Egypt's national telecom regulator, NTRA, has stressed the importance of updating the country's legal and regulatory frameworks to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. The regulator's Deputy President for Cybersecurity, Eng. Walid Zakaria, made these remarks at the "Kaspersky Cyber Vision - Egypt 2026" conference. He emphasized that the fast-paced evolution of technology has made cybersecurity and modern technologies an integral part of the national work system.

Zakaria highlighted the need for clear and effective regulations that can address new applications, services, and models emerging from digital transformations. He noted that this requires striking a balance between establishing necessary regulatory frameworks and allowing for innovation and expansion in technology use while safeguarding national interests. This balance is crucial to ensure that the country's regulatory environment remains conducive to growth and development.

The NTRA Deputy President also emphasized the significance of effective partnerships between the government and the private sector in addressing cybersecurity concerns. He noted that the private sector brings valuable expertise and practical experience that can inform policy and regulatory decisions related to technology and cybersecurity. By leveraging this expertise, the country can develop more effective and practical solutions to address emerging challenges.

Zakaria stressed that building genuine national capacity in technology is not just about acquiring the latest solutions and tools but also requires understanding technological developments, assessing risks, diagnosing challenges, and devising applicable solutions. He emphasized that the continuous change in the nature of threats and technologies necessitates regular reviews of policies and laws to prevent regulatory gaps and ensure the system's efficiency in dealing with new developments.

The NTRA Deputy President highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue among government agencies, the private sector, and specialists to reach practical and applicable solutions. This dialogue aims to achieve greater stability in the technological environment, supporting sector growth while maintaining infrastructure security and national interests. He also emphasized the value of drawing on international experiences and best practices while considering the unique needs and characteristics of the Egyptian market.

Zakaria concluded that the next phase requires greater coordination among stakeholders involved in technology and cybersecurity. This coordination is essential to build a national system capable of keeping pace with digital transformations, leveraging the opportunities they offer, and managing associated risks. By working together, Egypt can develop a robust and effective cybersecurity framework that supports the country's growth and development.

The conference, "Kaspersky Cyber Vision - Egypt 2026," brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss the country's cybersecurity vision and strategies for the future. The event provided a platform for participants to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in addressing emerging cybersecurity challenges. Zakaria's remarks underscored the importance of collaboration and coordination in building a secure and resilient technological environment in Egypt.

Key points

  • Egypt's telecom regulator emphasizes the need for updated laws and regulations to address rapid technological advancements and enhance cybersecurity.
  • The regulator highlights the importance of partnerships between the government and private sector in addressing cybersecurity concerns.
  • Building genuine national capacity in technology requires understanding technological developments, assessing risks, and devising applicable solutions.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.