How Google’s Currency Shift to EGP Could Affect Egypt’s Digital Scene
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If you’re a blogger, YouTuber, or digital entrepreneur in Egypt, you’ve probably heard about Google’s latest move to pay out earnings in Egyptian pounds (EGP) instead of US dollars. Starting May 1, 2025, the company will transition payments from US dollars to Egyptian pounds for Egyptian residents. While it might seem like a small change, it’s stirring up quite a bit of conversation in the local content creation community. Here’s a quick breakdown of how this change could affect digital industries.
Bloggers and Content Creators: What’s the Big Deal?
via LinkedIn
For years, Egyptian bloggers and YouTubers have enjoyed receiving their Google AdSense and AdMob earnings in US dollars, allowing them to benefit from the stronger currency. Now that payouts will be in Egyptian pounds, the concern is that the real value of their earnings could shrink given the inflation rates of the Egyptian pounds. But it’s not all doom and gloom.
via Khaled Desouki on Getty Images
For content creators targeting an Egyptian audience, earning in local currency might make their finances feel a bit more straightforward. Plus, with the increase in digital content consumption in Egypt, there are still plenty of opportunities to explore new income streams—like working directly with brands, creating sponsored content, or tapping into local affiliate marketing.
Digital Marketing and E-commerce: A Mixed Bag
The shift to EGP might also shake things up for businesses that rely on Google Ads. On the one hand, it could make advertising more affordable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that cater to local markets, which is great news for growing businesses. On the other hand, businesses that need to reach international audiences might feel the pinch. They may need to adjust their budgets to keep up with the costs of running global campaigns.
via Amwal El Ghad
E-commerce platforms could also be affected, especially those that spend big on digital ads to attract customers. If the pound’s value keeps dropping, they might need to tweak their pricing or ad strategies to stay competitive.
What Does It All Mean for Digital Creators and Business Owners?
For content creators or business owners, it’s time to get creative! Whether that means diversifying revenue streams, looking for local brand partnerships, or exploring new advertising strategies, there’s no shortage of ways to adapt to these changes. While this shift to local currency might seem like a curveball, it could also open new doors for local businesses and content creators alike.
So, whether you’re blogging about travel, running a YouTube channel, or managing an e-commerce store, now’s the time to think outside the box and embrace the changes.