The Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in creating job opportunities; promoting employability of Egyptian youth in offshoring services; supporting Egyptian IT companies; sharing practical experiences; and promoting the Industry 4.0 applications (4IR apps).
The MoU lays the groundwork for joint initiatives and efforts by ITIDA and GIZ to develop Egypt’s IT sector, and positively impact the sector through creating job opportunities in both the outsourcing industry and technology innovation. Additionally, both parties aim at supporting Industry 4.0 development and transition to Egypt, increasing Egyptian companies’ competitiveness, and developing the electronics industry being one of the key props for growth in the Egyptian economy.
A number of local and foreign companies operating in Egypt attended the signing ceremony. In addition, a round table was held for local and foreign companies specializing in the IT outsourcing and global business services to discuss the available growth opportunities, potential partnerships, and means to enhance their operations to help them expand their global delivery centers in Egypt.
The signing of the MoU marks a significant step in the constructive collaboration between Egypt and Germany in the IT sector. The MoU comes in line with ITIDA strategy and endeavors to drive growth and improve Egypt’s global standing as a trustworthy destination for offshoring services, with great potential in the high-end, value-added services and electronics industry.
The MoU reflects GIZ commitment to creating job opportunities, increasing employment in the electronics industry, and promoting digitization in the IT sector in Egypt, through providing training programs and supporting Egyptian companies. GIZ is looking forward to establishing a successful partnership with ITIDA to develop a knowledge-based economy with the aim of enabling young and women entrepreneurs and promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Under the MoU, ITIDA and GIZ will cooperate to develop a training program to create about 1200 job opportunities targeting graduates and university students and matching them with companies from private sector partners in the IT sector to fulfill their hiring needs and skills requirements. The program includes training in the German language, business skills, and soft skills.
ITIDA and GIZ will work jointly on promoting digitalization in Egypt through providing training programs and supporting Egyptian companies to enhance job creation and employment. The focus of joint activities will be on two pilot clusters –the Industry 4.0 Innovation Centre in the Knowledge City and the Innovation Cluster at Borg El Arab City. The activities incorporate training, assessment programs, expert guidance, events, and partnerships with recognized international related entities for enabling manufacturers in the digital transformation journey.
Additionally, ITIDA and GIZ will hold a number of hackathons and competitions for startups and entrepreneurs to provide creative solutions that tackle industrial challenges. Both entities will also set up incubation programs for innovative startups, provide business development networking, and support the participation of Egyptian companies in international exhibitions.
