alternative.
0
%
of riders say that comfort is an important reason they use the Uber app, followed by 93% who say reliability.
EGP
0
bn
We estimate that the Uber app produced EGP 67 billion in consumer surplus in 2023, equivalent to almost 0.5% GDP.
Safety
Uber takes its commitment to safety very seriously, and offers adults in Egypt a safe way to travel – particularly late at night.
0
%
of riders agreed that the Uber app is often the safest way to travel home.
0
%
of riders agree that using the Uber app helps reduce reckless driving in an area.
Foreword
The Egyptian economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of significant challenges, serving as a beacon of stability in the region. As a pivotal player in both Africa and the Middle East, Egypt’s progress has a far-reaching impact on the entire region.
With a highly educated and skilled young population, a thriving entrepreneurial culture, and an aggressive infrastructure development strategy, the country has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years, attracting substantial foreign investments.
Over the past decade, since Uber’s launch in Egypt, the country has witnessed a remarkable mobility infrastructure development boom. A total of 945 bridges and tunnels have been constructed, along with plans for four new train lines connecting 80 cities. A new central train station, capable of accommodating over 250,000 passengers, has been built, and the transportation network has been expanded to include multiple modes such as monorails and bus-rapid transit projects.
Connecting people within and beyond their cities, and providing convenient, safe, and reliable transportation, is a top priority in Egypt. Today in Egypt, Uber offers eight different products across 14 major cities, catering to diverse transportation needs.
Over the past year, I am proud to announce that Uber has contributed an estimated EGP 7.4 billion to the Egyptian economy. However, this year has also underscored a broader responsibility that transcends our role as a technology company or provider of economic opportunities. It is a responsibility that the entire industry and stakeholders within the transportation and technology ecosystems must recognise and collaborate towards: safety.
We have invested and will continue to invest in technology, introducing new safety tools, constantly educating riders on how to activate them, and implementing stricter driver onboarding processes.
The digital transformation boom and the widespread adoption of technology in Egypt have had a massive economic impact across multiple sectors, not just ride-sharing but also fintech, health-tech, e-commerce, and e-government services. The penetration and adoption of technologies have directly contributed to integrating the entire population, driving innovation, job creation, and financial inclusion.
Technology has also empowered local communities by providing diverse transportation options that serve different segments and flexible earning opportunities for both men and women.
As Egypt continues its journey of progress and development, technology will play an increasingly vital role in shaping its future. Uber is committed to being a responsible partner in this journey, contributing to economic growth, improving transportation, and enhancing the quality of life for Egyptians. By prioritising safety, innovation, and community engagement, we aim to make a lasting positive impact on the country.
Sincerely,
Youssef Abouseif
General Manager, KSA, Egypt and Bahrain at Uber
Introduction
The Transformational Effect of App-Based Rideshare & Delivery Platforms
Egypt’s digital transformation
Egypt’s digital transformation started to truly accelerate in 2016, with the announcement of Egypt’s Vision 2030 and Digital Egypt. By various metrics, staggering progress has been made in this time frame.
From 2016 to 2022, there was a 31% increase of people using the internet, with Egypt leading the African continent in internet speed and penetration.1 Meanwhile, the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) industry has been the highest growing sector in Egypt for five consecutive years, experiencing a 16.3% growth rate in 2022-2023 alone.2
The steady proliferation of Egypt’s mobile and internet usage has fostered a prime environment for the emergence of online platforms. E-commerce has drastically reduced the barriers to entry affecting small- and medium-sized businesses, allowing Egyptians to pursue new revenue streams during a difficult financial period.
Platform-based ridesharing sits at the heart of these opportunities, unlocking flexible economic opportunities, economic value, and human connection. The sector’s successes over the past ten years has demonstrated the power of flexible earnings and mobility, and is an indicator of the various opportunities that are yet to come.
The invention of Uber
Since its founding in 2009, Uber has become a cornerstone in the global transportation industry, operating in 72 countries and more than 10,000 cities. After its expansion to the African continent in 2013, Uber quickly extended its operations to Egypt in 2014. Since launching in Cairo, Uber is now also available in 14 cities, including Asyout, Alexandria, Beni Suef, Canal Cities, Damietta, Delta, El Minya, Hurghada, Mansoura, Qena, and Zagazig.
Maximum Convenience:
Riders can place an order whenever it suits them, and then track their ride – eliminating any uncertainty about waiting times or travel routes.
Economic Opportunity:
Drivers benefit from flexible income, and can easily connect with riders. Meanwhile local businesses enjoy increased access to prospective customers, owing to the improved mobility options that drop people at their door.
Simplified Navigation:
In-app GPS simplifies navigation for drivers when travelling to new destinations. This built-in feature ensures that they can find the quickest and most efficient journeys, enhancing overall service efficiency.
Integrated Payment Options:
The app’s integrated payment system reduces worries about keeping track of unexpected costs. Riders can enjoy a hassle-free payment experience, while drivers benefit from streamlined transactions.
Enhanced Safety and Experience:
Various features for riders and drivers improves the overall experience and safety. This functionality encourages better service, accountability, and continuous improvement of the platform’s offerings.
Uber’s Impact in Egypt
Uber provides thousands of Egyptians with a safe, affordable, and convenient method of transportation. It connects them to essential parts of their life and enables them to travel to new destinations both within and beyond their local communities.
Uber has demonstrated that it is in touch with its consumers and drivers by aiming to create products and services that work for Egyptians:
Rides
UberX
Original Rideshare Option
UberX Saver
Affordable Option
Uber Comfort
Premium Option
Uber Scooter
Motorcycle Option
Uber Shuttle
Mini-bus Option
Uber Taxi
Local Taxi Option
Uber for Business
Corporate Account Option
Uber Connect
Peer-to-Peer Package Delivery Option
Timeline
2015
The Uber app extends its services to Alexandria.
2017
The Uber app expands into Mansoura.
2018
Uber launches its first global Bus product in Cairo Egypt, offering a lower-cost alternative to traditional ride-hailing. Tanta and Damanhour gain access to the Uber app.
2020
Uber launches an intercity Bus service, innovating transportation across cities.
2022
Uber Saver, a low-cost, private ride-hailing option, comes to Egypt.
After a difficult few years for the global economy, and record levels of inflation, Egypt is poised to redefine its legacy – blending the splendour of its ancient past with the dynamism of a tech-driven future. And this research demonstrates how Uber can bolster the country’s progress.
Indeed, Uber’s presence offers new prosperity to Egypt as a whole. Overall, we estimate that Uber contributed an estimated EGP 7.4 billion to the Egyptian economy in 2023. This includes both the impact of the earnings of drivers on the Uber platform, as well as the indirect and induced multiplier effect created throughout the platform’s wider activities. In other words, Uber’s economic “ripple effect” offers significant benefits across the country.
Cairo Centre of Excellence
The Cairo Centre of Excellence is an Uber facility that provides support to all Uber partner drivers and riders across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Africa. Established in 2016, the centre in Egypt is one of the largest globally and operates 24/7, with 400 staffers providing support to Uber and Uber Eats customers and couriers in English, Urdu, French, and Arabic.
The Cairo Centre of Excellence also serves as a knowledge centre to derive insights used to improve riders and partner drivers’ experience on the platform, ensuring a convenient, comfortable and safe mobility experience.
Through the Cairo Centre of Excellence, advanced technologies ensure a safe experience before, during, and after every trip. Additionally the Centre provides support via multiple communication channels– email, phone, and social media.
The building is divided into sections responsible for driver support, rider support and Uber Eats support across all topics including account security and overall experience on the Uber platform.
Uber’s Impact:
Drivers
Uber creates new opportunities for Egyptians to get ahead
Egypt is carving a new identity as a hub of digital entrepreneurship. Since the launch of the Digital Egypt initiative, significant strides have been made in improving digital literacy and expanding digital services across the country. Egyptians are therefore increasingly able to leverage technology to earn a living.
Today, platform-based work plays a critical role in empowering individuals to earn money when it is most convenient for them. In particular, the Uber platform gives drivers the opportunity to achieve financial freedom, whilst also offering state-of-the-art safety features, driver’s insurance and fast, reliable pay.
This is all the more important as Egypt emerges from a period of economic challenges. The Uber app creates economic opportunities, allowing individuals to meet their living costs on their own terms.
And with an increasingly diverse product range, the Uber app is enabling different styles of work on the platform. Drivers can provide fast affordable trips with Uber Scooter or offer a more luxurious service through Uber Comfort.
Why do drivers choose to earn through the Uber app?
Uber serves as an entry point into the platform economy, with 69% of drivers saying the Uber app is the first ride-hailing app they have received earnings through.
We wanted to understand what had originally motivated drivers to start earning through the Uber app. We found that:
0
%
of drivers chose to drive with the Uber app over other earning opportunities because of the ability to be their own boss.
0
%
of drivers chose to drive with the Uber app over other earning opportunities because of the more flexible schedule.
0
%
of drivers chose to drive with the Uber app over other earning opportunities because they enjoy driving.
Thinking back to your initial decision, which of the following were important reasons why you chose to drive or deliver with Uber as opposed to other earning opportunities?
How does Uber empower drivers to be their own boss?
Egyptian drivers really value flexibility. 56% of drivers reported having at least one other responsibility, and are therefore looking for ways to earn a living that fits around their other commitments. The Uber app offers these individuals a convenient way to earn money when it suits them.
0
%
of drivers said the Uber app provides them significantly more flexibility than their past roles.
0
%
of drivers with caring responsibilities said the flexibility of app-based work makes it easier to balance family and work responsibilities.
0
%
of drivers said app-based work gave them a feeling of independence.
What other responsibilities do you combine with your app-based work, if any?
How does Uber offer drivers financial freedom?
The Uber app is supporting drivers during a challenging economic climate. After a period of inflation, many adults in Egypt are currently feeling financial pressures. According to our research, 41% of adults only have enough earnings to cover the costs of essentials. Egyptians are therefore looking for ways to help make ends meet, build up a financial cushion, or support them in an emergency.
0
%
of drivers said the rising cost of living was the main reason behind their decision to start operating on the Uber app.
0
%
of drivers said app-based work helped them make money in an emergency situation.
0
%
of drivers said that their earnings through the Uber app have made them feel more financially secure.
The Uber app also allows drivers to start earning on the platform almost immediately after joining, helping to alleviate financial struggles right away:
0
%
of drivers had earned money less than a week after signing up to the Uber app.
0
%
of drivers had earned money in two days or less after signing up to the Uber app.
0
%
of drivers said operating on the Uber app has helped them get through a period of unemployment after they were made redundant.
In total, in 2023, we estimate that drivers earned an additional EGP 1.8 billion a year in higher income through their use of the Uber app.
Uber’s Impact:
Local Businesses
Uber’s technology connects local businesses to customers
Tourism and hospitality are the heart of Egypt’s economy. As these sectors continue to rebound and expand post-pandemic, the integration of digital solutions has become paramount to their ongoing success.
The Uber app is a pivotal player in these sectors, enhancing the overall travel experience for both tourists and locals. Whether it’s discovering the best spots for koshari in Cairo or meeting friends around the corniche in Alexandria, the Uber app helps riders to access different businesses and venues beyond their immediate neighbourhood.
How does Uber support the hospitality sector?
Uber’s services in Egypt offer a significant spillover effect for Egyptian shops, restaurants and bars, who benefit from a bigger customer base and therefore greater revenue. This is a welcome boost for local businesses in the midst of a challenging operating environment.
0
%
of riders said the Uber app has made it easier to get around their city.
0
%
of riders said the Uber app has made it easier to get to restaurants and cafes.
0
%
of riders said the Uber app has made it easier for them to attend entertainment activities such as sporting events and performances in their city.
The app also allows drivers to travel to parts of the city they haven’t seen before, and discover new activities to do in their spare time.
0
%
of drivers said apps like the Uber app helped them discover new destinations in their city that they can explore by themselves.
0
%
of drivers said apps like the Uber app helped them discover new activities to do in their city.
The Uber app is helping people feel more confident in staying out late. According to our research, 47% of adults in Egypt find it difficult to use public transport to get home between the hours of 9pm and 6am. Uber therefore offers consumers the peace of mind that they can continue to enjoy their evenings, without having to rush for the last bus or train.
0
%
of riders said the Uber app has made them more confident in staying out late.
0
%
of riders said they have used the Uber app because it was the only way to get home late at night.
By providing consumers with late-night travel options, we estimate that Uber supported EGP 710 million in additional value for the leisure economy in 2023.
How does Uber promote tourism?
Egypt is a long-standing tourist hub, with international travellers flocking to visit Tutankhamun’s Tomb, climb Giza’s pyramids and relax on Sharm El-Sheikh’s sandy beaches. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector had the largest contribution to the national economy among all African countries in 2019, at $31.5 billion.3
In order to achieve tourism targets, it is important that tech-savvy travellers feel confident in their transport options when they arrive in the country.4 In particular, the Uber app is a trusted transportation option for international tourists looking for a familiar means of getting between key sites.
The platform’s user-friendly app allows tourists to navigate Egypt’s bustling cities with ease, offering features such as upfront pricing and real-time GPS tracking that enhance safety and reliability. This convenience significantly improves the overall travel experience, making Egypt a more attractive destination for international visitors.
In total, we estimate that in 2023 the app created EGP 3.1 billion in additional value for the Egyptian tourism industry, supporting millions of tourist journeys.
Uber’s Impact:
Consumers
Uber makes Egyptians’ lives easier
Egypt is growing. The population has increased by 25 million people in the last decade, leading to significant urban expansion. Today, 23 million live in Cairo and Giza alone. These people rely on effective transport in order to go about their day, meaning that transportation infrastructure must innovate to keep pace with rising demand.
Uber plays an important role here, supporting Egyptians to travel on their own terms. The app’s user-friendly interface allows riders to book a ride with just a few taps on their smartphone, ensuring they can find a nearby driver within minutes. With a range of different transport options available through the app, Egyptians can seamlessly integrate technology into their daily routine.
How do Egyptians use the Uber app?
The Uber app is a reliable and convenient solution for Egyptians when they need to make an essential journey. Whether it’s getting to work on time or meeting up with family, Uber provides an easy transportation option for any occasion.
In 2023:
0
%
of riders used the Uber app to commute to or from work.
0
%
of riders used the Uber app to travel to or from a doctor or hospital.
0
%
of riders used the Uber app to get to an airport.
0
%
of riders used the Uber app to visit a restaurant or café.
0
%
of riders used the Uber app to get to a birthday party or wedding.
Thinking back to your experience using the Uber app over the last year (2023), did you experience the following?
It is equally striking that adults in Egypt frequently rely on the Uber app in difficult situations. According to our research, 70% of riders used the Uber app to get somewhere in an emergency.
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Why do people use the Uber app?
Egypt’s road conditions have seen significant improvements in recent years due to extensive infrastructure projects aimed at modernising and expanding the national road network. However, traffic congestion is still prevalent, and public transport can be very busy.
Uber is making travel more comfortable and convenient for many Egyptians and, unlike busy microbuses or trains the Uber app gives riders the power to request a vehicle right to their door, with the choice to pay via the app or with cash.
According to the survey, the top three reasons that riders choose to use the Uber app are “comfort” (94%), reliability” (93%), and convenience (92%).
In order to explore their motivations further, we asked riders to tell us in their own words why they chose to ride using the Uber app. The most commonly used words included: “comfortable” and “fast”.
Indeed, time is often of the essence for busy Egyptians. Riders turn to Uber when they need to reach their destination as efficiently as possible.
of riders had used the app when they needed to get somewhere fast.
of riders agreed that using the app is often the quickest way for them to get to their destination.
of riders agreed that booking with the Uber app was often much easier than finding a taxi.
In fact, we estimate that the Uber app saves riders a total of 8.4 million hours per year compared to their next best alternative.
How does Uber reduce the need for car ownership?
Owning a car can be very expensive for the average adults in Egypt. Rideshare services like the Uber app therefore offer an affordable alternative to purchasing and maintaining a personal vehicle. When we asked respondents in our survey that do not have access to a car, 64% said that having access to rideshare services like Uber was an important reason why they don’t own their own vehicle.
Which of the following, if any, are important factors for why you don't own or have access to a car?
Uber also helps to unlock access to public transport. Whilst there have been ongoing commitments to upgrade the railway system and metro lines in Cairo, along with a vast network of microbuses traversing Egypt’s cities, many Egyptians still face “last mile” challenges when reaching their intended destination.
In 2023:
0
%
of riders had used the app to connect with another mode of transit.
0
%
of riders had used the Uber app to get somewhere where public transit was inconvenient.
0
%
of riders had used the Uber app to get somewhere where other forms of transport do not reach.
0
%
of riders had specifically used the Uber app to connect with public transport.
Which of the following best explains why you have used the Uber app to connect with another mode of transit?
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How much is the increased convenience and reliability worth to riders?
One of the most important measures of economic welfare is the consumer surplus. This is a standard measure of the consumer welfare created by a product, service or organisation.
In simple terms, it is the difference between the price the consumer is willing to pay for a service, and the price they actually pay for a service. Services with a high consumer surplus are implicitly playing an important role in people’s lives, because we would willingly pay more than the asking price to keep using it.
In order to understand this metric for Uber’s services in Egypt, we asked riders and consumers how much they would have to be compensated to lose access to the Uber app for the next month. In 2023 we estimate that rides with Uber produced the equivalent of EGP 67 billion in improved consumer surplus for Egyptian riders.
Uber’s Impact:
Safety
Uber helps Egyptians feel safer when they travel
Navigating highly congested roads with high rates of traffic incidents can feel stressful, uncomfortable, and, at times, unsafe.
The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics estimates that nearly 6,000 Egyptians die from road accidents every year.5 These incidents cause immense pain to friends and family, not to mention the thousands of others who suffer injuries from traffic incidents.
The Uber app provides a reliable option for riders to get home when public transport is not an option, or they don’t feel able to safely drive themselves to their destination.
How does Uber support safe travel?
Uber takes its commitment to safety incredibly seriously.
Uber has a host of market leading safety features, like the “ride check” feature – which will detect if the ride stops for an extended period and send a prompt to the driver and rider ensuring they are alright, following up with calls to each of them if they are unresponsive.6
Uber also recently introduced new safety features for riders and drivers including on-trip audio recording, an in-app safety feature built with privacy in mind and that allows drivers and riders to record encrypted audio during trips and an in-app emergency button, directly connecting riders and drivers to the police in the event of an incident in addition to sending a safety notification to the Uber team.
According to our research, riders look for embedded safety features when it comes to travelling and often feel like Uber is a great option when it comes to travelling safely and securely.
of riders agree that the Uber app is often the safest way to travel home.
of riders said they have used the Uber app in the past year because it was the safest way to get home late at night.
of riders agree that having options like the Uber app helps to reduce reckless driving in an area.
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Prioritising People: Uber’s New Safety Initiatives
Adaptability is central to Uber’s commitment to meet people where they are – especially when it comes to safety. Uber is continuously evaluating and updating its safety policies to address consumer’s needs as they arise.
In September 2024, Uber announced a comprehensive evaluation of their current safety practices, alongside new safety features including on-trip audio recording, which allows drivers and riders to record encrypted audio during trips, and an in-app emergency button, which directly connects drivers and riders to the police. Uber has also launched safety preferences, allowing riders the ability to choose which in-app features to use depending on when and where they are ordering their ride. On top of the existing caller anonymisation safety feature, which allows riders and drivers to call each other while maintaining the privacy of their number while using Uber, Uber introduced phone masking to address safety concerns associated with a driver or rider sharing their number in chat. The feature deletes the phone number and warns riders against the safety and privacy risks of sharing phone numbers on chat.
Apart from everyday safety features, Uber embeds safety before the ride ever begins through driver screening and onboarding. All drivers are required to submit their criminal records certificate, a negative drug test, and a vehicle assessment, and are required to complete mandatory safety and misconduct courses as part of their onboarding.
Uber is aware of increasing cases of driver fraud across the ride-hailing industry in Egypt, where drivers attempt to sign up to the app using false documents or advanced fraud techniques including AI. To tackle this issue and prevent fake account creation, Uber has introduced new screening processes to validate drivers’ documents and visual identity before they are able to create an account. Uber has also added an extra layer of training for specialised agents who process and review drivers’ documents and introduced monthly randomised drug testing for stricter screening of partner drivers in Egypt, in addition to the drug testing already required from all drivers when they start operating on the app.
How does Uber prioritise driver safety?
Uber’s commitment to safety also extends to their drivers. According to our survey, 65% of drivers felt safe when driving using the Uber app. When asked about the specific safety features available on the Uber app:
of drivers said phone anonymisation, which keeps their phone number private, made them feel safer.
of drivers said GPS tracking made them feel safer.
of drivers said rider verification made them feel safer.
Which of the following safety features available on the Uber app have you heard about and how have they impacted your driving experience?
Conclusion
Uber is unlocking new avenues for Egyptians to rediscover their home, all while boosting local businesses and the national economy.
This is just the beginning. With the ICT sector reaching a record five years as the fastest growing sector in Egypt’s economy, the country is primed for continued growth. The platform economy offers huge potential for Egypt, delivering digitally enabled solutions to some of the country’s most persistent policy challenges. As Egypt continues to develop and urbanise, its digital transformation will only accelerate and create high-paying, good quality work that drives Egypt’s economy forward.
With the right conditions, and a pro-innovation environment, we estimate the Egyptian ride-hailing market as a whole could grow by 54% over the next five years, worth an additional EGP 9.8 billion in Gross Value Added to the nation’s economy.7 This growth would be welcome as the Egyptian economy looks to find its feet, and offers opportunity across the full value chain of Egyptian consumers, workers and businesses.
The Egyptian government has already taken great steps to ensure they harness this potential. However, more can be done to accelerate the transformation that is within the country’s grasp.
To ensure the platform economy reaches its full potential, Egypt must:
Prioritise digital inclusion.
Continued investment is needed in technology education and expanding internet access – particularly in underserved areas and particularly for women. This would enable more Egyptians to participate in the digital economy as drivers and customers, boosting overall economic growth.
Support flexible working.
The key to the platform economy’s success is the ability of drivers to be their own boss. Egypt must ensure this remains possible, and support entrepreneurs to balance flexible income streams.
Maintain a pro-innovation regulatory approach.
Digital economies flourish when there is a consistent and constructive policy landscape. Egypt’s platform economy would benefit from protocols that ensure safety, fairness, and transparency while encouraging innovation and competition in the sector
Develop electric mobility incentives.
The government could further encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly vehicles, such as electric motorcycles and cars, by providing tax incentives, subsidies, and supporting the development of charging infrastructure. This would reduce the carbon footprint of the transportation sector and improve air quality in urban areas.
Methodology
About Public First:
Public First is an independent consultancy that works to help companies and organisations develop new policy proposals, better understand public opinion, and model their economic and social impact. Public First is a member of the Market Research Society.
About this report:
In this report, Uber commissioned Public First to better understand and quantify the impact they were making for their users, Uber drivers, and the broader economy in Egypt. All values provided in this report are given in Egyptian Pounds (EGP).
We used a mixture of methods to explore Uber’s impact:
- Public First ran an in-depth nationally-representative consumer poll of 1,029 adults in Egypt to explore their transport habits and experience with the app.
- Public First ran an in-depth national survey of 616 drivers operating on the Uber app in Egypt.
- Public First then created new quantitative models of the economic impact, consumer surplus and driver value created by Uber in Egypt.
Economic Impact
Total Economic Impact
Total economic impact is calculated as the sum of:
- Driver earnings.
- Indirect and induced impact of driver spending on vehicles.
- Induced impact of additional driver earnings.
This measure is a gross estimate, looking at the total amount of economic activity supported by Uber in Egypt. It does not attempt to measure what would happen in a hypothetical where Uber no longer existed.
Our modelling does not include the impact of Uber’s direct investment or employment footprint as a platform, or any spillover effect this has on the wider tech ecosystem.
Consumer
Consumer Surplus
Following the methodology of Brynjolfsson, Collis and Eggers (2019), we asked riders a single discrete binary choice question in the form:
“Now imagine you had to choose between the following options. Would you prefer to keep access to the Uber app or go without access to the Uber app for one month and get paid EGP X?”
The price offered was randomised between EGP 40, EGP 80, EGP 160, EGP 320, EGP 650, EGP 1,300, EGP 2,500, EGP 5,000, and EGP 12,500.
We then computed a logarithmic regression of the results of this poll to derive a demand curve and the total consumer surplus per user, taking the median as the headline measure. This was then scaled by the number of Uber riders.
Impact on Tourism
To estimate the number of Uber journeys taken by tourists we used internal data from Uber alongside third-party estimates. To measure the impact Uber has on the tourism industry, we average the results from two methods:
- The first approach draws on figures from Park (2020)8 on the effect of Uber on tourism and applies the relevant findings to the Egypt tourism industry.
- The second approach uses Uber’s internal data alongside Public First’s survey data to estimate the number of Uber trips taken by tourists that would not have happened otherwise and the subsequent spending that occurred as a result.
