Cairo: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly emphasized the increasing significance of the information and communications technology (ICT) sector during a time characterized by a remarkable leap in digital transformation and a groundbreaking revolution in the field.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Madbouly highlighted that ICT has developed into a productive service sector contributing significantly to economic growth and sustainable development. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has instructed continued efforts to restructure Egypt's telecommunications market and expand digital transformation opportunities to enhance service quality for citizens.
Madbouly's remarks were made during a meeting to assess progress on ICT, telecommunications infrastructure, and digital transformation projects. Attendees included Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Raafat Hindi, and other key figures from the telecommunications and finance sectors.
During the meeting, Kouchouk noted the substantial growth potential of the ICT sector and its expansion into international markets. The Egyptian government has adopted a new resource management approach, focusing on maximizing spending efficiency and directing resources to vital sectors such as ICT, with significant investments in digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence programs.
Hindi outlined the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology's efforts to advance digital transformation and develop a competitive digital economy. This involves enhancing telecommunications infrastructure, expanding digital government services, and improving service quality for citizens. The ministry also focuses on localizing technology, developing digital skills, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and empowering startups to boost the ICT sector's economic contribution.
Hindi highlighted the importance of telecommunications infrastructure development as a foundation for advancing digital transformation and delivering efficient digital services nationwide. Ongoing projects include upgrading infrastructure with fiber-optic cables and deploying them in villages under the 'Decent Life' initiative to provide high-speed internet and digital service access.
Furthermore, efforts to enhance Egypt's international digital infrastructure aim to capitalize on its geographic location and subsea cable network, reinforcing its role as a global data transit hub. The ministry is also preparing a national strategy for data centers to expand and enhance their capabilities within Egypt.
As part of digital transformation initiatives, the ministry is increasing the availability of digital government services to streamline citizen access, offering over 240 services through the Egypt Digital Platform with plans to reach 400 services by 2030.