Cairo: The second “Freelancers” forum, organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, took place at the Digital Egypt Creativity Center in Sultan Hussein Kamel Palace, with Amr Talaat, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and Ahmed Kouchouk, the Minister of Finance, in attendance.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the event, themed “Freelance Work: 9-5 is No Longer the Only Option,” brought together a diverse group of freelancers active in both local and global online job markets. The forum served as a platform for young freelancers to share their experiences and offer insights on how to enhance the freelance sector. Additionally, it aimed to empower youth and foster growth within the expanding freelance industry.
In his speech, Talaat outlined Egypt’s Digital Strategy, which focuses on transforming the country into a digitally advanced society, emphasizing the central role of communications and technology. He highlighted that the strategy prioritizes enabling citizens to acquire digital skills, participate in the digital economy, and access digital services.
Talaat further explained that all training programs provided by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology are designed to pair technical training with skills for freelance work, giving trainees flexible options for entering the workforce. These options include traditional employment, freelancing, or combining both approaches.
He also shared that the strategy to foster freelance work is structured around four key pillars: offering training programs, improving internet services, providing equipped workspaces, and offering incentives and support to freelancers. Through initiatives like the “Mahr Tak” platform and the “Digital Egypt Pioneers” program, the ministry is working to prepare professionals for the freelance job market by equipping them with the most in-demand skills.
Talaat noted the substantial investments made to enhance internet services, which have led to a significant increase in the country’s average internet speed-from 5.3 Mbps in December 2017 to 84.5 Mbps in February 2025. These improvements have positioned Egypt as a leader in internet speed across Africa. Furthermore, the ministry has established 23 Digital Egypt Creativity Centers across Egypt, with plans to expand to 27 by the end of the year. These centers provide freelancers with access to well-equipped workspaces.
In addition to infrastructural support, Talaat revealed that practical support for freelancers is being provided through boot camps and networking events, as well as a collaboration with Banque Misr to offer affordable financing for computer devices. As of now, Egypt boasts between 390,000 to 595,000 freelancers registered on international platforms, a sharp rise from 50,000 in 2020.
Talaat also addressed the launch of a digital platform designed to assist freelancers with tax consultations, contract creation, and banking services. Although the platform was delayed, he emphasized that its release coincides with the introduction of simplified tax procedures for freelancers, a move made possible by new tax reforms implemented by the Ministry of Finance.