Cairo:Egypt is set to create 200,000 jobs in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector and support 250 artificial intelligence (AI) startups by the year 2030, as announced by Communications and Information Technology Minister Raafat Hindy.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Hindy made this announcement during the opening of the 30th Cairo ICT exhibition. The minister detailed plans to expand the technology industry, enhance internet services, and boost digital exports as part of Egypt's strategy.

Egypt aims to produce 30 million mobile phones domestically by 2030, with 30% of this production intended for export. Additionally, the government plans to attract between five and seven AI-powered data centers as part of its development strategy.

The initiative also includes expanding fiber-optic coverage to 55%, introducing 5G services across all governorates, and making over 500 government services accessible via the Digital Egypt platform. Hindy emphasized the goal of increasing digital exports to $12 billion by 2030, maintaining annual ICT sector growth between 16% and 19%, and raising the sector's contribution to the gross domestic product to 8%.

The government's plans focus on improving telecommunications coverage, reducing internet costs, creating higher-paying technology jobs, and offering training in digital skills. Hindy highlighted Egypt's ambition to enhance its digital infrastructure, expand artificial intelligence usage, and position itself as a regional hub for AI development.