The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, and the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat have witnessed, via videoconference, the signing of a cooperation protocol between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA). The aim is to establish a computer center and a comprehensive information system for EgSA.
The three-year protocol provides that a data and infrastructure center will be established for linking the center with all EgSA buildings, and providing EgSA with computers, computer accessories, necessary hardware and software, information network devices, insurance devices, servers and storage units.
Pursuant to the protocol, an e-portal will be created for EgSA, providing a set of e-services and external link lines for EgSA. In addition, cooperation agreements are to be held between EgSA and MCIT affiliated organizations to provide training.
The Higher Education Minister stated that establishing EgSA involved a great effort; discussed over 40 years. He added that Egypt has become part of the global space system. Abdel Ghaffar commended the continuous cooperation with MCIT and said that Egypt should start where others ended and use modern tools and technology to keep pace with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Establishing the first satellite center in Egypt is a breakthrough in this field, stated Abdel Ghaffar, underlining that Egypt has become the permanent headquarters of the African Space Agency, which increases pressure and responsibilities for Egypt. Abdel Ghaffar also said that he looks forward to establishing integrated information centers and systems.
For his part, the ICT Minister underscored that the protocol is a milestone for cooperation between the two ministries, reflecting the synergized efforts of all the State's sectors for building a knowledge-and scientific research-based society. The cooperation aims to support EgSA information infrastructure, within the State’s efforts to develop the space industry and carve a leading regional niche for Egypt in this front, added Talaat.
In addition, Talaat said that MCIT is pleased to be part of this leading project, adding that he looks forward to new areas of cooperation between MCIT and its affiliates, especially the National Telecommunication Institute (NTI) and the applied research center in Artificial Intelligence (AI), and EgSA, in ICT areas, particularly 5G technology, AI and data science, given their importance in space research.
During the signing ceremony, EgSA CEO Mohamed ElKoosy presented EgSA trophy to the ICT Minister, in appreciation of his efforts in introducing digital technologies to the State's sectors.
The protocol was signed by the Deputy ICT Minister for Infrastructure Raafat Hindy, and EgSA Deputy Executive Director Mohammed Khalil Iraqi, in the presence of NTI Director Iman Ashour, and the head of the Egyptian space program management committee at EgSA Ayman El Desouky.
The Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) aims to develop and transfer space science and technology, and possess the capabilities to build and launch satellites from the Egyptian lands.
