Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk Inaugurates Upgraded Government Electronic Certification Authority (ECA) Data Center
Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk confirmed that the government is actively accelerating the state’s digital transformation roadmap. This drive aims to streamline procedures for citizens and investors across multiple sectors while ensuring maximum security and protection for electronic government transactions in accordance with the latest global standards.
Speaking at the inauguration of the upgraded data center at the Government Electronic Certification Authority (ECA), the Minister highlighted an integrated suite of security services designed for automated state systems. These services aim to integrate digital signatures with government digital applications and secure cross-agency data exchange. Kouchouk explained that alternative electronic stamps have been introduced to replace traditional physical seals for government entities operating on digital platforms.
"We are studying the establishment of regional issuance centers for electronic stamps and digital signatures across various governorates to support administrative state employees and curb operational expenditures," Kouchouk stated, noting that the ministry also targets launching a backup government digital signature center to maintain business continuity during crises.
For his part, Major General Mohamed Al-Badri, Head of the Government Electronic Certification Authority at the Ministry of Finance, emphasized that the data center’s upgrade involved renewing system hardware and software components. This ensures the continuous, highly secure delivery of services related to critical state infrastructures. Al-Badri noted that these services support several vital state platforms, including:
Nafeza: Egypt’s National Single Window for Foreign Trade Facilitation.
The Electronic Payment and Collection System.
The Law Enforcement System across prosecution offices and selected courts.
The New Administrative Capital (NAC) digital network.
Al-Badri clarified that the ECA is the sole entity authorized to issue digital signature certificates for government employees, operating under a license from the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), the regulatory body overseeing digital signatures in Egypt.
He added that the authority provides diverse services to ministries and government bodies, including the issuance of digital signatures, e-stamps, and cryptographic time-stamps for state applications, alongside training personnel and offering technical consultations. Furthermore, the ECA secures and authenticates the digital application managing Cabinet sessions, automated salary transfers for public sector employees, and government e-checks processed via the Unified Treasury Account (UTA) at the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE).
