President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has directed the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing applications, the continued development of Egypt’s telecommunications market, the wider deployment of 5G services, and the strengthening of telecommunications infrastructure resilience.
The measures form part of broader efforts to improve public services, accelerate digital transformation, and reinforce Egypt’s position as a regional and global hub for data centres.
The directives were issued during a meeting on Saturday attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Raafat Hendy, and Director of the Armed Forces Signal Department Major General Hany Mahmoud Mansour.
During the meeting, President Sisi reviewed progress in expanding the unified government services card system, stressing the need for continuous monitoring of its implementation to ensure database integration and operational efficiency.
Minister Hendy, for his part, said the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology was co-ordinating with the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade to develop the system, enhance its technical and operational performance and gradually expand the services delivered through it.
The meeting also reviewed efforts to boost ICT exports and localise the electronics industry.
Minister Hendy outlined targets to raise digital exports to $8 billion by 2028, increase digital outsourcing exports to $12 billion by 2029 and expand the number of electronics-design companies to 120 by 2030.
In this respect, President Sisi was briefed on the development of advanced digital infrastructure supporting smart applications and AI-based solutions, as well as efforts to integrate AI across vital sectors and maximise its developmental and societal impact.
The president highlighted the role of the Applied Innovation Centre and directed efforts to attract investment in cloud computing and AI, while expanding hyperscale data centres as a key pillar of the digital economy.
The meeting further reviewed the implementation of the “Digilians” presidential initiative, a joint programme between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Egyptian Military Academy.
President Sisi stressed that the selection of beneficiaries must adhere to the highest standards of accuracy, transparency and impartiality, particularly given the initiative’s importance in equipping participants with the skills required for high-demand jobs.
Cybersecurity was also highlighted as a key pillar of digital transformation and essential to maintaining public trust in digital services.
The discussions also covered the government’s Karnak AI programme, which aims to strengthen digital sovereignty and support the development of Arabic-language generative AI applications.
