Eng. Raafat Hindi, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, held a meeting with a delegation from the Digital Economy and Technology General Division, headed by Eng. Khalil Hassan Khalil, and attended by Eng. Ahmed El Zaher, CEO of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in supporting startups and SMEs operating in the ICT sector, developing the entrepreneurship ecosystem, advancing the digital economy, and enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian technology companies both locally and internationally.
The meeting reviewed mechanisms for cooperation in implementing digital capacity-building programs across various technology specializations, including artificial intelligence, in addition to supporting women’s empowerment efforts in the ICT sector. These initiatives aim to prepare qualified digital talents capable of meeting the demands of both local and global labor markets.
The discussions also highlighted ongoing cooperation between the Digital Economy and Technology General Division and ITIDA in implementing the Digital Trade and E-Commerce Project in the Middle East and North Africa region. The project aims to raise awareness among traders and manufacturers about digital trade mechanisms, expand the use of virtual platforms, and promote 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 the German Agency for International Cooperation and the International Trade Centre in cooperation with the Digital Economy and Technology General Division.
The meeting also addressed preparations for the ninth annual conference of the Digital Economy and Technology General Division and explored ways to maximize its role in supporting the digital business community and technology companies.
Eng. Raafat Hindi reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with private sector institutions and business organizations operating in the technology sector, praising the important role played by the Digital Economy and Technology General Division as an effective link between technology companies and entities concerned with sector development.
He added that the Ministry’s strategy focuses on creating a supportive environment for innovation and digital investment while providing comprehensive support to startups and SMEs, considering them among the main drivers of digital economy growth.
For his part, Eng. Khalil Hassan Khalil expressed appreciation for the fruitful cooperation with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in supporting digital transformation efforts and developing Egyptian technology companies. He also emphasized the Division’s aspiration to expand cooperation during the coming phase, particularly in training and digital capacity-building initiatives that support the implementation of Egypt’s Digital Strategy.
Meanwhile, Eng. Ahmed El Zaher stressed the continuation of cooperation between ITIDA and the Division in supporting startups and SMEs through training programs and technical support aimed at enhancing their competitiveness, contributing to the growth of the outsourcing industry and increasing Egypt’s digital exports.