Egypt is strengthening its digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI) strategy through expanded cooperation with the World Bank Group (WBG), with a focus on digital infrastructure, skills development and innovation.
The initiative follows talks in Cairo between Raafat Hendy, Egypt's minister of communications and information technology, and Paschal Donohoe, WBG's managing director and chief knowledge officer, according to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).
The meeting reviewed Egypt's digital transformation plans and identified digital skills, AI and innovation as priority areas for future cooperation between the government and the WBG.
The attendee list included Ahmed Elzaher, CEO of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency(ITIDA), Mahmoud Badawi, assistant ICT minister for digital transformation; Hoda Baraka, advisor to the ICT minister for technology talent development; Samah Aziz, head of the central department of international relations for the ministry, and Mahmoud Sofrata, vice president of ITIDA for ICT markets development.
Hendy outlined Egypt's plans to build its digital economy by expanding digital infrastructure, attracting ICT investment and deploying advanced technologies across government sectors.
According to MCIT, the discussions also covered the ministry's key projects to support digital transformation, strengthen digital public infrastructure, expand access to high-speed internet and upgrade telecommunications services in villages included in the presidential Decent Life initiative.
Donohoe said Egypt has established strong digital foundations, adding that knowledge is now as important as financing in a competitive global economy. He said sharing expertise in data governance, regulation and institutional development is key to accelerating innovation.
“The meeting outlined the ministry’s flagship projects aimed at driving digital transformation, strengthening digital public infrastructure, expanding access to high-speed internet, and upgrading telecom services across villages targeted by the presidential Decent Life initiative,” said MCIT.
The ministry said it has extended high-speed fibre-optic infrastructure to more than 1,250 rural villages through the Decent Life initiative. It also plans to expand public-private partnerships, increase investment in data centres, strengthen data governance and improve children's online safety.
The WBG said it would draw on its global expertise to help Egypt adapt international best practice to its national priorities, supporting the country's efforts to build a more competitive digital economy and create jobs
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