To build Digital Egypt, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) made huge efforts that translated into several projects to accelerate digital transformation in different sectors, attract FDI, build digital capacity, promote technology innovation and entrepreneurship, and indigenize the electronics industry.

In July 2022, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi opened several Digital Egypt projects, including submarine cable landing stations in Ras Ghareb, Zaafarana, and Sidi Krir, the Regional Data Hub (RDH), WE Applied Technology Schools, and Creativa Innovation Hubs. The Postal Museum was also opened after renovation. In addition, El-Sisi launched the Digital Egypt platform, which offers digital government services in various sectors.

The ICT sector evolved exponentially, as shown in different indices. For five years in a row, ICT was the fastest-growing state sector. The Egyptian ICT market became a favorable destination for major tech firms to expand in the IT, offshoring, and electronics industries.

The most remarkable achievements of MCIT over the past 10 years are as follows:

- The sector grew at 16.7% in FY 2021/2022, up from 16.1% in FY 2020/2021, becoming the highest-growing state sector for five years in a row.

- The sector’s contribution to GDP reached 5% in FY 2021/2022.

- In FY 2021/2022, the sector produced a domestic product estimated at 150 billion EGP, rising from 128.7 billion EGP in the previous fiscal year.

- Digital exports grew from $4.5 billion in 2020/2021 to $4.9 billion in 2021/2022.

- On the World Bank’s 2022 GovTech Maturity Index (GTMI), Egypt was in Group A (economies with the highest average GTMI score), ascending from Group B in 2020 and Group C in 2018.

- On the Integrated Index for Postal Development (2IPD) of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), Egypt ranked second in Africa and the Arab region, coming up from 10th in 2021.

- The country moved up four spots on Portulans Institute’s Network Readiness Index (NRI) to rank 73rd after 77th last year.

- Egypt also moved up on the Global Innovation Index (GII) by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), climbing to 89th globally from 94th in 2021.

- Egypt was named the Fastest Fixed Country in Africa in 2022 and won the Speedtest Award by Ookla, a global leader in network intelligence and connectivity insights.

- In two years, Egypt went from sixth to fourth rank globally in the number of freelancers out of the entire population. The country’s share in the global freelance market also improved in two years, moving from 14th to eighth.

- President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi launched Digital Egypt Platform to provide digital government services while saving time and effort. The Platform delivers 165+ services in different categories.

- The national information infrastructure project, implemented in collaboration with MCIT and the Administrative Control Authority (ACA). The project is aimed at promoting a comprehensive vision for planning and eliminating duplication in databases. More than 100 government databases of citizen data have been linked together.

- Stating a new phase of electronic signature-powered digital services by embedding e-signature technology in electronic applications within government agencies.

- As part of the national efforts to establish a comprehensive e-government, Egypt joined the GovStack Initiative which aims to help governments achieve digital transformation. The GovStack approach is applied in Egypt through the Supporting e-Government and Innovation in the Public Administration (InnoPA) project, implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) on behalf of the German government.

- Spearheading the government’s relocation to the New Administrative Capital, based on six main pillars:

1. Building a robust information infrastructure following the latest and most advanced ICTs.

2. Creating specialized applications used by ministries and agencies to digitize operations and public services.

3. Developing applications for common operations carried out in all ministries, such as the departments of legal affairs, personnel affairs, and financial affairs. The aim is to set a standard work model with the same system and applications for departments in all ministries. MCIT also collaborates with other ministries to build a correspondence system through a single government platform to exchange documents and correspondences among agencies. This is in addition to the e-signature system, which will be used by all government employees as a legally valid signature.

4. Digitizing government documents by archiving all papers and files circulated within the government.

5. Forming digital transformation units in ministries, governorates, and public agencies to support the digital operation of government agencies when moving to the New Administrative Capital. MCIT provides technical support to the units, which represent the technical assistance frontline units in the government.

6. Providing training and building capacity of managers and employees moving to the New Administrative Capital on the digital knowledge and skills required to keep up in the new work environment and run digital systems.

- Launching the National E-commerce Strategy for Egypt, developed in cooperation with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), World Bank, and Mastercard. The strategy aims to support the vision of making Egypt a leading e-commerce economy in MENA, growing the country’s digital economy, bringing about financial inclusion, boosting Egyptian exports, and penetrating new markets.

- Implementing several projects to support state sectors through their digital transformation journey. Projects include the automation of the universal health insurance system, state property management system, real estate licensing, justice and law enforcement systems, and university hospital automation.

- Carrying out the Ahmose project, which aims to restructure operations and applications in government agencies.

- Launching the National AI Strategy, developed in cooperation between MCIT and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The strategy aims to exploit AI technologies to achieve Egypt's sustainable development goals.

- Establishing the Applied Innovation Center (AIC), which works with research institutes, academic institutions, and international companies to develop innovative solutions to societal challenges using modern ICTs.

- Launching a national official AI platform under the aegis of the National Council for AI.

- Launching the Egyptian Charter for Responsible AI, which serves as the first attempt at articulating Egypt's interpretation of the various guidelines on ethical and responsible AI, adapted to the local context and combined with actionable insights to help ensure the responsible development, deployment, management, and use of AI systems in the country.

- Developing an application that uses satellite imagery and AI to detect the distribution of Egyptian lands, outline agricultural areas and areas with roads, trees, fish farms, and water sources, and identify some crops. The application was co-developed by AIC and the Agricultural Research Center of the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation.

- Creating an AI-powered application that detects diabetic retinopathy at 95% accuracy. It was used for the early detection of diabetic retinopathy in one million citizens through 10 university hospitals in different parts of the country. The application was developed in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine at Alexandria University.

- AIC, representing Egypt, joined the CivTech Alliance, a worldwide network of innovation programs across 17 countries, working to harness modern technology, especially AI, to optimize government systems and improve public services.

- Finalizing phase one of Knowledge City, a high-tech city in the New Administrative Capital. Serving as a technology hub, the City supports R&D in advanced technology, attracts global investors and tech giants, and provides technological training. Knowledge City is set for opening in 2023.

- Phase one of Knowledge City comprises four buildings: AIC, Egypt University of Informatics (EUI), Center of Excellence for Universal Design and Assistive Technologies, and a training center that includes both the Information Technology Institute (ITI) and the National Telecommunication Institute (NTI).

- Multiplying the number of trainees and budget for technology training, with a target set to train 250,000 young people at 1.3 billion EGP in FY 2022/2023. The training strategy of MCIT is implemented in cooperation with global tech companies following a pyramid approach. It starts with providing basic training to enhance youth employability, followed by specialized training, then programs for qualifying young people for tech jobs. Moving up the pyramid, fewer trainees receive intense, in-depth training to graduate as specialists in modern ICTs.

- Successfully concluding training for two cohorts of the Digital Egypt Builders Initiative. DEBI is scholarship aimed at granting a professional master’s degree in one of the following areas of specialization: data science and AI, cybersecurity, robotics and automation, digital arts, and FinTech. The initiative is carried out in collaboration with major international universities and local and global ICT companies to help learners gain hands-on experience. MCIT also cooperates with renowned firms and institutions to develop students’ leadership, personal, and language skills. The first cohort was composed of 109 students and the second of 257. The students majored in data science and AI, digital arts, FinTech, robotics and automation, and cybersecurity. The training was delivered in cooperation with the University of Ottawa and Queen's University in Canada, University College Cork in Ireland, and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

- Launching the Digital Egypt Cubs Initiative (DECI), a scholarship tailored to upskill younger students, from the first year of preparatory school to the second year of secondary school, nationwide. Areas of specialization include software development and digital arts, networks and cybersecurity, AI and data science, and robotics and embedded systems. DECI also involves activities for developing personal and leadership skills. The initiative is joined by nearly 8,400 students, and it includes a basic program that is attended by 3,937 students.

- Founding EUI in Knowledge City in the New Administrative Capital. EUI is the first specialized ICT university in Africa. It works to shape a generation of experts in informatics and future technologies. The University boasts four faculties: Faculty of Computing and Information Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Business Informatics, and Faculty of Digital Arts and Design. EUI partners with the world’s top universities to grant students dual degrees.

- Launching Mahara-Tech, an online learning platform by ITI. The platform has attracted 435,000 learners.

- Building seven WE Applied Technology Schools, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, in Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Dakahlia, Suez, Minya, and New Valley. WE ATS is the first smart ICT-specialized school producing competent technicians.

- Establishing the Egyptian African Telecom Regulatory Training Center (EG-ATRC) of the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) in Smart Village. EG-ATRC is the first telecom regulation-focused training center in Africa.

- EL-Sisi opened eight Creativa Innovation Hubs, including in Aswan, Qena, Sohag, Minya, Menoufia, Ismailia, Mansoura City, and Cairo. The Hubs were opened as part of a plan to establish 30 Creativa Innovation Hubs nationwide to create an enabling environment for technology innovation and entrepreneurship. They include specialized tech labs, training centers, and venues for seminars and workshops. The Hubs also host technology incubators for starting and growing startups and connecting youth with investors and major VC firms.

- Among the newly-opened Hubs was Sultan Hussein Kamel Palace where tech startups are incubated. The project is within the national vision of transforming buildings of historical and cultural importance into Creativa Innovation Hubs while preserving their architectural character and heritage value.

- Five new Creativa Innovation Hubs were soft-opened in Giza, New Valley, Alexandria, North Sinai, and Beni Suef.

- MCIT concluded an agreement with two top firms dedicated to nurturing and empowering startups: Plug and Play, for running Creativa Innovation Hub at Sultan Hussein Kamel Palace, and 500 Global, for running the Hub in Giza.

- Egyptian tech startups attracted $600 million in investment and funds in 2022, a 22% growth rate from 2021 when it raised $491 million.

- Digital Egypt Strategy for Offshoring Industry 2022-2026 was launched with the aim of tripling the export revenue from digitally-enabled offshoring services. The Strategy featured an incentive scheme to attract new investments and expand existing ones, and empower local companies. This is in addition to encouraging the start of new businesses and enhancing Egypt's competitiveness in R&D and value-added services to fast-track the knowledge economy.

- By promoting the investment incentives offered by the strategy, the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) was able to further boost the offshoring industry in Egypt. In 2022, ITIDA signed agreements with 48 companies on creating delivery centers or expanding existing ones, with 56 centers in total.

- Among those agreements were MoUs with 29 international companies, signed in one day in the presence of the Prime Minister, last November. The agreements will provide more than 34,000 offshoring job opportunities for young Egyptians over three years, at a $1 billion/year export value by 2025.

- The Future Work is Digital (Egypt FWD) initiative for digital upskilling helped increase the number of freelance professionals in the ICT sector to 13,500 freelancers in 2022, bringing the total to more than 30,000 professionals.

Within the framework of Egypt Makes Electronics (EME), a strategy that aims to deepen local manufacturing, MCIT provided facilitations to establish Egypt as a favorable destination for electronic manufacturing and design companies. Achievements are as follows:

- The strategy helped attract several manufacturers to Egypt to cater to the local market and export to regional markets. Three of the largest mobile phone and tablet manufacturers (Vivo, Nokia, and Samsung) started operating in Egypt at 2 billion EGP investments and a 20 million device production capacity.

- An agreement was signed with OPPO to set up a mobile phone factory in Egypt, with a production capacity of 4.5 million devices/year and $20 million in investments. The factory is one of 10 OPPO factories around the world, and it will serve as a regional hub for OPPO to manufacture and export to Arab and African markets.

- Two fiber optic cable factories started operating in Egypt at an 8,000 km production capacity, with foreign and local investments, to cater to local and regional markets. The factories have been exporting to Europe since the fourth quarter of 2022.

- An agreement was concluded with Samsung on establishing a smartphone factory to serve the company's customers in Egypt. The factory extends over 6,000 square meters and provides 1,400 job opportunities.

- Egypt has attracted 57+ global and local electronic design companies.

- GSA Egypt was established as a regional division of the Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA) to promote cooperation in the semiconductor industry and improve the business environment. GSA Egypt has been joined by over 20 specialized companies.

- Agreements were signed with 26 global and local companies specializing in electronic design and embedded software to operate in the Industry 4.0 Innovation Center (IIC) at Knowledge City in the New Administrative Capital.

Based on the presidential directives on supporting the national electronics industry, technology parks were built in Borg Al Arab in Alexandria, New Assiut in Assiut, Sadat City in Menoufia, and New Beni Suef in Beni Suef.

The parks were supplied with the necessary infrastructure to host ICT and innovation operations and related service and production activities, especially labor-intensive ones, in addition to attracting investments in electronic manufacturing and industries supporting the different aspects of the project.

As part of MCIT efforts to provide high quality telecommunication services through a secured digital infrastructure, several projects were carried out to develop the national and international digital infrastructure. Achievements included:

- Implementing a three-phase comprehensive plan through Telecom Egypt at 100 billion EGP to raise the efficiency of telecom networks and upgrade the telecom infrastructure nationwide using cutting-edge technology, namely fiber optics. Efforts to boost Internet speed helped improve Egypt’s ranking in fixed internet speed to become the highest in Africa, up from 40th in early 2019, according to Ookla.

- Rolling out 4G and virtual landline licenses, offered to mobile network operators (MNOs) in Egypt. In 2016, the four MNOs signed an agreement to obtain the licenses and radio frequencies. As a result, the state treasury received about $1.1 billion and EGP 10 billion in exchange for the licenses.

- Telecom Egypt, with 80% of equity held by the government, transformed into a national integrated telecom operator after obtaining a license to establish, operate, and manage 4G networks and provide mobile phone services.

- Carrying out a project to connect all 31,500 government buildings nationwide through a fiber optic network to ensure service stability and continuity even during internet outages. More than 18,000 government buildings have been connected, and the rest of the buildings are in progress.

- Supplying 2,563 secondary education schools in different governorates with telecom infrastructure to enable high-speed internet access through fiber optics. Telecom networks were developed and 4,500 km of fiber optics cables were extended from telephone exchanges to the schools.

- Establishing the National Center for ICT Service Quality Control and Monitoring at 50 million EGP to measure the quality of mobile voice and data services provided by MNOs in Egypt following recognized global standards in measuring the quality of telecom services.

- Offering and assigning new frequency bands for MNOs in Egypt. 130 MHz in the 2600 MHz frequency band was offered, with nearly $2 billion in revenues. The aim was to enhance network readiness to provide next-generation ICT services while following global quality standards, meet the growing demand for telecom services in the Egyptian market, and support digital transformation and efforts of building Digital Egypt.

- Developing a regulatory framework for licenses to establish and lease wireless communication towers as part of a plan to expand network coverage and improve the quality of services. More towers were erected to accommodate the growing number of users in the Egyptian market.

- The President of the Republic inaugurated three submarine cable landing stations in Ras Ghareb, Zaafarana, and Sidi Krir, bringing the total number to 10 landing stations. The aim was to enhance the global infrastructure and ensure the continuity and stability of the service provided to beneficiary countries of international connectivity services.

- The President also opened the 2.8 billion EGP Regional Data Hub (RDH) of Telecom Egypt, with a 24-megawatt total capacity.

- Completing the Internet Corridor of Egypt (ICE) in Morshedeen Road, a 20-year-long-cherished dream of the ICT sector. ICE is a fiber optic crossing route connecting landing stations on the Red Sea to others on the Mediterranean. The project was implemented in one year.

- Increasing the number of international crossing routes in Egypt by introducing five new routes amassing 2,650 km in two years versus six routes totaling 2,700 km, created before 2019. There are currently 11 crossing routes for international data transfer in Egypt.

- Inaugurating the Red2Med new submarine cable of Telecom Egypt. the cable runs from Ras Ghareb landing point in the Red Sea to the landing station in Port Said in the Mediterranean through ICE. Red2Med is the shortest, fastest and most secure way to transfer data between East and West. It also represents a breakthrough in the crossing routes between East and West and the connection between Africa, Europe, and Asia. The cable was built in an effort to establish Egypt as a global hub for data transmission and develop the global telecommunication infrastructure in Egypt.

- Concluding an agreement between Telecom Egypt and Grid Telecom, a subsidiary of Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) in Greece, on building a Mediterranean subsea system connecting Egypt and Greece.

- Developing a regulatory framework for providing IoT services in Egypt. With IoT being one of the top technologies of Industry 4.0, the framework enables the operation of smart city systems and digital services, including smart homes, smart meters, and smart mobility.

- Developing a regulatory framework for IoT services in Egypt. IoT is one of the top Industry 4.0 technologies. The framework will enable the operation of smart city systems and digital services, including systems of smart homes, smart meters, and smart mobility.

- Launching initiatives to increase user satisfaction with services. Initiatives included providing benefits to people paying tuition fees using e-wallets, encouraging e-wallet users to activate and use their wallets to avoid closure, and urging seniors to create and use e-wallets.

- The Egyptian National Post Organization adopted a comprehensive plan to develop Egypt Post. The total number of modernized post offices reached 3,900 out of 4,385 post offices in all parts of the country.

- Egypt Post achieved a 4 billion EGP surplus in 2022.

- In an effort to preserve national assets and heritage buildings, the President of the Republic opened the Egyptian Postal Museum after it was developed and renovated. Development included redesigning and expanding its interior and growing its collection while introducing AI, QR codes, and augmented reality.

- The historic Cairo Main Post Office in Attaba was inaugurated. It witnessed major development and refurbishment, with its historic value and original design remaining intact. Advanced systems and technological solutions were introduced to the office to offer all kinds of financial, postal, and governmental services as well as Digital Egypt services. Three historic post offices were opened in Aswan as well.

- More post offices were established, in addition to mobile post offices, rolled out to operate at peak times, especially pension disbursement. Postal kiosks were also deployed. A total of 300 post offices and 100 mobile offices were created.

- Improving and growing Egypt Post’s service portfolio, including Digital Egypt Platform services, notarization services by the Ministry of Justice in more than 119 post offices, financial inclusion services, and microloans.

- Egypt Post launched “Wassalha,” an advanced AI- and GIS-powered shipping service. Wassalha serves e-commerce users and citizens seeking door-to-door parcel shipping.

- Egypt Post launched Yalla, the first super app in Egypt and MEA. The App offers a variety of financial and non-financial services to individuals, merchants, and companies, and it features payment solutions through PSPs. Yalla Super App was created in collaboration with VISA and PaySky.

MCIT takes part in Decent Life, the national project for developing the Egyptian countryside. The Ministry carries out several projects to upgrade the information infrastructure in rural villages and promote digital literacy to build digital communities.

Within phase one of the initiative, fiber optic cables are installed at 11.7 billion EGP in 2.8 million homes to boost internet speed. In addition, the Ministry works to improve the quality of telecom services by building 1,000 cellular base stations to enhance network coverage in the villages targeted with phase one.

Achievements are as follows:

- Fiber optic cables were installed in 77 rural villages to enable high-speed internet access.

- The total number of mobile towers in Decent Life villages reached 1,019 (443 established and 576 developed) to improve the quality of telecom services.

- A total of 741 post offices were modernized and supplied with ATMs. Postal outlets were also made available in 333 service complexes to provide postal services.

- Within the framework of the Digital Decent Life initiative, about 34,960 citizens in 20 governorates were digitally upskilled. Social influencers were qualified to act as digital knowledge ambassadors promoting digital literacy. Training was provided to 761 citizens, including female coaches, knowledge teachers, imams (preachers) at the Ministry of Endowments, and facilitators from the National Council for Women. In addition, 3,335 employees at governorates’ general bureaus and affiliated service directorates, members of the Decent Life team, received training.

- The Digital Decent Life platform was launched in beta, with the aim to build an interactive digital society.

- MCIT undertakes the telemedicine project in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Population and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The aim is to harness technology and telemedicine applications to provide high-quality medical services to citizens in remote areas. The project involves connecting health units in remote areas with central units in university hospitals and those affiliated with the Ministry of Health, offering patients the best medical service from senior doctors and consultant physicians while saving travel burdens and costs. The project facilitates access of all Egyptians to healthcare services on an equal footing. As part of the telemedicine initiative, 50,000 patients in different governorates were examined by 600 doctors through 150 telemedicine units within phase one of the project. The introduction of 150 more units is in progress, with a target set to run 300 telemedicine units in different governorates.

- The National Academy of Information Technology for Persons with Disabilities (NAID) was founded according to the latest global standards in quality and training. NAID is poised to serve as a regional hub for PwDs training and qualification in the Arab region and Africa.

- NAID partnered with Avaya to create and update Wasel, an application that serves the deaf and hard of hearing. The app facilitates access to several services: ambulance, police emergency, firefighting, and electricity emergency via free-of-charge video calls. The new version of Wasel features several UI improvements and is now iOS-compatible. New services were also made available through the app, most notably simultaneous interpreting in sign language, delivered by highly experienced interpreters at the National Relay Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and online form-filing. The Center is one of a kind in the Arab region and Africa and offers its services free of charge.

- The digital platform of the National Network for PWD Services was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Solidarity. The network matches PwDs to training and job opportunities based on the area of residence, type of disability, and qualification, helping bring training opportunities and job interviews closer to PwDs.

- MCIT, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, developed 166 youth centers in different governorates. The centers had fiber optic cables installed and computer halls created, transforming into inclusive community centers.

- Services of the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy were made available through technological applications, tablets, touchscreen computers, and smartphones to ensure effective communication with people with hearing or visual impairment. Custom-made applications were created to serve the deaf and hard of hearing.

MCIT took several measures to boost the IT and electronics industries and stimulate the growth of ICT startups. Measures include:

- Enacting the Anti-Cyber and Information Technology Crimes Law and its executive regulations. The Law covers crimes targeting citizens, investment, and government and private agencies. It sets standards for proving the authenticity of digital evidence, helping catch cybercrime perpetrators, protect citizens, and encourage investment.

- Enacting the Personal Data Protection Law in line with the best global practices and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The law protects the personal data of Egyptian citizens. It is a major milestone supporting MCIT efforts to indigenize the data center industry in Egypt and create a safe environment for exchanging information in cyberspace.

- The President issued a number of directives, including:

- Allowing the registration of new businesses through a digital notification platform to clear hurdles before startups and entrepreneurs

- Enabling the creation of virtual companies without the need for a physical headquarters to cut costs

- Easing requirements for establishing one-person companies (OPC)

- Expanding in free investment technology zones

- Offering tax exemptions for startups on a wide scale

- Creating a whitelist for importing electronic components for companies specializing in that industry

- The Cabinet approved amendments to the executive regulations for the Companies Law, with the minimum capital requirement for starting an OPC being only 1,000 EGP instead of 50,000 EGP. The decision came following discussions between MCIT and the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) on simplifying and facilitating the process for investors in IT startups.

- In an effort to advance and grow the mobile phone industry, MCIT and the Ministry of Trade and Industry agreed to add this major industry to the ministry's program for lightening export burdens and attracting investment to this promising industry. Incentives to support the mobile phone industry include exempting mobile parts and manufacturing components from the government fee imposed by NTRA. This is in addition to coordinating with the Customs Authority of the Ministry of Finance to set clear and binding customs classification for all customs terminals to reduce the customs tariff on mobile phone components and necessary supplies from 10 to 2%.

- To support the growth of the tech startup scene, ITIDA signed a cooperation protocol with GAFI and the Financial Regulatory Authority to create an enabling legislative and procedural environment for investment. The aim is to find innovative solutions that match startups' nature of work; facilitate dealings, and overcome investment-impeding obstacles in the startup sector.

- The outcomes of the Egyptian Economic Conference 2022 (EEC) included a set of recommendations pertaining to the development of the ICT sector. The most notable recommendations are as follows:

- Launching a training program, delivered by industry experts, for those meeting the criteria

- Adding a language program in technology faculties as a compulsory course to meet the requirements of global companies

- Building an IT economic zone in Knowledge City in the New Administrative Capital and creating a whitelist of the companies operating in it

- Indigenizing the IT and electronic solutions industries

- Providing funds and increasing financial and export incentives to boost high-tech exports

- Extending the SMEs funding umbrella at a 5% interest rate to include companies specializing in that industry

- Giving priority in national projects to products of those companies

- Attracting ICT companies to the Egyptian market

- Amending existing legislation to keep pace with the rapid technological advancement

- Building on the efforts made in infrastructure development

- Building bridges of collaboration with international organizations and countries, and strengthening Egyptian-African and Egyptian-Arab relations in the ICT field.

- Egypt hosted the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC), a flagship event of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Hosting WRC reflects the global recognition gained by the Egyptian ICT sector and the preparedness of Egypt for major international events.

- Egypt hosted the ITU Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) 2016 and 2023 in Sharm El-Sheikh. GSR is a major event providing a platform for a global dialogue that brings together telecom regulators and industry leaders worldwide to discuss pressing issues in the telecom sector.

- Egypt chaired the 26th Session of the Arab Telecommunications and Information Council of Ministers (ATICM), during which the Arab ICT Strategy was adopted. The Strategy is the outcome of the joint effort of Arab experts, the League of Arab States (LAS), ESCWA, and UN organizations.

- Egypt hosted and chaired the meeting of ATICM Executive Bureau.

- Egypt formed and chaired the African Union (AU) Working Group on AI to synergize efforts in AI-related activities among AU Member States.

- Egypt formed and chaired the Arab AI Working Group, mandated with developing a common Arab strategy.

- The New Administrative Capital won the Global Government Excellence Award for Best Project in Government Transformation. The Award was received at the World Government Summit (WGS) 2023 in Dubai.

- The New Administrative Capital was named the Arab Digital Capital for 2021 during ATICM 24th Session. This marked the culmination of the New Capital’s efforts to build a highly advanced digital infrastructure, adopt digital transformation, and embrace capacity building and digital upskilling activities.

- Egypt's National Digital Development Report was prepared by a national committee that brought together officials from MCIT and more than 30 other entities, government agencies and NGOs. The Report is part of the Arab Digital Development Report (ADDR) of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).

- Egypt was elected a member of the ITU Council (2023-2026) for Region D (Africa) and of the ITU Radio Regulations Board (RRB).

- Egypt was elected Chair of the Postal Union for the Mediterranean (PUMed) for the 2023-2025 cycle.

- My NTRA app was one of the five Champion Projects of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2022 in the e-government category.

- Mahara-Tech platform of ITI won ESCWA Digital Arabic Content (DAC) Award for Sustainable Development. The announcement came during the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development (AFSD).

- Egypt, represented by Egypt Post, won the Innovative Management Award of the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) for the WIN loyalty program and Yalla Super App. The announcement came during AAPAM 41st Roundtable Conference.

- Egypt Post was named the best in Africa in applying digital transformation in five services, according to a study by UPU International Bureau.

- Egypt Post, for two years in a row, won the Express Mail Service (EMS) Cooperative Customer Care Award, presented by UPU. The award came in recognition of the excellent service provided by Egypt Post to EMS customers while maintaining the highest quality and complying with international inquiry and delivery standards.

- Egypt, represented by Egypt Post, received a letter of appreciation from UPU International Bureau and UPU Rising Star Award 2022 for having made outstanding progress in UPU Integrated Index for Postal Development.

- The “Jobs and Skills for PwDs with Focus on ICT-Based Solutions” project was one of five Champion Projects in WSIS Prizes 2022 in the E-employment category.