ITIDA CEO: AI to Drive Next Phase of Digital Services as Coca-Cola HBC Launches Digital Hub in Cairo
Eng. Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), emphasized that the upcoming phase of the digital services industry will be driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications. This transition will reshape business models and elevate the competitiveness of countries capable of delivering high-value digital services.
These remarks were made during his participation, on behalf of Eng. Raafat Hindi, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, in the inauguration of the Coca-Cola HBC Digital Hub in Cairo. The event was attended by Dr. Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Finance; Dr. Mohamed Farid, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade; Zoran Bogdanovic, CEO of Coca-Cola HBC; alongside company executives and several senior officials.
The Coca-Cola HBC Digital Hub in Egypt represents one of the company's most prominent long-term strategic investments in the Egyptian market. Established as an advanced global center for providing digital services and solutions, it supports the company's operations across 27 countries in Europe and Africa. This move reflects growing confidence in Egypt's capabilities as a global destination for exporting digital services and the outsourcing industry.
El-Zaher pointed out that Egypt's outsourcing sector is witnessing rapid growth, driven by the "Digital Egypt" strategy launched in 2022, which resulted in agreements with numerous global and local companies. He noted that agreements were signed with 55 companies during 2025 to create over 75,000 jobs within three years, with Coca-Cola Hellenic being among these key partners.
Eng. El-Zaher stated that the inauguration of this hub marks a significant milestone in the partnership between the government and multinational companies. It reflects the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology's approach to supporting investment, developing talent, and boosting the growth of digital service exports.
He added that the opening is the culmination of cooperation that began in late 2024. ITIDA played a pivotal role through continuous communication with the company, highlighting Egypt's competitive advantages and its strong reputation as a leading hub for outsourcing. This actively supported the company's decision to establish its advanced hub in Egypt to serve global markets.
El-Zaher noted that the company had previously signed a cooperation agreement with ITIDA during the Global Outsourcing Summit, aiming to support its expansion plans in Egypt, enhance its digital service export capabilities, and develop specialized skills. He emphasized that the hub's opening is a natural extension of this partnership and a testament to the success of the company's expansion strategy in Egypt, reinforcing multinational companies' trust in the local business environment.
The hub currently employs around 250 specialists in IT and digital services, with plans to expand to 450 professionals by 2027. It is expected to contribute approximately $34 million annually to Egypt's digital service exports, thereby bolstering the outsourcing sector's growth and its role in supporting the national economy.
The center offers a comprehensive suite of advanced digital services, including AI, software engineering, quality assurance, and user experience (UX) design, alongside developing and operating innovative digital solutions that support the company's global operations.
ITIDA's CEO pointed out that the collaboration with Coca-Cola HBC goes beyond merely increasing the number of specialists; it extends to preparing qualified cadres for the AI era by upgrading training programs to keep pace with rapid technological transformations. It also involves nurturing local talent through knowledge transfer, enhancing the readiness of Egyptian professionals to compete in global markets.
El-Zaher concluded that the hub's inauguration represents a crucial step in the Ministry's efforts to cement Egypt's position as a global center for the outsourcing industry. He noted that it exemplifies the success of the partnership model with global entities in attracting knowledge-based investments and providing high-value job opportunities.
