Outsourcing, Egypt, and the future of an Economy

             The last time I blogged talked about Outsourced, the doomed Thursday night Sitcom that caricaturized the offshoring and outsourcing sensation that was take the nation by storm. But enough escape into the everlasting bliss of sitcoms. Our reality is far blunter. Over the Past Few Years the world’s economic powerhouse has been overthrown. It was replaced by two kingdoms that can provide the world with a willing and cheaper workforce.   But how does this shift of power affect the world and more specifically Egypt; the number four center for outsourcing.

            Egypt is no stranger to revolution. In early 2011 the Egyptian people revolted and after a few weeks the reigning president for almost 40 years had stepped down. But as they know far too well revolting is easy, it’s the transition that’s hard. At the time before the revolution Egypt was in a “honeymoon phase of call centers” according to Pearce.  Despite its slightly higher rates they were becoming a very popular spot for call centers. It’s not surprising if you think about it. Right on the Mediterranean Sea they are perfectly placed to service “Europe and the Middle East.” The most prominent call center company’s in Egypt is Raya.  “Raya Call Centers, part of Egyptian technology company Raya Holdings, which provides outsourced contact center services to clients in Egypt and the region.”  They highlight the several factors explaining “Why Outsource to Egypt and Raya?” Interestingly they list the following.

The competitive edge of the call center industry in Egypt is the direct result of many factors:

• Plentiful workforce with more than 200,000 university graduates each year growing at 28% annually.
• 88% of relevant workforce enrolled in secondary schools.
• 45% of population is of age 15 – 39.
• Egypt ranks among the best in average wages and the lowest in infrastructure cost.

To quote my teacher, “What are the ramifications of this kind of thinking? What are they leaving out?”  

             Well that’s easy. What effect does it have on Egypt? If they had mentioned that they were providing jobs for a hurt economy they may have gained some sympathy. The issue of their argument is that it is solely based on logos and ethos and completely breeze over pathos.  But this is the rhetoric of the business world.   The economic environment of Egypt is very desperate.  And they don’t look at or reference the fact the situation that these people are under. But it is understandable.  After the revolution Egypt is vulnerable and other countries that are experiencing these transitions of power may begin to rise up. “I claim no clairvoyance or mystic sight “but the future is unclear Outsourcing’s effect on Egypt is nowhere near as major as on countries like India or China. Only time will tell if outsourcing is a curse or a blessing in disguise.

Works Cited

Hassey, Phil. "Egypt’s Crisis: Where Social Media Threatens Global Outsourcing." Egypt’s Crisis: Where Social Media Threatens Global Outsourcing. Horses for Sources, 30 Jan. 2011. Web. 29 Feb. 2012. <http://www.horsesforsources.com/egypt-crisis-012911>.

Pearce, Jonty. "Outsourcing: Is Egypt the New India?" Call Centre Helper Magazine. 5 Apr. 2011. Web. 29 Feb. 2012. <http://www.callcentrehelper.com/outsourcing-is-egypt-the-new-india-5.htm>.

Raya. "Raya - Why Outsource?" Welcome to Raya. Web. 29 Feb. 2012. <http://www.rayacorp.com/ShowPage.aspx?PID=63>.