Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mustafa Madbouli chaired a meeting to review the progress of several information technology and digital transformation projects. The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Ahmed Kujuk, Communications and Information Technology Minister Eng. Raft Hendi, and other high-ranking officials. The focus was on the country's efforts to develop its digital infrastructure and enhance its digital services.
The Prime Minister emphasized the growing importance of the communications and information technology sector in Egypt's current phase, which is witnessing a significant leap in digital transformation. He noted that the sector has become a productive service sector that actively contributes to economic growth and sustainable development. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has directed the government to continue developing the structure of the communications market in Egypt and enhancing opportunities for digital transformation.
Finance Minister Ahmed Kujuk stated that the communications and information technology sector has significant opportunities for growth and expansion in external markets. He added that the Egyptian state has adopted a new approach to resource management, focusing on maximizing spending efficiency and directing it towards vital sectors, particularly communications. This approach includes huge digital infrastructure projects and the expansion of digital transformation applications and artificial intelligence programs.
Communications and Information Technology Minister Eng. Raft Hendi reviewed the efforts of his ministry to drive digital transformation and build a competitive digital economy. These efforts include continuing to develop and upgrade the communications infrastructure, expanding the digitization of government services, and developing them to improve services provided to citizens. The ministry is also working on localizing technology, implementing an integrated system for preparing digital cadres, and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
Minister Hendi highlighted that developing the communications infrastructure is a fundamental pillar of supporting digital transformation and expanding the provision of digital services to citizens efficiently and with high quality. He mentioned several ongoing projects, including the Egyptian Telecommunications Company's plan to replace copper cables with fiber-optic cables. These efforts extend to various parts of the country, including the implementation of a project to lay fiber-optic cables in villages under the presidential initiative "Hayat Karima" to provide high-speed internet services to residents.
The minister also discussed efforts to develop Egypt's international digital infrastructure and maximize the benefits of its strategic geographical location and international submarine cable network. He stated that the ministry is currently preparing a comprehensive national strategy for data centers in cooperation with relevant ministries and entities. The goal is to expand data centers and develop their capabilities within Egypt.
The government aims to make 400 government services available digitally by 2030. The Digital Egypt platform currently offers over 240 digital government services within 29 service packages covering several vital sectors. Additionally, the ministry is working to increase the number of start-ups and enhance their ability to grow and expand in regional and international markets by providing a comprehensive environment for the growth of technological start-ups.
Key points
- Egypt's government is working to develop its digital infrastructure and enhance its digital services.
- The communications and information technology sector has significant opportunities for growth and expansion in external markets.
- The government aims to make 400 government services available digitally by 2030.
