Egypt’s ICT Ministry Expands Partnership with Digital Economy Division to Accelerate Startup Growth and Advance Digital Trade Ecosystem
Eng. Raafat Hindi, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, held a high-level meeting with representatives of the Digital Economy and Technology General Division, headed by Eng. Khalil Hassan Khalil, Chairman of the Division, alongside Eng. Ahmed Elzaher, CEO of Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), to discuss expanding cooperation aimed at supporting startups and SMEs operating in Egypt’s ICT sector, strengthening entrepreneurship ecosystems, advancing the digital economy, and enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian technology companies both locally and internationally.
The meeting focused on mechanisms for implementing joint programs targeting digital capacity building across advanced technology fields, including artificial intelligence, while also supporting women’s empowerment initiatives within the ICT sector to help prepare a highly skilled digital workforce aligned with evolving local and global labor market demands.
Discussions also covered ongoing cooperation between the Digital Economy and Technology General Division and ITIDA within the framework of the Digital Trade and E-Commerce Project in the Middle East and North Africa region. The initiative aims to raise awareness among merchants and manufacturers about digital trade mechanisms, encourage wider adoption of virtual platforms, and strengthen regional electronic trade exchange.
The project is funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, and is implemented by German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the International Trade Centre in cooperation with the Digital Economy and Technology General Division.
The meeting also reviewed preparations for the ninth annual conference of the Digital Economy and Technology General Division and explored ways to maximize its role in supporting Egypt’s digital business community and technology companies.
During the meeting, Eng. Raafat Hindi emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with private-sector institutions and business organizations operating in the technology sector, praising the role played by the Digital Economy and Technology General Division as an effective bridge between technology companies and entities supporting sector development.
He added that the Ministry’s strategy is centered on building a supportive environment for innovation and digital investment while providing startups and SMEs with the necessary support mechanisms, describing them as key drivers of Egypt’s digital economy growth.
For his part, Eng. Khalil Hassan Khalil expressed appreciation for the ongoing cooperation with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in supporting digital transformation efforts and developing Egyptian technology companies. He stressed the Division’s aspiration to expand collaboration during the coming period, particularly in digital training and capacity-building initiatives supporting Egypt’s Digital Egypt strategy.
Meanwhile, Eng. Ahmed Elzaher reaffirmed ITIDA’s continued cooperation with the Division to support startups and SMEs through specialized training programs and technical support aimed at improving operational efficiency and strengthening competitiveness, contributing to the growth of Egypt’s outsourcing industry and digital exports.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and representatives of the Digital Economy and Technology General Division, including Eng. Mohamed Salem, Vice Chairman of the Division, Dr. Walid Eid, and Eng. Naglaa Akl, members of the Division’s board of directors.
