ICT Minister, World Bank Officials Discuss Strengthening Partnership in Digital Transformation, AI
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Raafat Hendy has received Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank Group (WBG) Paschal Donohoe and his accompanying delegation. They discussed strengthening cooperation between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the World Bank Group in digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI).
The meeting reviewed Egypt's progress in digital transformation, AI, and digital capacity building. Discussions also focused on priorities for future cooperation to support the implementation of strategic projects in the digital economy and AI.
During the meeting, the ICT Minister underlined MCIT's commitment to building on its long-standing partnership with WBG, outlining a clear vision for deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, in support of the government's efforts to advance digital transformation and leverage cutting-edge technologies, particularly AI.
Hendy noted that the Ministry is pursuing a comprehensive vision to build an integrated digital economy. This includes accelerating digital transformation, expanding digital infrastructure, and strengthening digital capabilities and innovation, alongside efforts to attract ICT investments and scale the adoption of advanced technologies across state sectors.
He also mentioned a meeting held with WBG officials last week on the sidelines of the WSIS Forum 2026 in Geneva, held under Egypt’s chairmanship. The two sides agreed to maintain close cooperation and coordination going forward.
For his part, Donohoe underscored that Egypt has laid solid foundations for digital transformation, noting that as global competition in the digital economy intensifies, knowledge has become just as critical as financing. He also stressed that sharing practical solutions and expertise in data governance, digital regulation, and institutional capacity building helps accelerate investment and innovation.
Donohoe also underlined the World Bank's commitment to drawing on its extensive knowledge base to help Egypt adapt global expertise and solutions to its national priorities, building a more competitive digital economy that creates jobs and unlocks broader opportunities for growth and prosperity.
The meeting outlined MCIT's flagship projects aimed at driving digital transformation, strengthening digital public infrastructure, expanding access to high-speed Internet, and upgrading telecom services across villages targeted by the presidential Decent Life initiative.
Discussions also highlighted the Ministry's efforts to advance AI adoption, including the launch of the second National AI Strategy, expanding AI applications across the state's administrative apparatus, building employees' capacities to effectively use AI technologies, and showcasing AI solutions developed by the Applied Innovation Center (AIC).
The meeting also addressed the Ministry's efforts to promote public-private partnerships, reinforce digital sovereignty, encourage investment in data centers, develop the legislative and regulatory framework for data governance, and enhance children's online safety.
The meeting was attended by CEO of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) Ahmed Elzaher, Assistant ICT Minister for Digital Transformation Mahmoud Badawi, Advisor to the ICT Minister for Technology Talent Development Hoda Baraka, Head of the Central Department of International Relations at MCIT Samah Aziz, and Vice President of ITIDA for ICT Markets Development Mahmoud Sofrata.
Attendees also included Country Director for Egypt, Djibouti, and Yemen at WBG Stephane Guimbert, Division Director for North Africa and the Horn of Africa at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Ary Naim, Practice Manager (Digital, MENAAP) at WBG Sylvia Solf, and Senior Digital Development Specialist at WBG's Digital Development Global Practice Zaki Khoury, alongside MCIT officials and WBG representatives and experts.
As part of the visit, the WBG delegation toured Valeo's AI Development Center in Smart Village.
