Amr Mahfouz, CEO of Egypt’s Information Technology Industry Development Authority (ITIDA), has revealed that EGP 300m has been awarded to implement the second phase of the Egyptian Digital Creativity Centers project.
He added that the authority has begun to develop a comprehensive strategy, in cooperation with an international company, to maximise the benefit from the startups sector.
It aims to develop an integrated system for technological innovation, improve the entrepreneurial environment in Egypt, and attract more capital risk funds.
The remarks came during a speech Mahfouz delivered via video conference on behalf of Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat.
It came during the launch events of the “Digital Community Hackathon”, organised by Vodafone for Smart Solutions (VOIS). The launch took place under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, ITIDA, the Information Technology Institute (ITI), and the National Telecommunications Institute (NTI).
It aims to encourage young programmers to utilise their skills and share their experiences in technology to create innovative solutions for societal challenges.
Mahfouz stressed that the successes of international companies, such as VOIS, in Egypt are clear evidence of the existence of a proper climate to attract global investments.
It also reflects the confidence of international companies in the skills of Egyptian youth and the abundance of professionals in the country who boast a high degree of professionalism in the fields of high-value information technology services.
Mahfouz pointed out that the authority provides unprecedented support of the human element in Egypt, and the development of skills and capabilities through training programmes.
This happens in partnership with major international companies and prestigious universities, such as the Future Technology Pioneers and Our Digital Future initiatives.
These aim to develop self-employment skills and qualify participants for future jobs. The programme trains 100,000 young men and women in the fields of information technology (IT), including web software, data science and e-marketing. As a result, it contributes to the creation of non-traditional job opportunities for Egyptian youth.
Mahfouz highlighted the efforts made by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to support the entrepreneurial system in Egypt.
Efforts are made to spread the Egyptian Digital Creativity Centers in the governorates under the name “Creativa”. They provide technical training for young people in communications and information technology, and implement programmes to foster technological innovation.
They also encourage university students and entrepreneurs to establish their pioneering businesses in the field of information and communication technology ICT).
Mahfouz noted that the first phase was implemented in five governorates, with investments estimated at EGP 300m. The same value of investments has been allocated for the second phase.
He noted that the ministry has already started providing several activities at the centres to help entrepreneurs and people with innovative ideas in ICT. This is in addition to providing mechanisms and solutions for the challenges they face, and to increase the chances of turning successful ideas into successful businesses and startups.
