Egypt's digital transformation efforts are facing a significant challenge: digital illiteracy. According to Maty Bashai, head of the Internal Trade Committee at the General Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, this issue is hindering access to social support programs for those who need them most. As the government expands its digital services, Bashai emphasizes that success depends on the ability of all targeted groups to use these services, particularly the elderly, low-income families, and those with limited experience with digital applications and platforms.
The Egyptian government has made significant strides in developing its social protection system, with programs like "Takaful and Karama" serving around 4.7 million families, or approximately 17 million citizens. However, Bashai notes that the size of this system makes addressing the digital divide a critical economic and social issue. He stresses that digital literacy is essential to ensure that these programs reach their intended beneficiaries.
The problem of digital illiteracy extends beyond access to smartphones or internet connectivity. It also includes the ability to create accounts, enter data correctly, use passwords, upload documents, track application status, and interact with electronic messages and notifications. These skills can be a significant barrier for some eligible individuals, Bashai explains. He emphasizes that digital transformation should not become a new obstacle for those targeted by social protection programs.
To address this issue, Bashai recommends designing government services based on the principle of "inclusive digitalization," which takes into account the varying digital capabilities of citizens. He suggests expanding digital assistance points within government service offices, post offices, local units, and service centers, and training staff and volunteers to help citizens with registration and inquiry procedures.
Bashai also proposes providing simple Arabic interfaces and effective support lines to answer inquiries. He stresses that offering alternative assistance channels does not contradict the expansion of digitalization but rather ensures a more equitable transition to the digital economy. The ultimate goal, he notes, is to ensure that support reaches the actual beneficiaries with minimal complexity.
The Egyptian government has made efforts to develop its social protection system, targeting the most vulnerable groups according to specific eligibility criteria and social research. Bashai emphasizes that the next phase requires linking digital transformation to digital literacy programs, enabling citizens to safely and effectively use electronic services and promoting financial and social inclusion.
Bashai concludes that the success of digital support systems should not be measured solely by the number of services converted to electronic platforms but also by the ability of eligible citizens, regardless of their educational level or technical experience, to access and benefit from these services easily and securely.
Key points
- Digital illiteracy is a significant challenge to Egypt's social support programs, particularly for the elderly and low-income families.
- The Egyptian government is working to expand its digital services, but digital literacy is essential to ensure that these programs reach their intended beneficiaries.
- Efforts to address digital illiteracy and promote digital inclusion are crucial to ensuring that social support programs are accessible to all those who need them.
