Amr Talaat, IBM's Egypt country manager, has been appointed as the new Minister of Communications and Information Technology, replacing Yasser ElKady who has occupied the position since September 19, 2015.

Talaat's appointment formed part of a ministerial reshuffle after the country's new Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly took office on 14 June 2018.

The IBM executive, a computer scientist, has 30 years of experience in telecoms and ICT. He has confirmed the technology rollout priorities of the new administration.

"Particular attention will be given to the development of a solid digital infrastructure," he said.

According to Talaat, he will manage official partnerships with the private sector to implement automation processes in line with the Egypt's digital transformation plan.

"We are also focusing on the promotion of technological innovation and entrepreneurship among young people, through human capacity building. Also, support for entrepreneurship through various incentives and facilities."

The Minister wants to encourage foreign investment in ICT and increase digital exports.

"It is about strengthening the regional role of Egypt in ICT. Egypt wants to be a provider of expertise and technological support to African countries with which it has strategic relations.'