IBM’s Marwa Abbas Highlights Commitment to Bridging Egypt’s AI Skills Gap through National Partnership with MCIT
Marwa Abbas, General Manager and Technology Leader for North East Africa at IBM, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to empowering Egypt’s digital transformation through responsible AI adoption and large-scale skills development initiatives. Her remarks were made during the US-Egypt Policy Leaders Forum 2025, held under the theme “Accelerating Egypt's Digital Transformation through AI for Economic Growth.”
Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, Abbas emphasized the importance of the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IBM and Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). The agreement aims to train 100,000 individuals over five years in artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity through the IBM SkillsBuild platform—a free, globally recognized digital learning tool offering career development, mentorship, and certified learning paths.
> “This MoU reflects IBM’s commitment to supporting Egypt’s digital transformation agenda,” Abbas said. “Through SkillsBuild, we are working to bridge the digital skills gap, empower youth, and promote ethical AI practices. Our collaboration with MCIT aims to build a sustainable and inclusive digital future, grounded in national talent and innovation.”
The MoU was signed by Vice Minister for Infrastructure and Digital Transformation Raafat Hindy and Marwa Abbas, in the presence of IBM Middle East and Africa General Manager Saad Toma and ICT Minister Amr Talaat.
As part of the agreement, IBM will also provide access to quantum computing courses and collaborate with MCIT to identify and train promising students, developers, government employees, and professionals across sectors. The partnership will include active participation in national AI events and the promotion of Egypt’s Charter for Responsible AI, ensuring the ethical application of emerging technologies.
The initiative forms a cornerstone of broader efforts to develop Egypt’s AI ecosystem, alongside public-private collaborations aimed at accelerating AI adoption in priority sectors, supporting startups, and building a digitally skilled workforce.