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1 July 2023

Egypt Wins AGFUND Prize 2022 for MCIT DT4SDE Project

Egypt, represented by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), has won Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development, awarded by the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND). MCIT won the international prize 2022 for the Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development in Egypt (DT4SDE) project in “decent work and economic growth”.

DT4SDE project aims to improve the quality of life by using ICT tools and applications, raising community awareness of their significance, and supporting sustainable community development by building digital capacities, qualifying people to adapt to digital transformation, and helping build an Egyptian digital society.

DT4SDE project is being implemented by the Central Department for Digital Community Development at MCIT within the framework of developing skills for employment through several pillars. These pillars include Qodwa-Tech initiative for women’s social and economic empowerment; Jobs and Skills for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) with ICT-Based Solutions project; initiatives for promoting e-learning and qualifying youth for freelancing; and Activating the Role of IT Clubs in Community Development project.

The Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat congratulated those responsible for managing and implementing DT4SDE project for winning AGFUND International Prize. He explained that the project is being implemented within the framework of MCIT integrated strategy to achieve digital transformation by introducing ICT in various areas of community development, developing ICT infrastructure, building capacities, and advancing innovation and creativity, thus enhancing Egypt’s position regionally and internationally.

The ICT Minister also pointed out that DT4SDE project contributes to adapting innovative technological solutions to enhance the employability of all segments of society, especially PwDs, women, and youth, to help them obtain decent jobs and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurship, and freelancing.

MCIT won the International Prize in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: decent work and economic growth. DT4SDE was one of 108 projects nominated for the Prize in its four categories. Only 54 projects meeting the criteria were evaluated.

The project won the prize in its third category, specified for projects implemented by governmental bodies, ministries and public institutions, or social business enterprises. The amount of the prize is $200,000.

For her part, the Advisor to the ICT Minister for the Central Department of Digital Community Development at MCIT and DT4SDE project Director Hoda Dahroug emphasized that the project aims to build digital capacities for all segments of society, including youth, women, and PwDs, helping them keep pace with the current transitions towards building Digital Egypt and provide opportunities for technological innovation and empowerment.

Dahroug highlighted that promoting digital awareness among people is one of the most significant objectives of the project, offering innovative solutions to develop digital skills, qualify for employment, and overcoming any obstacles to business and enterprise management. She added that receiving AGFUND prize establishes more credibility for the project impact and promotes sustainable community development.

Prince Talal International Prize subjects align with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Each year, an SDG is selected as a thematic focus for the Prize. The prize is awarded annually to the best four winners representing the four most significant development categories. These include projects implemented by UN agencies or international and regional NGOs; national NGOs; governmental bodies (ministries and public institutions) or social business enterprises; and projects initiated, funded and/or implemented by individuals.

It is worth mentioning that this is the second time that MCIT projects win AGFUND Prize.
In 2010, the “Integrated Program to Develop Siwa Oasis Using ICT” project won the first prize category, “Development of Remote and Rural Communities through ICT". The main objective of the project was to empower Siwa residents to develop their skills and community through ICT tools.

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