How To Start Dropshipping In Egypt In 2025
Why start dropshipping
Tired of a mundane job? Dropshipping offers freedom and flexibility.
Create your own brand, connecting with customers who appreciate your unique style.
It’s more than selling products; it’s about building a community and a lasting legacy.
No need for a storefront or inventory – just an internet connection and drive.
So, if you’re seeking a venture that offers both personal satisfaction and financial growth, dropshipping is the perfect fit.
Turn your vision into a successful dropshipping business. Keep reading to learn how to get started today.
How dropshipping works
Why start dropshipping in Egypt
Egypt, a country with a rich history and a rapidly growing digital landscape, presents a compelling opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to start a dropshipping business. With a population of over 100 million, Egypt boasts a significant and increasingly tech-savvy consumer base.
Moreover, the Egyptian government has been proactive in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises through various initiatives and policies. This includes streamlined business registration processes and tax incentives, which can significantly reduce the barriers to entry for new dropshippers.
Additionally, the cost of living and operating costs in Egypt are relatively low compared to many other markets, making it an attractive destination for startups with limited capital.
Finally, the diversity of the Egyptian market offers a wealth of niche opportunities. From traditional handicrafts to modern tech gadgets, there is a wide array of products that can cater to the varied tastes and needs of the local population.
By leveraging this diversity and the growing digital connectivity, dropshippers can tap into a vibrant and dynamic market, setting the stage for a successful and sustainable business venture.
Advantages and disadvantages of dropshipping in Egypt
Advantages of dropshipping in Egypt
1. Large and growing consumer base
Egypt has a population of over 100 million, making it one of the most populous countries in Africa and the Middle East. This large population translates into a substantial consumer base, with a significant portion being increasingly digitally skilled and active online. According to a recent report, the number of internet users in Egypt has surpassed 82 million, with a mobile penetration rate of around 113%. This digital connectivity provides a fertile ground for ecommerce and dropshipping businesses to thrive.
2. Rapid ecommerce growth
The ecommerce market in Egypt is experiencing rapid growth, with a projected CAGR of 14.8% over the next five years. This growth is driven by several factors, including improved internet infrastructure, increased consumer trust in online transactions, and a rise in mobile internet usage. The expansion of ecommerce platforms and the increasing availability of online payment methods further facilitate the growth of dropshipping businesses.
3. Government support
The Egyptian government has implemented various initiatives to support small and medium-sized enterprises. These include streamlined business registration processes, tax incentives, and access to funding and training programs. For example, the Ministry of Trade and Industry has launched several programs to assist SMEs in adopting digital technologies and expanding their online presence. This support can significantly reduce the barriers to entry for new dropshippers and help them establish a strong foundation.
4. Low operating costs
Compared to many other markets, Egypt offers relatively low operating costs. This includes lower costs for labor, rent, and utilities, which can be particularly beneficial for startups with limited capital. Additionally, the cost of living in Egypt is generally lower, which can help entrepreneurs manage their personal and business expenses more effectively.
5. Diverse market opportunities
The Egyptian market is diverse, offering a wide range of niche opportunities. From traditional handicrafts and textiles to modern tech gadgets and lifestyle products, there is a variety of products that can cater to the different tastes and needs of the local population. This diversity allows dropshippers to find unique and profitable niches, reducing competition and increasing the potential for success.
6. Access to regional markets
Egypt’s strategic geographical location provides access to both African and Middle Eastern markets. This positioning allows dropshipping businesses in Egypt to easily expand their reach beyond local consumers. By leveraging trade agreements and partnerships, entrepreneurs can tap into neighboring markets, increasing their customer base and potential sales without the need for significant investment in logistics.
7. Increasing mobile commerce
With the rise of mobile internet usage, mobile commerce (m-commerce) is becoming increasingly popular in Egypt. Many consumers prefer shopping through mobile devices due to convenience and accessibility. This trend presents a significant opportunity for dropshipping businesses to optimize their online stores for mobile platforms, enhancing user experience and driving sales. By catering to the growing number of mobile shoppers, dropshippers can capitalize on this shift in consumer behavior.
Disadvantages of dropshipping in Egypt
1. Logistics and shipping challenges
One of the primary challenges of dropshipping in Egypt is the logistics and shipping infrastructure. While there have been improvements, the country still faces issues with delivery times, tracking, and reliability. The lack of an efficient logistics network can lead to delays and customer dissatisfaction, which can negatively impact the reputation and success of a dropshipping business.
2. Payment security concerns
Despite the growth of ecommerce, payment security remains a concern for many consumers in Egypt. The prevalence of fraud and the lack of widespread adoption of secure payment methods can deter potential customers from making online purchases. This can limit the transaction volume and revenue potential for dropshippers, especially those targeting a broader audience.
3. Limited awareness of dropshipping
While ecommerce is growing, the concept of dropshipping is still relatively new to many consumers in Egypt. This lack of awareness can make it challenging to educate potential customers about the benefits and reliability of dropshipping. Building trust and credibility in the market may require significant marketing efforts and customer education, which can be time-consuming and costly.
4. Regulatory and legal hurdles
Starting and operating a business in Egypt can involve navigating complex regulatory and legal frameworks. While the government has made efforts to streamline processes, there are still bureaucratic hurdles that can delay business operations. Compliance with local laws and regulations, including tax and import/export requirements, can add to the operational challenges and costs.
5. Competition and market saturation
As the ecommerce market in Egypt continues to grow, competition is also increasing. Established ecommerce platforms and local businesses are expanding their online presence, which can make it difficult for new dropshippers to gain market share. Identifying and capitalizing on niche markets can help mitigate this challenge, but it requires thorough market research and strategic planning.
While some may argue that dropshipping has its challenges, the ability to start a business with minimal upfront investment and the flexibility to operate from anywhere makes it a compelling choice for aspiring entrepreneurs ready to embrace the digital marketplace.
What to dropship?
How much can you make with dropshipping?
How far you can go with dropshipping: real-life experience
FAQ
Yes! When you are dropshipping, you are not ‘fooling’ anyone, and you are not breaking any laws. You are simply helping other people receive the items they want - and enjoy the perfect customer service you provide.
However, pay attention to your choice of products. It is illegal to sell branded, copyrighted items, or things like weapons (even their sports or hunting models), knives, smoking mixtures, etc.
How much money do I need to start?
At least $150 is necessary - let’s do the maths.
If you have some technical skills and can assemble and set up a website yourself, you will need around $150.
First of all, you will need to buy a domain name (a good one costs about $10-15, and you will need to pay this fee every year to prolong your registration).
After that, you need a hosting: a server that makes your store info visible to the Internet user. You can use the basic hosting service from AliDropship (‘Silver Plan’) and only pay $69 per year.
Then, you will need to install WordPress, which is absolutely free, and buy AliDropship plugin, which costs $89. It should be enough: WordPress + AliDropship make a proper basis to create a fully functional dropshipping store.
If you don’t have these technical skills, you can order a ready-made store based on the AliDropship plugin. It will be made for you personally by an expert team: the specialists will even add the first products to your store. So, technically, it will be ready to sell items from day 1. The basic ready-made dropshipping store costs $299; together with the annual domain fee, you will have to pay $310-315 to launch your business.
How to choose the store niche?
First, it should be something that you really like - or, at least, know deeply. You will be picking products, making advertisements, and advising customers, so you absolutely need to be a pro in this.
Also, this niche should be popular with buyers and easy to promote online. Here is a complete niche selection guide that will help you!
Where to find the products?
AliDropship plugin lets you easily import products on your dropshipping website. Basically, it transfers the products’ titles, descriptions and images in a single click. So, all you need to do is browse and find good quality products from reputable sellers.
Alternatively, you can use a database of over 50,000 selected products which are guaranteed to be in high demand. This database is available within AliDropship plugin: you can see it when you go to the Import section of your AliDropship-based store. The best part is that all the products’ titles and descriptions are already edited there, so you won’t spend your own time doing this yourself.
If I sell products, how can I compete with itself?
AliExpress is a large shopping platform where sellers offer everything at once. At the same time, your niche dropshipping store is focused on a specific range of products. Surely, you are more client-oriented than a large-scale store, and this is why buyers will choose you over.
Will my buyers know they are actually buying items?
It’s not likely. Even if they see Chinese names/addresses/characters on the wrapping paper, it won’t tell them anything. Lots of warehouses and manufacturing facilities of the largest global companies are situated in China, so there is nothing strange if a buyer receives a package of the Chinese origin.
Also, you can write your suppliers directly and ask them not to put any promotional materials into the package. Sellers are always glad to partner with dropshipping store owners because this partnership is profitable, so they will be happy to help you.
Will my buyers agree to a long delivery?
Long delivery itself isn’t a problem. Your customers are not buying life critical items from you, so they don’t mind waiting - especially, if you offer them an appealing price and a low-cost shipping.
Besides, you can choose the ePacket delivery method which cuts up the delivery time significantly. With ePacket, it will take the packages 7-15 days to arrive.
What if a buyer asks me for a refund?
Refunds are the responsibility of the original suppliers. Usually, they refund low-cost purchases really quickly, so there is nothing for you to worry about.
How to promote the store?
To make profit from your store, you first of all need to attract traffic to it. There are lots of ways to promote your store online for free, so pick the ones you personally like. Also, read the free marketing tips for dropshipping business: an experienced team brings them to you every week!
Will WordPress or AliDropship limit my activity and charge business fees?
No. The only recurring fee is the domain fee - you will have to pay for it every year, otherwise, your site won’t be visible on the Internet.
WordPress is completely free, and all the AliDropship solutions only require a one-time payment. Whatever AliDropship tool or service you get, you remain a full owner of your business. There are no limits on the amount of orders you can accept, or the volume of profit you make, or the quantity and the content of the products you import, etc. You are your own boss!
Free Dropshipping Guide
