Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has called for sustained government action to encourage local and foreign investments in communications and information technology(CIT) sectors, and intensify efforts to improve Egypt’s ranking in global telecom indicators.
The president gave directives to this effect during a meeting he called yesterday with Prime Minister Dr Moustafa Madbouli and Communications and Information Technology Minister Amr Talaat.
The aim of the meeting was to review the ongoing efforts to implement the Digital Egypt Strategy, which seeks to advance the outsourcing industry and encourage global companies to expand their operations in Egypt, Presidency Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed el-Shennawy said.
During the meeting, President Sisi stressed the importance of improving internet coverage and communications services across the country in order to respond to citizens’ needs of high-quality and efficient internet access.
In this connection, the president urged the government to keep up efforts to expand telecom services nationwide, ensuring high-quality access for all citizens, Spokesman Shennawy said.
President Sisi also reasserted the importance of taking all necessary measures to encourage local and international investments in the communications and IT sectors. Furthermore, the president called for intensified efforts to enhance Egypt’s ranking in global telecom indicators, asserting the country’s status as a regional hub for communications, digital services and IT activities, the presidency spokesman said.
In the course of the meeting, the president was briefed on the progress of launching the imminent commissioning of the second edition of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, which will focus on leveraging AI technologies to provide innovative solutions to societal challenges across various sectors.
It also aims to continue developing advanced computational infrastructure for government entities, private companies, startups, and small- and medium-sized enterprises in this field, boosting the nation’s economic development programmes and goals.
Also considered during the meeting were aspects of co-operation between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and other Cabinet ministries, in addition to the ministry’s projects in digital transformation, the strategy to modernise national post offices, and national efforts to expand and localise mobile phone manufacturing, Spokesman Shennawy said.
In light of the reviews and briefings, President Sisi gave directives for maintenance of action to achieve the country’s transitioning to a fully integrated digital society, including providing digital services, data governance, and expanding digital skills training.
This includes establishing more applied technology schools and Digital Egypt Innovation Centres to qualify youth for employment opportunities.
The president also emphasised the need to support ongoing programmes in data protection, cybersecurity and AI, underscoring the importance of attracting more international research and development centres to operate in Egypt, particularly in advanced telecom and IT specialisations, the presidency spokesman said.
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