Egypt is on a path to become a global leader in outsourcing and technology innovation, according to Ahmed Elzaher, CEO of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA). During his visit with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s booth at Cairo ICT 2024, Elzaher highlighted several initiatives designed to foster industry growth, cultivate tech talent, and boost Egypt’s global competitiveness.
Cairo ICT 2024, running from November 17 to 20, is the 28th edition of the event, showcasing key advancements in 5G technology, AI-powered solutions, blockchain, and satellite communication. Elzaher emphasized the rapid growth of Egypt’s outsourcing sector and its emerging tech startup ecosystem.
He reported that Egypt’s digital exports grew from $4.9 billion in 2022 to $6.2 billion in 2023, marking a significant 26.5 percent increase. Egypt’s outsourcing exports alone rose to $3.7 billion in 2023, up from $2.4 billion the previous year. Elzaher attributed this growth to Egypt’s skilled, multilingual, and cost-effective workforce, which is highly competitive on the global outsourcing market.
In related news, Egypt is targeting $9 billion in outsourcing sector exports by 2026, according to a report by the Information and Decision Support Centre (IDSC). “Our commitment is to create an ecosystem that not only attracts investment but also fosters innovation and job creation,” said Elzaher.
ITIDA’s Support for Startups and Entrepreneurs
Elzaher also outlined ITIDA’s initiatives to support startups and entrepreneurs across Egypt. These efforts range from engaging students and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset to providing resources for product development and business scaling. ITIDA has partnered with global companies like 500 Global and Plug and Play to help nurture local entrepreneurs.
Additionally, ITIDA provides valuable networking opportunities, assists in international forums, and facilitates regulatory processes to support business creation and expansion. These efforts are crucial for enhancing Egypt’s reputation as a startup hub on the global stage.
Key Highlights from Cairo ICT 2024
During Cairo ICT 2024, ITIDA showcased key initiatives aimed at ICT growth. On the first day, the Software Engineering Competence Centre (SECC) highlighted Egypt’s advancements in generative AI and software engineering. On the second day, ITIDA focused on programs like the “Export IT” initiative, the ITAC program promoting industry-academia collaboration, and the “Egypt Makes Electronics” (EME) initiative, aimed at advancing Egypt’s electronics sector as a vital economic driver.
On November 19, ITIDA spotlighted its expansion of digital signature services, designed to improve business operations and enhance digital services for citizens and government transactions. The final day of the exhibition will feature ITIDA’s support for startups, including the Start IT incubator program and other initiatives from the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (TIEC).
These efforts underscore Egypt’s broader strategy to position itself as a global leader in outsourcing, technology innovation, and digital transformation.
