Siena:The Cabinet's Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) recently organized a workshop to discuss the future of digital transformation in Egypt, focusing on the development of digital government services and enhancing the digital economy's efficiency.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the workshop brought together think tank representatives, experts, and specialists to explore four main areas the quality of digital government services, data integration and governance, service accessibility, and the role of the digital economy and AI. Discussions included topics like digital identity, electronic signatures, digital payments, and the importance of digital trust.

Former Communications and Information Technology Minister Hany Mahmoud emphasized the need to measure the impact of the 'Digital Egypt' platform by tracking user engagement and benefits. He also stressed the importance of training human resources and designing user-friendly applications tailored to citizens' needs.

Hossam Othman, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, highlighted the nation's capabilities in universities and research centers, advocating for a national program to prepare society for AI and digital transformation. He underscored the importance of developing digital skills and assessing the impact of innovation on Egypt's economy.

Other participants called for a clear digital transformation strategy with measurable objectives and performance indicators. They stressed the need for specialized training programs to help government employees adapt to digital services and emphasized making the benefits of the Digital Egypt platform tangible by reducing service costs and processing times.

Experts also suggested expanding the outsourcing sector to attract international companies, introducing digital IDs and electronic signatures to enhance online transaction trust, and making commercial records and investor licenses available digitally. They recommended integrating government databases and automating the industrial sector to boost efficiency.

Participants further highlighted the importance of improving the user experience through support centers for citizens and simplifying digital platforms, especially for older populations. Strengthening digital infrastructure and ensuring backup connectivity for essential government services were also discussed as crucial steps for reducing disruptions and ensuring service continuity.