The Cairo ICT 2024 conference, held from November 17-20 under the theme “The Next Wave,” concluded successfully, spotlighting the forefront of technological advancements including AI in data centers, cybersecurity, blockchain, smart cities, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The event was a vibrant hub for showcasing major digital transformation projects like the Digital Egypt platform, which now boasts over 8 million users.
During the conference, Egypt’s commitment to digital growth was evident as the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Amr Talaat, revealed that Egypt is now a net exporter of digital services, supported by a robust workforce of 145,000 specialists. These professionals are making significant contributions in high-value areas such as electronic circuit design and integrated automotive systems. To further boost innovation, the government plans to open nine more innovation centers nationwide, adding to the existing 23 across 19 governorates.
The event also focused on the significant role stakeholders play in the fintech sector. Entities like startups, payment service providers, and banks are pivotal in advancing Egypt’s fintech ecosystem. Ibrahim Sarhan, CEO of eFinance, emphasized the company’s key role in automating Egypt’s EGP 1.5 trillion public budget and expanding their services to data centers and cloud computing, aiming to grow in Africa and the Arab world.
Another highlight was the discussion on Egypt’s burgeoning outsourcing sector. Ahmed El Zaher, CEO of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), noted a substantial increase in outsourcing exports from USD 2.4 billion to USD 3.7 billion over the past year, attributing this growth to Egypt’s competitive workforce which is skilled, multilingual, and cost-effective.
The conference was not just about digital technology. It also marked significant strides towards sustainability, with the unveiling of Egypt’s National Low-Carbon Hydrogen Strategy. This strategy is part of a broader initiative to transition to a green economy and tackle global climate change challenges. Additionally, Huawei introduced its “Power-M Digital Power” solution, which integrates power generation, energy storage, and automatic switchover to enhance energy efficiency and support sustainable development.
Cairo ICT 2024 underscored Egypt’s potential as a significant player in the global digital economy. The discussions and showcases emphasized the country’s strategic investments in digital infrastructure, fintech, and green energy solutions, setting the stage for continued growth in the ICT sector. As Egypt advances towards a digital-first and environmentally sustainable future, collaboration among government, industry, and innovation sectors will be crucial for harnessing the next wave of technological evolution.
