Khaled Ibrahim: The Chamber's strategy is based on three main pillars to enhance the competitiveness, export capabilities, and institutional strength of technology companies.

By: Pakinam Khaled

Engineer Raafat Hindi, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, affirmed that there are five main priorities for the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in the coming phase.

These include continuing to develop the digital infrastructure and improving the quality of communications services, accelerating the pace of digital transformation, developing a business environment that attracts investment and stimulates innovation, adopting advanced technologies, especially artificial intelligence, and investing in human capital development.

He emphasized that the Ministry's vision is based on leveraging technology as a primary driver of economic and social growth, and as the engine supporting the state's efforts to transition from a traditional economy to building an integrated and sustainable digital economy that provides citizens with broader opportunities to improve their lives and benefit from digital transformation, while adhering to governance principles and strengthening the cybersecurity system.

 This came in a speech delivered by Engineer Raafat Hindi at the annual Suhoor banquet organized by the Information and Communications Technology Industry Chamber, in the presence of former Ministers of Communications and Information Technology, Engineer Khaled Negm and Engineer Yasser El-Kady; Dr. Maha Abdel Nasser, Deputy Chair of the Communications and Information Technology Committee in the House of Representatives; Engineer Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA); Engineer Mahmoud Badawy, Assistant Minister of Communications and Information Technology for Digital Transformation Affairs; Engineer Khaled Ibrahim, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Information and Communications Technology Industry Chamber; and Engineer Hossam Megahed, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Information and Communications Technology Association (Etisal).

In his speech, Engineer Raafat Hindi emphasized that the communications and information technology sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the Egyptian economy and a key driver of economic growth in recent years. He added that the sector continues its positive performance, relying on a number of factors that enhance its ability to sustain growth. These include the support provided by the state to this vital sector, the confidence of international companies in the Egyptian market and their expanding investments there, as well as Egypt's distinguished pool of qualified human resources, which represents the cornerstone for enhancing the sector's regional and international competitiveness.

Engineer Raafat Hindi indicated that the Ministry's priorities for the coming phase are based on five main pillars. The first pillar focuses on continuing the development of digital infrastructure and improving the quality of telecommunications services. He explained that new frequency capacities totaling 410 MHz have been made available to the four mobile operators, with the aim of expanding the deployment of 5G networks and increasing the number of mobile towers to achieve global coverage standards across the country. The Ministry is also continuing to implement the project to lay fiber optic cables in the villages of the "Decent Life" initiative and expanding the establishment of data centers, which will enhance Egypt's position as a regional hub for the data industry. This includes strengthening the cybersecurity system and achieving digital sovereignty, in addition to continuing the development of international digital infrastructure to support Egypt's position as a global digital data corridor.

He explained that the second pillar focuses on accelerating the pace of digital transformation in various sectors of the state by expanding the availability of digital government services and facilitating access to them, expanding exclusive digital services, and implementing a number of priority projects such as the comprehensive health insurance system, the unified national ID card, providing remote digital identity verification services, and completing efforts to digitize the governorates. He added that the third pillar focuses on developing a business environment that attracts investment and stimulates innovation. This is achieved by supporting the expansion of companies operating in the sector, boosting digital services exports, and addressing the challenges facing investors. The Ministry is also working to encourage partnerships between local and international companies, contributing to the localization of technology and the development of the electronics and mobile phone industries in Egypt. Furthermore, it aims to provide more incentives to support the outsourcing industry, thereby doubling its exports by 2030, while continuing to support entrepreneurship and promote the growth of emerging technology companies.

Engineer Raafat Hindi stated that the fourth pillar involves adopting advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), within the framework of implementing the second phase of the National AI Strategy. This includes supporting the development of national models and applications, providing opportunities for startups and the private sector to build applications based on the "Karnak" Arabic language model developed by the Ministry's Applied Innovation Center, expanding the use of AI applications developed by the Center in several sectors such as education and healthcare, and encouraging research and development activities in these technologies.

He pointed out that the fifth axis confirms that investing in building human capabilities remains the basic pillar for building a sustainable digital economy; as the ministry is working to develop a base of digital competencies capable of competing regionally and internationally through expanding specialized training programs in advanced technology fields, enhancing cooperation with companies to prepare highly specialized digital cadres, in addition to developing digital skills for various segments of society and supporting freelance job opportunities through global digital platforms.

Engineer Raafat Hindi explained that achieving the Ministry's vision is based on an effective partnership between the public and private sectors. The Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) plays a crucial role in supporting this partnership through collaboration with local and international companies, as well as with companies that are members of civil society organizations operating in the sector. This collaboration aims to identify industry needs, keep pace with developments, and create a business environment that supports investment and innovation. It also involves launching initiatives to develop digital skills and enhance the international competitiveness of Egyptian companies.

Engineer Raafat Hindi expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Amr Talaat, the former Minister of Communications and Information Technology, for his achievements during his tenure. He also thanked all previous Ministers of Communications who contributed to building the sector over more than a quarter of a century.

In his speech; Eng. Khaled Ibrahim, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Information and Communications Technology (CIT), affirmed that the Ministry's continuous support for the communications and information technology sector is a cornerstone of its growth. He noted that the Chamber values ​​its strategic partnership with the Ministry in supporting the digital economy and enhancing Egypt's position as a regional technology hub. He added that the CIT community represents a large and growing ecosystem.

He further stated that by 2026, the Chamber's membership will exceed 23,000, including approximately 3,500 companies operating directly in the ICT sector. The membership structure highlights a significant fact: small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) constitute the largest segment of companies in the sector.

He explained that this is where the strength of this sector lies; SMEs are the primary source of innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit, and are simultaneously the main engine of economic growth and job creation.

Ibrahim emphasized that supporting and developing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is a key focus of the Chamber's efforts in the coming phase. Empowering these companies, enhancing their competitiveness, and opening new horizons for them in local, regional, and international markets is a direct investment in the future of Egypt's digital economy.

He pointed out that the Information and Communications Technology Chamber enjoys a significant strategic advantage as part of the Federation of Egyptian Industries. Through this institutional framework, the Chamber works alongside 21 other industrial chambers representing various industrial sectors in Egypt.

The Chairman of the Information and Communications Technology Chamber explained that this integration creates a real opportunity to directly link the technology sector with various productive sectors and boosts local demand for technological solutions within the Egyptian economy.

He noted that technology is no longer a separate sector but has become a primary driver for industrial development, increased productivity, and enhanced competitiveness. Through this integrated system within the Federation of Industries, Egyptian technology companies can play a pivotal role in supporting the digital transformation of various industrial sectors and opening new markets and opportunities for companies operating in the sector.

Engineer Khaled Ibrahim affirmed that upon assuming its responsibilities, one of the Chamber's top priorities was to develop a clear vision and an ambitious strategy for the next four years.

He added that investing in human capital development and attracting foreign investment are undoubtedly two fundamental pillars for the growth of the technology sector in Egypt. However, the true value of these efforts is realized when they directly translate into the growth of Egyptian companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to expand, innovate, and compete in local, regional, and international markets.

He further stated that this strategy is based on a primary objective: strengthening the information and communications technology (ICT) ecosystem in Egypt and empowering Egyptian companies to grow domestically and expand into regional and global markets.

Ibrahim noted that this strategy was built around three main pillars. The first pillar is "Supporting and Developing the ICT Sector in Egypt" by enhancing cooperation among the various stakeholders in the sector, supporting innovation, and actively contributing to the digital transformation efforts underway in Egypt.

The second focus is on "supporting Chamber members to grow locally and expand globally." Chamber members are the core of our work, and therefore we strive to develop programs and services that help Egyptian companies enhance their competitiveness, access new markets, and create real opportunities for growth and expansion.

The third focus is "strengthening the Chamber's institutional capabilities." This will be achieved by developing the Chamber's services for its members, enhancing its digital presence and engagement with the technology community, and launching initiatives and programs that provide genuine added value to Chamber members.