ICT Minister Meets Defense Attaché Nominees, Highlights Cybersecurity and Digital Competitiveness as National Security Priorities
Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, met with Egyptian Armed Forces officers nominated to serve as defense attachés at Egyptian embassies abroad, as part of the “Diplomatic Military Representation Qualification Program” held at the Institute of Intelligence and Security Sciences. The meeting was attended by Major General Mohamed Salah El-Din Qotb, Head of the Military Attachés Authority.
During the meeting, Talaat stressed that the global communications and information technology sector has become a key arena of competition among nations, particularly amid rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and semiconductor technologies, alongside the growing threat of cyberattacks that directly impact national security. He noted that the ICT sector has moved beyond its traditional service role to become a productive, service-based strategic pillar for states.
The minister reaffirmed that the Digital Egypt Strategy, launched in 2018, aims to maximize the role of the ICT sector as a primary driver of economic growth by creating jobs in a knowledge- and technology-based economy, boosting digital exports, digitizing government services, and fostering entrepreneurship and digital innovation. He explained that the strategy is underpinned by robust digital infrastructure and a balanced legislative framework that protects citizens’ data while encouraging innovation and creativity.
Talaat highlighted Egypt’s strategic position in global data traffic, noting that 21 international subsea cables currently pass through Egypt, carrying around 90% of data traffic between Asia and Europe. More than 60 countries benefit from Egypt’s international connectivity network. He emphasized Egypt’s commitment to delivering competitive services and strengthening its capabilities in international subsea cables, given its central role in global data flows.
The minister reviewed national efforts to build digital capabilities through specialized education, presenting a new vision for technical education in Egypt. This includes the establishment of WE Applied Technology Schools, with 27 schools currently operating, one in each governorate, offering specialized technical education in ICT fields. He also highlighted the establishment of Egypt University of Informatics, the first university of its kind in Africa dedicated to ICT disciplines. The university has formed partnerships with leading international universities, witnessed a 13-fold increase in applicants, celebrated the graduation of its first cohort this year, and is set to receive its second expansion phase next year.
Talaat also addressed the ministry’s digital skills initiatives and training programs, which target a wide range of ICT specializations to meet trainees’ aspirations and equip them for the labor market. He noted the launch of tailored training programs for specific professional groups, including media professionals, judges, and journalists, focusing on the use of artificial intelligence. The ministry aims to train 800,000 trainees during the current year, with a target of reaching one million trainees by 2030. He added that 24 Digital Egypt Innovation Centers have been established across Egypt’s governorates.
The minister underlined Egypt’s growing position on the global outsourcing map, citing more than 270 outsourcing centers currently operating in the country and delivering digital services worldwide. Over the past three years, more than 60,000 jobs have been created in the outsourcing sector, with recent agreements signed with 55 companies expected to generate an additional 75,000 job opportunities. He added that digital exports reached USD 7.4 billion in 2025, with a target of increasing them to USD 9 billion.
On electronics manufacturing, Talaat noted that Egypt has successfully attracted 15 global mobile phone brands to manufacture locally. During 2025, Egypt produced 10 million mobile devices with a local value-added component of 40%. The plan for next year targets the production of 15 million devices and the launch of exports to international markets.
Talaat also highlighted efforts to expand digital services offered to citizens through the Digital Egypt Platform, which currently provides 210 services to more than 10 million registered users. He pointed to the digitization of traffic violation payment systems, financial clearance verification, and the launch of the first phase of services for Egyptians abroad via the platform.
Looking ahead, the minister said the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is working to complete the nationwide rollout of fiber-optic cables, enhance service quality, and improve indoor mobile coverage following the launch of 5G services, reinforcing Egypt’s digital readiness and competitiveness at both regional and global levels.