In an announcement at the Tech Heritage – IBM Business Partners Forum, Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Amr Talaat, highlighted the rapid advancement of the country’s telecommunications sector, which now forms a more substantial part of Egypt’s GDP than ever before. Over the past six years, the sector’s contribution has escalated from 3.2% to 5.8% for the fiscal year 2023/2024, showcasing a robust growth trajectory.
Talaat underscored the impressive 54% surge in Egypt’s outsourcing exports, further solidified by the arrival of five global companies setting up mobile and tablet manufacturing operations within the nation, contributing over 40% in added value. This development not only enhances Egypt’s industrial landscape but also fortifies its position as a hub for technological manufacturing.
Celebrating IBM’s 70-year presence in Egypt, Talaat proudly announced that the country now boasts the fastest fixed internet speed in Africa, a significant leap from its 40th position just six years prior. This achievement underscores Egypt’s commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure and connectivity.
Additionally, Egypt has made significant strides in digital governance, moving up from category “C” to category “A” on the World Bank’s Government Digital Transformation Readiness Index. The nation is also recognized among the top 12 globally for cybersecurity readiness, reflecting its strategic focus on enhancing digital safety and resilience.
The outsourcing sector has seen substantial growth, with a jump in professionals from 90,000 to more than 140,000 in just two years. This expansion spans various advanced services, including software development, electronic circuit design, and automotive software, broadening the scope beyond traditional call centers established 25 years ago.
In parallel, Egypt’s Government AI Readiness Index witnessed a remarkable climb of 49 places, a testament to its strategic focus on artificial intelligence. The Digital Egypt Innovation Centers initiative, launched in 2019, has expanded from three to a total of 23 centers nationwide, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across all governorates.
In another significant development, Telecom Egypt and Alcatel Submarine Networks have successfully landed the Africa-1 subsea cable system at Ras Ghareb, with a second landing planned at Port Said. This initiative is set to strengthen connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, with the cable extending from Marseille and Bejaia to Karachi, with stops in several strategic locations.
Scheduled to be operational next year, the Africa-1 cable aims to enhance broadband capacities and provide resilient communication routes, particularly along the Red Sea, where disruptions have been frequent. Mohamed Nasr, Telecom Egypt’s Managing Director and CEO, emphasized the project’s role in bolstering high-speed internet access crucial for data-intensive applications such as AI.
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