DiDi, a Chinese ride-hailing company, announced that its operations in Egypt generated EGP19.45 billion in economic activity in 2025. This figure is equivalent to around 0.1 percent of Egypt's GDP and one-third of the country's information sector. The company's impact was highlighted in an independent social and economic impact study conducted by Engage Consulting.
DiDi's Egyptian operations have expanded significantly since its launch in Alexandria in 2021. The company now operates in 10 Egyptian cities, including Cairo, Alexandria, Damietta, Hurghada, and Suez. DiDi serves more than 12 million users and provides income opportunities for around 200,000 drivers. The company's growth has contributed to Egypt's economy and urban mobility system.
The study found that DiDi's drivers value the flexibility offered by the platform, with 87 percent determining their own working hours. Around 14 percent of drivers are university students who work around their studies. Additionally, 28 percent of drivers moved directly to working through DiDi from the informal sector. The platform has also increased drivers' use of digital financial services.
DiDi's economic impact extends beyond the company's direct operations. The study estimated that each EGP earned by drivers through DiDi generates around EGP1.21 in additional economic activity. This activity supports essential household spending, including food, retail purchases, fuel, and housing. Greater Cairo accounted for around EGP18.24 billion of DiDi's contribution.
DiDi's services are increasingly being used alongside public transport rather than replacing it. Three out of four DiDi riders do not own a private vehicle and use a combination of ride-hailing, public transport, and other forms of mobility. The company's two-wheeler services also support connections with public transport, with 27 percent of two-wheeler trips in Alexandria and 18 percent in Cairo starting or ending near a public transport point.
DiDi has developed several services in Egypt to address different mobility needs, including Flex, which allows passengers to negotiate fares, as well as motorcycle and Comfort services. The study found that 84 percent of passengers said DiDi helps them save time, with an average saving of 28.6 hours a year. Egypt is a key market for DiDi, representing its first market in the Middle East and Africa.
DiDi's five-year presence in Egypt comes amid expanding economic ties between Egypt and China. The company highlighted the role of investment, technology, and job creation in its operations in the Egyptian market. DiDi was founded in Beijing in 2012 and currently serves more than 749 million people globally, facilitating around 56 million transactions each day.
Key points
- DiDi's Egyptian operations generated EGP19.45 billion in economic activity in 2025.
- The company serves more than 12 million users and provides income opportunities for around 200,000 drivers.
- DiDi's services are increasingly being used alongside public transport rather than replacing it.
