Egyptian Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem has emphasized the government's focus on supporting digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and industrial technology applications. This initiative aims to improve product quality, increase efficiency, and reduce costs, making Egyptian products more competitive regionally and globally. Speaking at the opening of the FDC Summit 2026, Hashem highlighted the ministry's efforts to adopt smart manufacturing concepts.
The minister outlined the key aspects of the digital industrial strategy, which includes building a comprehensive system to link technology with actual production needs. This will be achieved through several mechanisms, including localizing technology, gradually transitioning from using technology in industry to participating in its development, manufacturing, and localization. The ministry also invites companies to expand into smart manufacturing solutions, such as IoT, smart factories, and smart manufacturing platforms.
Hashem emphasized the importance of integrating small and medium-sized enterprises into the technology ecosystem to increase the base of beneficiaries and improve local supply chain efficiency. The ministry also aims to enhance digital industrial security by securing digital control and operation systems to ensure continuous production and protect the work environment. Egypt's industrial legacy and strategic location make it an ideal hub for production and development.
The minister noted that Egypt's existing industrial base and old production lines present a significant investment opportunity for technology companies to address inefficiencies and improve resource utilization. This can lead to substantial financial savings and increased production capacity. Furthermore, Egypt's advanced digital infrastructure and network of free trade agreements enable companies operating in the country to access Middle Eastern, African, and international markets.
Hashem announced a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Industry and MCS to build digital capacities and secure the digital environment for factories. The partnership aims to provide a secure operational environment that enhances the competitiveness of Egyptian companies globally. The success of digital transformation depends on integration between the industrial sector, government, and research institutions to turn AI and cybersecurity into practical applications.
The minister stressed that technological update has become a necessity to ensure the national industry remains competitive. The partnership between the Ministry of Industry and MCS will focus on building digital capacities and securing the digital environment for national projects. This initiative is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian companies and improve the overall industrial sector.
The FDC Summit 2026, attended by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Rafeat Hendy, ambassadors, and government leaders, highlights Egypt's vision for a secure digital economy. The summit brings together experts to discuss opportunities and challenges in the digital industrial sector. Egypt's focus on smart manufacturing and technology localization is expected to drive growth and improve the country's industrial competitiveness.
Key points
- Egypt's Minister of Industry emphasizes the importance of smart manufacturing and technology localization.
- The ministry aims to build a comprehensive system to link technology with actual production needs.
- A strategic partnership between the Ministry of Industry and MCS will focus on building digital capacities and securing the digital environment for factories.
