In a vibrant celebration of progress and possibility, Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Dr. Amr Talaat, launched the fifth annual Qodwa.Tech summit, themed “The Future of Women’s Empowerment in the Age of Digital Transformation 2025.”
Held in Cairo, this landmark event showcased how the Qodwa.Tech initiative is reshaping the lives of Egyptian women by equipping them with cutting-edge digital skills, fostering economic independence, and building a more inclusive future.A Nationwide Movement for Digital Inclusion.
Since its inception six years ago as a cornerstone of Egypt’s Digital Strategy, Qodwa.Tech has empowered over 30,000 women across diverse governorates with essential digital competencies. From rural villages to urban centers, the initiative has trained women in skills ranging from digital marketing to artificial intelligence (AI) applications. A network of 55 “knowledge leaders”—women who have excelled in the program—has amplified this impact, mentoring more than 16,000 peers in their communities.
This ripple effect has created a self-sustaining ecosystem of learning and leadership.“Women are the heartbeat of Egyptian society,” Dr. Talaat declared at the summit. “Their mastery of digital tools is not just a pathway to personal success but a catalyst for national progress.” By providing tailored training and fostering digital literacy, Qodwa.Tech enables women to launch businesses, market their crafts, and take on leadership roles in their communities.
Honoring Trailblazers, Envisioning the Future
The summit featured a heartfelt awards ceremony, celebrating the contributions of community leaders, digital experts, and international partners who have fueled Qodwa.Tech’s success. Among the honorees were women like Fatma, a weaver from Aswan, who transformed her small handicraft business into a thriving online store after mastering digital marketing through the program. Her story, echoed by many others, underscores the initiative’s transformative power.Dr. Talaat reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to scaling Qodwa.Tech’s reach through deeper collaborations with local and global stakeholders. The event, held on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, aligned with the global theme of “Gender Equality in Digital Transformation,” spotlighting Egypt’s role as a leader in inclusive digital growth.Global Partnerships Fueling Local ImpactThe summit drew influential voices, including Gammar Deeb, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Egypt. Deeb praised Qodwa.Tech for its alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in advancing gender equality and economic inclusion. “By integrating women into the digital economy, Qodwa.Tech is not only changing lives but also setting a global standard for community-driven innovation,” she said.These partnerships have been instrumental in tailoring the program to meet diverse needs, ensuring that women from all backgrounds—urban and rural, abled and disabled—can access opportunities to thrive in the digital age.
The Next Frontier: AI, Accessibility, and Ambition
Looking ahead, Qodwa.Tech is poised to expand its horizons. The Ministry plans to introduce advanced training in AI, data analytics, and digital content creation, with a special focus on women with disabilities and graduates of technical education programs. By forging stronger ties with the private sector, the initiative aims to secure sustainable funding and create job pipelines for its graduates.A poignant moment at the summit was the screening of a documentary featuring Qodwa.Tech beneficiaries. From a single mother in Minya who launched an e-commerce platform to a group of women in Luxor digitizing their cooperative bakery, these stories illuminated the profound social and economic impact of digital literacy. They also highlighted the critical role of community mentors, who bridge gaps and inspire others to embrace technology.
Blueprint for a Digitally Inclusive Future
Qodwa.Tech is more than a training program—it’s a movement. By democratizing access to digital skills, it empowers Egyptian women to shape their futures and drive community progress. As Egypt advances toward a fully inclusive digital society, Qodwa.Tech stands as a beacon of innovation, resilience, and solidarity, proving that when women are empowered, entire nations rise.
