ThruHQ: 80% of Egypt’s B2B startups are ‘digital ghosts’

- 80% of Egyptian B2B companies are “digital ghosts”, with outdated or inactive online assets despite having a digital presence, according to recent research by ThruHQ
- The gap between online visibility and effective engagement represents a $3.5–$4.5 billion missed market opportunity annually
- 90% of B2B purchases start online, and 99% are finalised digitally, underscoring the critical need for robust digital strategies
- Egypt’s strong, affordable tech talent pool positions the country for B2B digital growth—if companies adapt accordingly
Press release:
An insightful research paper from ThruHQ, “Egyptian B2B directory” unveils a significant disconnect in Egypt's online business-to-business sector. The findings, derived from the meticulous curation of ThruHQ's initial batch of listings, highlight that while 95% of Egyptian B2B companies claim an online presence, a staggering 80% exhibit characteristics of "digital ghosts", hindering their ability to capitalise on a market where digital engagement is paramount.
The research, born from in-depth evaluations and briefing reports conducted on leading Egyptian companies during ThruHQ's directory building process, offers a unique and granular understanding of the current state of Egypt's B2B digital landscape. This hands-on experience provided ThruHQ with an unparalleled vantage point to identify key patterns and missed opportunities.
The study reveals that 90% of B2B clients in Egypt initiate their purchasing journey online, with 99% ultimately finalising their decisions digitally. This underscores the vital importance of a robust and effective online strategy, a strategy that remains largely underdeveloped for the majority of Egyptian B2B players. The resulting digital inertia is estimated to represent $3.5 to $4.5 billion in unrealised annual potential.
"Our directory curation process provided a unique lens through which to observe the stark contrast between a basic online presence and true digital engagement. The opportunity for growth is immense for those willing to bridge this gap."
ThruHQ's mission is to connect businesses seeking reliable service providers with the exceptional talent within Egypt, empowering informed decisions and driving digital transformation. This research underscores that mission by highlighting both the challenges and the significant opportunities within the Egyptian B2B ecosystem.
Despite the digital shortcomings of many, the research also points to Egypt's inherent strengths, including a highly skilled and cost-effective tech talent pool. This advantage, coupled with increasing global demand for outsourcing, positions Egypt for substantial digital growth – provided businesses can evolve their online strategies.
Key Findings from ThruHQ's Research:
Digital Disparity: 80% of Egyptian B2B companies with an online presence are "digital ghosts" due to outdated or underutilised digital assets, a finding directly observed during ThruHQ's listing curation.
Online buying behaviour: 90% of B2B buying journeys begin online, and 99% conclude digitally, emphasising the critical need for effective online engagement.
Talent Advantage: Egypt offers a significant cost advantage in tech talent, a key factor for businesses seeking quality and value.
Untapped Market: The disconnect between online presence and effective digital engagement represents a missed opportunity estimated at $3.5 to $4.5 billion annually, a figure illuminated by ThruHQ's comprehensive evaluations.
ThruHQ is committed to publishing annual research reports on the Egyptian B2B digital landscape to keep the community informed and ahead of the curve. This inaugural report serves as a testament to ThruHQ's rigorous standards and commitment to elevating the Egyptian B2B services ecosystem.
About ThruHQ:
ThruHQ is a data-driven directory that helps businesses discover and connect with verified, high-performance tech and business service providers. Through meticulous research, evaluation, and the creation of detailed provider profiles, ThruHQ empowers businesses to make informed decisions, drive digital transformation, and capitalise on the vast potential of Egypt's B2B sector.