Category: Technology

Daily News Egypt provides the latest technology headlines, and insights from tech industry leaders. Covering the world of technology from every angle.

  • WE and CIB partner to offer advanced digital financial services in Egypt

    WE and CIB partner to offer advanced digital financial services in Egypt

    WE, the retail brand of Telecom Egypt and country’s leading telecommunications and information technology service provider, has announced a strategic partnership with the Commercial International Bank (CIB), the country’s largest private sector bank. The collaboration aims to deliver an innovative model that expands access to financial services for WE customers across Egypt.

    Under the memorandum of understanding, CIB will develop financial products and services tailored specifically for WE customers, utilising the latest digital models and programmes within a Banking-as-a-Service framework. The partnership will leverage WE’s extensive geographical reach, distribution channels, and services offered to millions of customers, creating added value for both organisations and contributing to financial literacy, the integration of the informal economy, and greater financial inclusion.

    This initiative aligns with Egypt’s digital transformation goals, promoting financial inclusion by integrating banking services within the WE digital ecosystem. The collaboration also reflects CIB’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric banking, ensuring financial services are available anytime, anywhere.

    By combining their efforts, WE and CIB are setting a new standard for cooperation between the banking and telecommunications sectors, paving the way for a more connected and financially inclusive future.

    “We place our customers at the top of our priorities, and through this partnership with CIB, we are taking a new step towards providing integrated digital financial services that facilitate the lives of millions of Egyptians,” said Mohamed Nasr, Managing Director and CEO of Telecom Egypt. “Our extensive geographical reach and advanced digital infrastructure, coupled with our presence in every Egyptian home, enable us to reach our customers with valuable offerings that meet their needs and enhance their experience.”

    Nasr added, “This partnership represents a key pillar in our strategy to promote financial inclusion and contribute to building a more inclusive and sustainable digital economy. We are proud to partner with CIB to provide a seamless banking experience within our ecosystem.”

    Rashwan Hammady, Chief Retail, Commercial Banking and Financial Inclusion Executive at CIB, stated, “We have a deep belief in the importance of leveraging technology, data analysis, and building strategic partnerships to enhance access to financial services in an innovative way. This partnership represents an important step towards a more advanced digital banking future, by combining CIB’s banking expertise and our digital development with WE’s vast infrastructure and unparalleled geographical reach.”

    Hammady added, “We aspire that our cooperation with WE will enable millions of customers to benefit from banking services easily and safely, enhancing our commitment to digital innovation and financial inclusion.”

  • Egypt launches ‘Digital Pioneers’ initiative to train youth, expand tech exports

    Egypt launches ‘Digital Pioneers’ initiative to train youth, expand tech exports

    Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met on Tuesday with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat to review government efforts on the “Digital Pioneers” initiative, a programme designed to equip young people with advanced technology skills, drive digital transformation, and boost Egypt’s digital exports, according to the presidential spokesperson.

    Set to open for applications after Eid Al-Fitr, the initiative will provide training in key fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, programmeming, and digital design. Open to individuals of all ages and educational backgrounds across various governorates, the programme aims to cultivate a highly skilled workforce.

    The Minister of Communications highlighted that training will follow a full-residency model at dedicated facilities, including the Military Academy in Heliopolis. The programme will offer technical and language training, personal development, and collaboration with leading local and global tech firms. Certain tracks will also provide opportunities to earn a master’s degree from prestigious international universities.

    With a target of training 5,000 young professionals annually, the initiative will be funded at approximately EGP 4bn per year, covering accommodation, tuition, and training costs.

    President Al-Sisi emphasized the importance of transparent and merit-based selection criteria to ensure the programme effectively nurtures talent for Egypt’s expanding digital job market.

  • Egypt accelerates government digitalization efforts

    Egypt accelerates government digitalization efforts

    Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly met on Sunday with Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat to assess the progress of key projects led by the ministry.

    During the meeting, Talaat provided an update on Egypt’s digital transformation initiatives, focusing on the expansion of government service digitization through the Digital Egypt platform. He outlined upcoming services set to be launched and their implementation timeline, aligning with the state’s goal of fully transitioning to digital service delivery.

    The minister also highlighted the ministry’s role in automating company registration and licensing processes, as well as ongoing coordination efforts for the rollout of a unified card for government services and digital transactions. Additionally, he emphasized training programs aimed at enhancing the digital and technical skills of service providers.

    Talaat briefed the Prime Minister on his participation in the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, one of the world’s premier telecommunications and ICT industry events. On the sidelines of the congress, he attended a ceremony hosted by Ookla, a global leader in internet speed analysis, where Egypt was recognized as having the fastest fixed internet in Africa in 2024—a testament to the country’s ongoing efforts to develop its digital infrastructure.

    He also engaged in discussions with executives from major global technology firms to attract investment in outsourcing, artificial intelligence, digital capacity-building, and startup support. Additionally, he held meetings with government officials from various countries to explore opportunities for international cooperation in the ICT sector.

     

  • Madbouly oversees Egypt’s digital transformation, focuses on streamlining services

    Madbouly oversees Egypt’s digital transformation, focuses on streamlining services

    Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly convened a meeting Sunday to review the progress made in implementing Egypt’s national digital transformation objectives.

    During the meeting, Madbouly emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering government services electronically to improve citizen access and expedite procedures. He also underscored the importance of automating company establishment and licensing procedures, calling for a detailed plan with specific timelines to achieve full digitisation.

    Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and other officials from relevant ministries and agencies attended the meeting.

    Talaat presented an update on services available through the Egypt Digital platform, noting that services such as traffic violation inquiries are now exclusively offered through the platform. Preparations are underway to launch new, exclusive services on the platform, and efforts are in progress to digitise services currently requiring in-person visits, such as notarisation.

    According to Talaat, these initiatives are being accompanied by efforts to improve digital infrastructure and ensure service continuity, with details of upcoming services to be presented to the Prime Minister soon.

    Madbouly also highlighted the importance of following up on the Ministerial Committee for Social Justice’s decision regarding the Unified Services Card. He stressed the need for its immediate implementation in Port Said, with all necessary technical requirements in place to ensure the system’s success and benefit to citizens.

    Talaat referenced a recent meeting with the Minister of Supply and Internal Trade regarding the Unified Support Services Card, which will be implemented throughout Port Said Governorate in accordance with the decisions of the Ministerial Committee for Social Justice. Cardholders will have access to health insurance, supply subsidies, social protection, and other services that can be managed and monitored via their smartphones, eliminating the need for a physical card.

    The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology reaffirmed its collaboration with the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade to streamline company establishment procedures by improving the efficiency of the existing system and fully automating business processes.

    Officials from the Ministry of Investment and other relevant agencies provided an overview of their coordination efforts to digitise investor services through an electronic platform to facilitate procedures and achieve the government’s objectives.

     

  • Communications Minister engages global tech leaders to boost investment in Egypt’s outsourcing sector

    Communications Minister engages global tech leaders to boost investment in Egypt’s outsourcing sector

    Amr Talaat, Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, continued high-level discussions with global tech companies at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, aiming to attract new investments in Egypt’s outsourcing sector. His meetings also explored expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), digital capacity building, and startup support.

    During the event, Talaat met with Jacqueline Shi, Vice President of Huawei Cloud, alongside key Huawei executives. Talks centered on strengthening collaboration in cloud computing, AI applications, and workforce development. Progress was reviewed on Huawei’s ongoing partnership with Egypt’s National Telecommunication Institute, which provides advanced training for young talent in emerging technologies. The meeting was attended by Li Shi, President of Huawei for North, West, and Central Africa, and Benjamin Hou, CEO of Huawei Egypt, among other executives.

    Communications Minister engages global tech leaders to boost investment in Egypt’s outsourcing sector

    Talaat also visited the Huawei and Ericsson exhibition booths, where he explored the latest innovations in cloud computing, AI, and sustainable 5G advancements. During his visit to Ericsson, he met with Patrick Johansson, Senior Vice President and Head of the Middle East and Africa, to discuss expanding digital capacity building, fostering innovation, and strengthening support for Egyptian startups. The conversation highlighted progress in the ministry’s partnership with Ericsson, particularly the role of the Ericsson Egypt AI Lab at the Digital Egypt Innovation Hub in Sultan Hussein Kamel Palace.

    As part of efforts to position Egypt as a leading global outsourcing destination, Talaat held discussions with senior officials from several multinational companies. He met with Marco Hernanzanz, Executive Vice President of Salesforce for Southern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, to explore the potential establishment of a research and development center in Egypt. Additionally, he invited European tech firm Celfocus to invest in Egypt and consider launching a digital skills academy. In a meeting with GreySkies CEO Ahmed Mokhtar, Talaat discussed the company’s plans to expand in Egypt and enhance its IT services for US-based clients.

  • Egypt’s ICT Minister explores investment, cooperation opportunities with global tech leaders

    Egypt’s ICT Minister explores investment, cooperation opportunities with global tech leaders

    Amr Talaat, Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, held high-level discussions with global technology leaders on the sidelines of the MWC 2025 exhibition and conference in Barcelona, Spain. The meetings explored opportunities for investment, cooperation, and expansion in Egypt’s ICT sector, particularly in digital infrastructure, outsourcing, cybersecurity, and digital capacity building.

    During his meeting with Li Zixue, Chairperson and CEO of ZTE, Minister Talaat reviewed the company’s future plans and strategic collaborations in Egypt. Accompanied by Zhou Bing, ZTE’s CEO in Egypt, Zixue highlighted ZTE’s ongoing telecom infrastructure projects, efforts to localize product manufacturing, and its commitment to training Egyptian talent. The discussions also covered ZTE’s establishment of two training labs at the National Telecommunication Institute, in line with memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed last September, as well as plans to set up an R&D center to support projects across Africa.

    In a separate meeting, Talaat met with Robert Eberg, CEO of Sigma Technology, a global tech consulting firm. Talks focused on Egypt’s competitive advantages in outsourcing, Sigma Technology’s expansion plans in the country, and government incentives under the Digital Egypt strategy aimed at fostering industry growth.

    Talaat also held discussions with Helmut Reisinger, CEO for EMEA and Latin America at Palo Alto Networks, and senior executives from the cybersecurity leader. Their talks centered on cybersecurity cooperation and digital capacity building, with Reisinger praising Egypt’s ICT talent and expertise. He expressed Palo Alto Networks’ interest in expanding operations in Egypt by leveraging local professionals to provide digital services across North Africa.

    These meetings reflect Egypt’s ongoing commitment to attracting global tech investments, strengthening public-private partnerships, and positioning itself as a leading hub for digital services and innovation in the region.

     

  • India, Egypt celebrate 60 years of technical cooperation on ITEC Day

    India, Egypt celebrate 60 years of technical cooperation on ITEC Day

    The Embassy of India in Cairo hosted ITEC Day to mark the 60th anniversary of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme. The event, held on Sunday, brought together Egyptian officials, alumni, and partners to celebrate the programme’s achievements in capacity-building and technical assistance.

    A flagship initiative of the Government of India, ITEC has played a pivotal role in supporting developing country partners through education and training. Each year, it offers 200 fully funded scholarships for Egyptian nationals, providing access to 54 prestigious institutes across India and covering 280 disciplines. These scholarships, financed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, offer training in fields such as Information Technology, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), public administration, election management, entrepreneurship, rural development, medical care, renewable energy, and more. Additionally, specialized training for defence personnel is available at esteemed institutions, including the National Defence College and the Defence Services Staff College.

    During the event, Charge d’Affaires C. Sushma expressed her gratitude for the support received from Egypt’s Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, which has been instrumental in the programme’s success. She reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Egypt’s capacity-building initiatives.

    In a special video message, Minister Rania Al Mashat highlighted the shared values between India and Egypt in advancing South-South cooperation. She acknowledged ITEC’s integral role in the India-Egypt Strategic Partnership, emphasizing that more than 1,500 Egyptians have benefitted from these demand-driven training programmes.

    The celebration also featured testimonials from Egyptian alumni of ITEC, CV Raman Scholarships, and other training initiatives. They shared personal experiences of their time in India, reflecting on how the programme had positively shaped their professional and personal growth.

    ITEC Day continues to serve as a platform for deepening the longstanding friendship between India and Egypt. As both nations work towards a Strategic Partnership, India remains committed to fostering collaboration through knowledge exchange, mutual respect, and a shared vision for sustainable development.

     

  • Egypt ranks among top cybersecurity nations as internet use surges amid rising threats

    Egypt ranks among top cybersecurity nations as internet use surges amid rising threats

    Egypt has solidified its position as a regional leader in digital technology, witnessing a significant rise in internet users and achieving a top cybersecurity rating, even as cyber threats intensify.

    Between 2022 and 2024, Egypt saw an increase of 6.3 million internet users, bringing the total to over 82 million. The country’s cybersecurity efforts have also gained global recognition, with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ranking Egypt among the top 12 nations in its 2023–2024 Global Cybersecurity Index. However, with rapid digitalization comes heightened cyber risks. According to Positive Technologies, Egypt ranks second in Africa for cyberattacks, accounting for 13% of incidents on the continent.

    In 2024 alone, Positive Technologies identified over a hundred listings on dark web forums offering stolen Egyptian databases for sale or free distribution. These compromised databases contained sensitive information belonging to individuals and organizations. Data breaches primarily targeted individuals (40%), followed by e-commerce (22%), and the service and transportation sectors (10% each). One particularly alarming post advertised the sale of personal data of 85 million Egyptian citizens. As a result, cybersecurity and data protection have become top priorities for both businesses and the government.

    Amid these growing concerns, Positive Technologies, a global cybersecurity firm, is set to host an open event for cybersecurity professionals in Cairo on February 26. The event will bring together industry experts, students, and aspiring researchers—both Russian and local—for in-person knowledge-sharing and collaboration.

    Dmitry Serebryannikov, Chief Hacking Officer at Positive Technologies, highlighted the significance of the Cairo meetup, stating, “This event marks a major step in building a global cybersecurity community. Our mission is to share knowledge, collectively enhance security, and combat the rising tide of cyber threats worldwide.”

    Ilya Leonov, Regional Director for MENA at Positive Technologies, emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in Egypt and the broader region. “Last year, we signed cooperation agreements with several Egyptian cybersecurity service providers. We will continue to grow our partner network in the Middle East and Africa, support talent development through joint educational projects, and share our expertise with our colleagues,” he said.

    Positive Technologies launched its global cybersecurity meetup series in 2024, with previous events held in Bengaluru, India, in October, and Hanoi, Vietnam, in November. The upcoming Cairo event underscores Egypt’s growing role in the global cybersecurity landscape and its commitment to strengthening digital security amid escalating threats.

     

  • UAE to Install Over 500 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations by 2025

    UAE to Install Over 500 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations by 2025

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) plans to install more than 500 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations by the end of 2025. Sharif Al Olama, the UAE’s Under-Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, announced the initiative, designed to support clean transport and reduce carbon emissions.

    Al Olama stated that the ministry had already installed more than 100 charging stations across the country in 2024. He highlighted the rapid expansion of the network in response to increasing demand for electric vehicles. This is reported by Emirates News Agency (WAM), a partner of TV BRICS.

    According to Al Olama, the initiative is being implemented through cooperation with the private sector and local governments. The integrated approach aims to provide the reliable infrastructure necessary for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
    Al Olama also said the ministry plans to increase renewable energy capacity to more than 14 gigawatts by 2030. This is part of a broader strategy to develop clean energy sources within the UAE.

  • Egypt hosts AI Readiness Assessment Methodology consultation

    Egypt hosts AI Readiness Assessment Methodology consultation

    The Egyptian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), has launched a consultation on Egypt’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) for artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative evaluates Egypt’s preparedness for adopting AI sustainably and responsibly while supporting national policies and strategies in this vital field.

    The first national consultation sessions for stakeholders have commenced, focusing on four key areas where AI plays a pivotal role: policies and legislation, cultural and social domains, scientific research and infrastructure, and the economic sector. These sessions include participation from diverse stakeholders and experts, including representatives from the public and private sectors, academia, civil society, and young entrepreneurs.

    Egypt’s participation in the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology launched by UNESCO reflects its commitment to deploying AI responsibly across all sectors. This approach aligns with UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, ensuring that all state sectors benefit from AI’s transformative potential while maintaining a balance between accelerating innovation, supporting sustainable development goals, and addressing ethical and technical challenges.
    UNESCO collaborates with the Egyptian government to evaluate and enhance the resilience of laws, policies, and institutions related to AI implementation. This cooperation ensures AI systems align with the values and principles outlined in UNESCO’s AI ethics recommendation.

    Egypt hosts AI Readiness Assessment Methodology consultation

    In his opening speech, Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized Egypt’s prioritization of AI since 2019. He noted that the first version of the National AI Strategy included several key workstreams, such as expanding the pool of trained AI professionals and utilizing AI to address societal challenges. In collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, more than 12 AI-specialized colleges have been established, along with Egypt University of Informatics—the first university in Africa dedicated to communications and information technology. Additionally, various training initiatives have been launched to develop AI skills and prepare a generation capable of leveraging these technologies effectively.

    Talaat highlighted the establishment of the Applied Innovation Center as part of the strategy’s implementation. The center develops projects using advanced technologies across various sectors, particularly in agriculture, healthcare, and language recognition—especially for Arabic in both its classical and Egyptian colloquial forms. The center also focuses on converting spoken text into written form and vice versa, with translation capabilities for multiple languages.

    He emphasized the government’s commitment to pairing AI adoption with ethical considerations, ensuring data neutrality and aligning citizens’ skills with job market demands. In this context, Egypt launched the Responsible AI Charter in 2023. These efforts have contributed to Egypt advancing nearly 50 positions in AI ranking indices between 2020 and 2024.

    Talaat noted Egypt’s active role in regional and international AI forums, leading both the Arab AI Group and the African AI Group within the African Union. Egypt has contributed to developing a unified Arab AI vision and formulating the African Union’s continental AI strategy. Ongoing cooperation with UNESCO in AI-related fields further reinforces these efforts.

    He stated that the second version of the National AI Strategy, launched last January, focuses on six key pillars: expanding computational infrastructure, managing data to balance AI companies’ access to data while protecting privacy, broadening AI training and skill development, increasing AI application deployment, raising societal awareness of AI while supporting startups, and establishing a governance framework. This strategy aims to maximize AI’s potential while mitigating associated risks and challenges.

    Talaat stressed that data is the foundation of AI, highlighting the need to balance data exchange to safeguard citizens’ privacy without restricting AI systems’ ability to innovate. He underscored the necessity of a governance framework that ensures data neutrality, personal data protection, and regulated data exchange.

    The national consultations continue Egypt’s efforts to integrate ethical considerations into AI initiatives. These discussions strengthen dialogue among stakeholders and align with UNESCO’s global frameworks to support national efforts in achieving responsible and inclusive AI deployment.

    In January, Egypt launched the second edition of its National AI Strategy (2025–2030) to establish a comprehensive AI framework that accelerates the realization of the “Digital Egypt” vision. This strategy fosters development across various sectors, deepens regional and international cooperation, and positions Egypt as a leading AI hub in Africa and the Arab region. The initiative aligns with Egypt’s broader development goals, focusing on governance, technology, data infrastructure, and talent development for long-term sustainability and global competitiveness.

    Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO, stated: “This event represents a cornerstone of our work. We must ensure that legal frameworks are in place and policy structures are built to mitigate negative impacts while guiding AI system development and deployment in alignment with national priorities and global challenges.”

    Nuria Sanz, Regional Director of UNESCO’s Cairo Office, said: “Today’s consultations mark the first step in preparing for close collaboration between Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and UNESCO’s Cairo Office. This effort is fully aligned with the second phase of the AI Strategy launched last January, with ethics at the heart of discussions for the benefit of humanity.”

    The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology plays a crucial role in shaping Egypt’s AI landscape. Through its leadership in these consultations, the ministry reaffirms its commitment to developing governance frameworks that implement ethical guidelines practically. This approach fosters a responsible and sustainable AI innovation environment, contributing to economic and social development while maximizing AI’s benefits.