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Egypt is rapidly positioning itself as a leading force in the startup ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, ranking among the top three countries for entrepreneurship in the region, according to Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology. Speaking at the opening of Cairo ICT 2024, Talaat outlined the country’s remarkable strides in digital transformation and tech entrepreneurship.
Cairo ICT 2024 marks the 28th edition of the event and runs from November 17 to 20, under the auspices of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. The event serves as a platform for showcasing the latest in digital innovation and fostering collaboration between government, industry, and entrepreneurs.
Talaat’s speech highlighted Egypt’s growing prominence as a regional startup hub. The country has become a beacon for tech-driven entrepreneurship, with the government supporting the launch of over 600 startups in recent years. Furthermore, Egypt has established 23 Digital Egypt Innovation Hubs across 19 governorates, with plans to expand to 32 hubs nationwide. These initiatives are designed to empower entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved regions, by providing access to resources, mentorship, and funding.
The Minister underscored that Egypt’s startup ecosystem is part of a broader strategy to foster digital talent and innovation. Between 2018 and 2024, the budget for digital capacity-building programs surged by 2400%, which facilitated a dramatic rise in the number of trainees. Today, nearly 400,000 people are benefiting from digital skills training, with half of them being women—a significant leap in gender inclusivity in tech.
Egypt’s digital economy has become a powerhouse in the MENA region, with the ICT sector growing by over 16% annually for five consecutive years, making it the fastest-growing sector in the country. In 2023, the ICT sector contributed 5.8% to Egypt’s GDP, a significant increase from just 3.2% in 2014. Talaat pointed out that this growth is largely driven by strategic investments in infrastructure, innovation, and education.
The government’s focus on digital transformation has also led to tangible improvements in Egypt’s technological standing. Talaat noted that Egypt now leads Africa in internet speed, with an average of 76.4 Mbps, and has made substantial gains in global digital rankings, including advancing 49 places in the AI Government Readiness Index. From 111th place in 2019, Egypt now ranks 62nd globally, signaling its growing capacity to leverage artificial intelligence in governance and public services.
Another key highlight of Egypt’s digital strategy is its burgeoning outsourcing sector, which now employs over 145,000 people at 195 centers, serving 175 companies worldwide. Talaat emphasized that Egypt is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for global companies seeking outsourcing solutions, thanks to its competitive cost structures, highly skilled workforce, and growing digital infrastructure.
Cairo ICT 2024, themed “The Next Wave”, is a testament to Egypt’s forward-thinking approach to technology and innovation. The event features groundbreaking advancements in areas such as 5G,artificial intelligence, blockchain, and satellite communications, providing a dynamic platform for sharing knowledge and fostering partnerships.
The exhibition is split into two major halls, with one dedicated to government-led initiatives. Talaat showcased several high-impact projects, including the Digital Egypt Platform which provides critical services to over8 million citizens.
In addition to government-driven projects, the private sector has also played a critical role in driving Egypt’s digital transformation. The second exhibition hall focuses on private sector contributions, including the rollout of 5G networks supported by a $675 million investment in spectrum licenses. Other key innovations showcased include advancements in mobile services, cloud computing, and data centers.
Talaat’s remarks underscored that Egypt’s digital transformation is not just about technology but also about creating opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and education. Initiatives like Digital Egypt Buds (for school students) and Digital Egypt Builders (for graduates) aim to cultivate a new generation of digital professionals. The Ministry has also introduced specialized programs for freelancers and professionals, with a focus on upskilling the workforce to meet the demands of the digital economy.
Moreover, the government has shown a strong commitment to digital inclusion, offering training for people with disabilities and ensuring that marginalized communities are not left behind in the digital revolution.
With a clear focus on digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusion, Egypt is rapidly emerging as a regional leader in the digital economy. Cairo ICT 2024 offers a glimpse into the country’s ambitious vision for the future—one that leverages technology to drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance quality of life for millions of Egyptians.
As the digital revolution unfolds in Egypt, the country’s continued investment in digital infrastructure, education, and entrepreneurship will likely cement its position as a hub for technology, innovation, and business in the MENA region. Egypt’s trajectory signals a bright future for the region, with the potential to reshape the global tech landscape in the years to come.
