Egypt's Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Ghada Labeeb, emphasized the need for enhanced Arab cooperation in cybersecurity. Speaking at the 10th Arab Information Security Conference in Cairo on September 27, 2026, Labeeb highlighted the importance of collective action to address cyber threats. She noted that cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue but a cornerstone of digital trust, sovereignty, and sustainable development.
Labeeb, representing Communications Minister Amr Talat, stressed that the conference's 10th anniversary reflects the growing significance of information security. This is particularly crucial as the digital economy expands, necessitating greater responsibilities to protect data, ensure service continuity, and safeguard citizens' and institutions' privacy. The conference brought together experts, specialists, and partners from the communications and information technology sector.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology's vision for building a digital Egypt focuses on integrating a sophisticated technological environment, capable institutions, qualified cadres, and citizen-centric digital services. Labeeb underscored that trust is a fundamental element binding these components together. Citizens need assurance that their data is secure, while investors require a reliable digital environment, and institutions must be able to operate continuously and efficiently manage risks and threats.
Labeeb emphasized the importance of integrating security and privacy requirements from the design stage of digital services and systems. This involves defining responsibilities, reviewing risks, and building continuous readiness to respond to and recover from cyber incidents. She referenced the 2023-2027 National Cybersecurity Strategy as a crucial framework for enhancing Egypt's cyber protection and developing national capabilities.
The National Cybersecurity Strategy aims to bolster Egypt's cyber defenses and build national capacities in collaboration with the National Cybersecurity Authority and other partners. Labeeb highlighted the regulatory framework for providing cybersecurity services, which helps establish technical and professional efficiency standards for service providers. This, in turn, supports the quality of the protection system and fosters trust in it.
Labeeb pointed out that the Ministry's training programs, including those offered by the Cybersecurity Academy at the Information Technology Institute and the "Maharat Tek" platform, aim to develop specialized digital skills, including cybersecurity. These initiatives seek to expand the pool of talent and prepare future generations to protect Egypt's digital future. The Ministry aims to convert these capabilities into sustainable economic value by linking training programs to institutional needs and encouraging local innovation.
Labeeb concluded that emerging technologies like artificial intelligence pose new challenges to cybersecurity. She noted that while AI offers vast potential for early threat detection and analysis, it also demands greater attention to data and model security, clear responsibility delineation, and human oversight. The upcoming phase will require Egypt to enhance its ability to anticipate risks, test readiness practically, and continuously develop skills.
Key points
- Egypt's Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technology calls for enhanced Arab cooperation in cybersecurity.
- The 10th Arab Information Security Conference highlights the growing significance of information security in the digital economy.
- Egypt's National Cybersecurity Strategy aims to bolster cyber defenses and build national capacities.
