Orange Group has announced plans to provide training grants to around 200,000 Egyptians in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. The company will also allocate EUR 25 million to support startups working in AI and advanced technologies. This initiative was announced by the Egyptian Presidency following a meeting between President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Orange Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Christel Heydemann.
The meeting, attended by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Raafat Hindy and senior Orange executives, discussed cooperation between the government and Orange to prepare young Egyptians for the labor market. El-Sisi emphasized the importance of training in AI, data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. The training programs will include opportunities for participants to obtain internationally recognized professional certifications.
As part of the initiative, Orange will equip several Egyptian universities with technology laboratories aimed at giving students practical experience with advanced digital technologies. This will enable students to gain hands-on experience with the latest technologies and enhance their skills in AI and cybersecurity. The company aims to support the development of a skilled workforce in Egypt.
During the meeting, El-Sisi also called for studying potential cooperation with Orange on the second phase of Egypt’s national digital health project. The project aims to improve healthcare services in Egypt, and Orange’s experience in digital infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and systems integration could be valuable. However, the Presidency did not announce an agreement on the project.
The meeting further addressed Orange’s operations and investment in Egypt, with El-Sisi calling on the company to expand its investments in the country. Heydemann said Orange’s cooperation with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and other Egyptian institutions could serve as a model for the company’s work elsewhere in the region, particularly in Africa.
The announcement comes amid wider government efforts to expand digital and AI skills training in Egypt. Earlier in September, Egypt and Intel signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to train one million citizens annually in AI over three years, alongside training 1,500 certified instructors. This initiative aims to enhance the skills of Egyptians in AI and related fields.
The Egyptian government is committed to developing the skills of its citizens and preparing them for the labor market. The partnership with Orange and other companies, such as Intel, demonstrates the government’s efforts to collaborate with the private sector to achieve this goal. The initiatives aim to support Egypt’s economic development and improve the lives of its citizens.
Key points
- Orange Group to invest EUR 25 million in tech startups in Egypt.
- The company to provide training grants to 200,000 Egyptians in AI and cybersecurity.
- Egypt and Orange aim to enhance cooperation in digital infrastructure and skills training.
